Information and Communication Technology: Standard 9
Concepts and Necessity of ICT
Q 1
Explain the term ICT
ICT is the acronym for Information and Communication Technology.
It covers the use of all communications devices, services and the associated hardware and software used in radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network systems, satellite systems.
It also covers all applications related to communications like video conferencing and online and distance learning.
Q 2
State the implications of ICT in education.
1) Since the total amount of information doubles every four or five years, ICT is important in helping a person keep in touch with the latest developments otherwise his knowledge becomes obsolete very quickly.
2) With ICT learning can be done at the person’s choice of place and time.
3) ICT encourages self-learning.
4) For advanced studies, ICT can help overcome geographical and physical boundaries and link up teachers and classrooms to students across the world.
5) ICT promotes collaboration rather than competition between students.
6) The use of the Internet allows students to connect with scientists across the world to discuss and collaborate with them.
Q 3
State the uses of ICT in day to day life.
Business: ICT is used in Business since it allows customers and suppliers to get in touch with each other. A buyer can easily compare products from different suppliers while suppliers cut down on costs which can be passed on to the buyers.
Industry: Products are increasingly designed and manufactured in industry using computers. Computers are also used in process control and inventory.
Home: In today’s busy world the Internet is used to carry out various functions like home banking, bill payments, shopping, learning as well as playing games.
Education and Training: Educational Software is today designed for all levels of learning from preschool right up to post-graduate students. The use of virtual reality technology allows simulators to be built which give the feeling of riding a motorbike, an airplane or even going down an active volcano.
Entertainment and Arts: Computer animation is widely used in the film industry. The use of computers in creating special effects increases the appeal of films. Music and Sound effects generated by computers are widely used. Computers are also used in diverse fields like painting, touching up photographs and even for learning dancing.
Science and Technology: Computer simulations provide a cheap and safe way for scientists to conduct their experiments. In situations where a large number of calculations have to be performed quickly, such as weather forecasting or studying genes, the use of computers is indispensable.
Q 4
State the role of ICT in Science and Technology
Computer simulations provide a cheap and safe way for scientists to conduct their experiments. Whether it is learning to fly an aircraft on a flight simulator, studying the effects of an explosion or even the internal organs of a human being, the use of computers provide a safe cheap and ethical way.
In situations where a large number of calculations have to be performed quickly, such as weather forecasting or studying genes, the use of computers is indispensable.
The Human Genome Project or the search for the Boson Higgs would be impossible without the extensive use of computers.
Q 5
State the advantages of ICT in education.
Expanding Educational Opportunities: The use of ICT overcomes geographical and social boundaries and allows us to reach isolated populations.
Increasing efficiency: The use of ICT allows students to learn with the help of study material prepared by experts.
Enhances quality of learning and teaching ICT improves the quality of teaching by making available to the teachers use of new technology and thus developing good teaching material. Students can learn at their own pace and at their own time.
Sustaining life-long learning. Learning is a continuous process and ICT helps one to learn even though one may not be attending a formal school or college. ICT fulfills the requirement of learning for all, anywhere and anytime.
Improving policy planning and management. Educational institutes use ICT at the time of admissions, administration and student and teachers assessment.
