ICT: Definition, Types and its role in developing 21st Century Skills
WHAT IS ICT?
Basically, the term ICT simply means that technology has something to do with communication and information.
Information and communication technology (ICT) is an overarching term encompassing all of the service and technologies involved with the internet, telecommunications provisions, computing, and data management in the current day and age of technological advancement and the heavy reliance of individuals across the globeon technology infrastructure. ICT essentially permeates almost all aspects of daily life by continually providing newer, faster, and better ways for people to access information, network, interact with one another, seek help, and learn (Mahan, 2022).
In short, ICT is a wide selection of diverse resources and technological tools that people can use to create, share, store, transmit, or exchange different types of information. Some of these critical technological tools include;
•Computers, phones, and tablets
•The internet (including websites, special media networks, emails, and blogs) and may more.
In business, ICT is often categorised into two broad types of product:
1.Traditional computer based technologies (things you can typically do on a personal computer or using computers at home or at work)
2. Digital communication technologies (which allow people and organizations to communicate and share information digitally)
Let's take a brief look at these two categories to demonstrate the kinds of products and ideas that are covered by ICT:
Traditional computer based technologies
Word processing -eg MS Word to write letters, reports etc
Spreadsheets: eg MS Excel to analyse financials, calculations, create forecasting models etc
Database software: eg Oracle/MS SQL Server/Access to manage date in many forms from basic lists (eg customer contacts to catalogues)
Presentation software: eg MS Powerpoint to make presentations
Desktop publishing: eg Adobe Indesign/Quark Express/MS Publisher to produce newsletters, magazines and other complex documents
Graphics software: eg Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create and edit images such as logos, drawing or pictures for use in DTP, websites or other publications.
Specialist Applications
Accounting package: eg Sage/Oracle to manage an organizations accounts
Computer Aided Design (CAD): to assist the design process. Specialist programmes exist for many times of design such as architectural, engineering, electronics and roadways
Customer Relations Management (CRM): to allow businesses to better understand their customers by collecting and analysing data such as their product preferences and buying habits etc. Often linked to software applications that run call centres and loyalty cards, for example
Digital communication technologies
Digital Communication Technologies (DCT's) are digital tools that allow two or more people to communicate with one another. These can be written, verbal, visual or audible communication.
Electronic mail, known as email, is the sending and receiving of messages electronically over the Internet.
Short Message Service (SMS)
The term short message service is often referred to as texting. Texting is most commonly used for short messages. However with the use of software SMS can now be used from PC to Cellphone, Iphone etc. SMS is a hardware technology that is used on a cellphone however can be a software technology if used via a PC.
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
The term multimedia message service is often referred to as pxting. This is where a text message is accompanied with an image, small video file or sound bite.
This is a newer technology and older cellphones may not be able to support MMS. MMS is also a hardware technology.
Websites
The web has been around for some time now and many businesses have incorporated a website as part of their operations. A website is another way that an organisation can communicate with their customers or potential customers.
In today's digital world, communication is more important than ever before. There are many benefits of digital communication, including the ability to reach a large audience with minimal effort, the ability to communicate more effectively and efficiently, and the ability to connect with people from all over the world.
The overall goal of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum is a “holistically developed Filipino with 21st century skills”.
Hence, after going through Kindergarten, the enhanced Elementary and Junior High curriculum, and a specialized Senior High program, every K to 12 graduates will be ready to go into different paths – may it be further education, employment, or entrepreneurship and expected to be well-equipped with the 21st century skills namely:
1. Information, media and technology skills
2. Learning and innovation skills
3. Effective communication skills
4. Life and career skills
- ICT deals with various sub-skills such as visual and information literacies, media literacy basic, scientific, economic and technological literacies, multicultural literacy and global awareness.These skills allow learners to navigate the fluid and dynamic environment of knowledge creation and acquisition.
- ICT includes among others creativity and curiousity, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, managing complexity and self-direction and sound reasoning skills. Acquisition of these skills help learners resolve daily issues and challenges be it academic, personal, social, etc.
- ICT helps to develop Teaming, collaboration, interpersonal skills, and interactive communication are parts and parcels of the 21st century learning enable learners to easily adapt top present and future challenges and opportunities.
- ICT enriches flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural skills, productivity and accountability, leadership, and responsibility form part of the said skills. Empower learners to make informed decisions thereby giving them the leverage to significantly contribute to the development of the society.
Truly, ICT is an effective tool for this emerging learning paradigm, making the learner in active role of self directed learning, providing flexibility and interactivity in the teaching and learning process to develop and achieve the desired 21st learning skills. So, LEARN IT!
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