INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Information & Communication Technology (ICT):

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is the use of computing and
telecommunication technologies, systems and tools to facilitate the way information is created,
collected, processed, transmitted and stored. It includes computing technologies like servers,
laptop computers and software applications, as well as the wired and wireless communication
technologies that support telephones, the Internet, the Internet of Things (IoT) and
the metaverse. The goal of ICT is to improve access to information and make human-to-human,
human-to-machine and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication easier and more efficient.

Technologies Included in ICT:

ICT includes the internet-enabled sphere and the mobile one powered by wireless networks. It
includes old-fashioned technologies, such as landline telephones, radio and television
broadcast -- all of which remain widely used alongside today's cutting-edge ICT pieces, such
as artificial intelligence and robotics.
The internet, internet of things, metaverse, virtual reality and social media are also part of ICT,
as are cloud computing services, video conferencing and collaboration tools, integrated
communications systems and mobile communication networks. Emerging technologies
like 5G/6G, Web3, and quantum computing are also in the ICT universe.
Any technology, infrastructure, component, or device that enables communications, data
sharing, and global connectivity between humans and between humans and machines is
included in the umbrella term ICT.

ICT components include the following:

 Hardware (Physical Components of Computer System & all devices)
 Software (Name given to Computer Programs)
 Middleware (A Software that connects different applications, platforms & devices)
 Data (Raw facts and figures)
 Wired networks (Connection of Computers & devices using wires)
 Wireless networks (Connection of Computers & devices with infrared, radio &
microwaves)
 Communication Technologies (Radio waves, microwaves, 4G, 5G etc.)
 The cloud (on demand availability of data, storage & computing power without the direct
management by the user)
 Communications protocols and interfaces (seamless communication and data exchanges
betrween different hardware & software components).
 Information security (A series of actions conducted in order to keep the information safe
and to run the system Smoothly)
 Governance policies (for information should be accessed, processed, transmitted & stored).
Prepared By: Ms. Ambreen Ilyas Athar 1|Page
Assistant Professor (Computer Sc)
GPGCW, Mandian Abbottabad
 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Use of ICT in Education:

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can impact student learning when
teachers are digitally literate and understand how to integrate it into curriculum.
Schools use a diverse set of ICT tools to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage
information. In some contexts, ICT has also become integral to the teaching-learning
interaction, through such approaches as replacing chalkboards with interactive digital
whiteboards, using students’ own smartphones or other devices for learning during class time,
and the “flipped classroom” model where students watch lectures at home on the computer and
use classroom time for more interactive exercises.
When teachers are digitally literate and trained to use ICT, these approaches can lead to higher
order thinking skills, provide creative and individualized options for students to express their
understandings, and leave students better prepared to deal with ongoing technological change
in society and the workplace.
Devices/Technologies in ICT includes:
▰ Access of course materials through remote devices

▰ Online repository for Course Materials and Library Books (Coursera, MOOC courses)

▰ Online/Cloud-Based Academic Management Systems

▰ Learning Management System (LMS)

▰ Use of handheld computing devices, audio players and projectors.

Advantages of ICT in Education:

▰ Enhance the modes of communication

▰ Cost-efficient

▰ Eliminates the need of paper

▰ Better teaching and Learning Method

▰ Enhanced data and information security

▰ Minimize cost and saves time

▰ Easy student management

Use of ICT in Business:

ICT makes a business more efficient, effective and promptly respond to customers’ needs. ICT
can assist business activities including design, manufacturing, R&D, distribution and sales and
feedback. Many companies like olx, Aliexpress, Amazon, and Daraz etc. are growing day by
day with the help of ICT.

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Assistant Professor (Computer Sc)
GPGCW, Mandian Abbottabad
 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Improved Business Processes

By using technology, companies can automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and
reduce the time and effort required to complete a task. This, in turn, results in increased
efficiency and productivity.

Increased Productivity and Efficiency

By utilizing technology such as automation and online collaboration tools, companies can save
time and effort, allowing employees to focus on more important tasks. Businesses that adopted
ICT increased their productivity by 4.5 times compared to those who did not.

Cost-saving through automation and streamlined processes

In addition to increased productivity and efficiency, ICT can also lead to cost savings for
businesses. Automation of repetitive tasks and streamlined processes can reduce labor costs
and increase efficiency, resulting in cost savings for the company.

Enhanced Customer Service through effective communication and online presence

ICT can also enhance customer service through effective communication and a strong online
presence. Companies can use technology such as online chat, email, and social media to
communicate with customers in real-time, improving the overall customer experience. An
online presence also allows companies to reach a wider audience and provide customers with
access to information and products 24/7.

Improved Collaboration and teamwork through virtual communication and

collaboration tools
Finally, ICT can also improve collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Virtual
communication and collaboration tools such as video conferencing and online collaboration
platforms allow employees to communicate and collaborate with each other from anywhere in
the world, improving the overall effectiveness of the team.

Case Studies and Examples

One real-life example of the benefits of ICT in business is the use of technology by companies
such as Daraz and Amazon. Daraz & Amazon has successfully integrated technology in their
business processes to improve customer service and increase efficiency, resulting in increased
customer satisfaction and a competitive advantage.

Advantages of ICT in Business:

1. Use of CCTV cameras in companies helps the owners and security personnel to monitor
their business physically.
2. Paper work is cut down
3. Video Conferencing has removed the need to commute for business meetings resulting
in Green Computing.
4. Employees can work from home which saves resources like fuel cost, and electricity.
5. More jobs are created in the field of Web designers, programmers, network managers,
and data analyst.

Disadvantages of ICT in Business:

1. Reduction in available job opportunities for humans

Prepared By: Ms. Ambreen Ilyas Athar 3|Page
Assistant Professor (Computer Sc)
GPGCW, Mandian Abbottabad
 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

2. Advancement in technology has made employees anti-social

3. Excessive dependence on technological devices
4. Costs of implementation and regulatory compliance

Use of ICT in Entertainment:

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have impacted entertainment and leisure
activities in different ways in which you spend your time. ICT offers a variety of entertainment
and leisure activities and allows for quick access to movies or music that can be easily accessed
and you can watch movies and listen to music directly from the Internet.
ICT adds more interactive technologies to TV shows. Digital cameras, printers and scanners
have enabled more people to experience image production, in addition to developing graphic
interfaces.

Advantages of ICT in Entertainment:

1. Smart TV helps the audience to watch the Live shows later at their leisure time.
2. With Spotify, you can listen to the music of your choice any time anywhere.
3. Online games can be played free of cost
4. People can now connect with each other and socialize via Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp
etc.
5. People can listen to LIVE radio via internet on their Computers or Mobile. No separate
radio set is needed.
6. TV and News Channels have online presence in the form of websites and apps.

Disadvantages of ICT in Entertainment:

1. Keeps people occupied

2. Stress Development in people
3. Computer Addiction

Use of ICT in Governance:

The internet gives the government opportunity to offer public services and to provide
information and more efficiently. The more public services can be delivered via internet, the
larger the potential savings. Government can use ICT media for the advertisement of different
health campaigns such as awareness on breast cancer, and Polio vaccination etc. In Pakistan,
government uses text messages under GoP label and caller tunes to disseminate timely
information of events to masses. Processing documents such as licenses and tax collection are
example of e-governance. Online registration of FIRs, issuance of Smart Cards, registration of
family via online portals for census, and filing a complaint in Pakistan Citizen Portal are other
examples.

Use of ICT in Health Care:

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines e-health as the use of information and
communication technologies (ICT) for health. Digital health includes e-Health, m-Health and
telemedicine. Technological innovation, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) have led to

Prepared By: Ms. Ambreen Ilyas Athar 4|Page

Assistant Professor (Computer Sc)
GPGCW, Mandian Abbottabad
 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

the growing use of different digital devices by healthcare professionals and workers in hospitals
and clinics. Electronic Health Records (EHR) have transformed and facilitated the treatment
of many classes of patients. Given the growing proliferation of devices, ICT can form a key
part of treatment and prevention strategies for health. For example, wearables and fitness
devices can now play a key role in monitoring and prevention.

Emerging Technologies and Future Trends

The world of information and technology is evolving at an astonishing pace, shaping the way
we live, work, and interact. As we venture into the future, it is essential to understand the
emerging trends that will revolutionize the industry. Following are some of the most exciting
and transformative trends that are set to shape the future of information and communication
technology.

Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence, in simple words, is a technology that enables

machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning,
reasoning, and problem-solving. It empowers computers to mimic human-like decision-making
processes and adapt based on the data they receive.

Machine Learning: Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and
computer science that focuses on developing methods for computers to learn and improve their
performance. Machine learning has a wide range of applications, including language
translation, consumer preference predictions, and medical diagnoses.

The main goals of ML are:

 classifying data based on models that have been developed (e.g., detecting spam
emails).
 making predictions regarding some future outcome on the basis of these models (e.g.,
predicting house prices in a city).

Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects that
have sensors, software and connectivity to collect and share data with other devices and
systems over the internet or other networks. IoT devices have potential to connect countless
devices and systems making a network easy. IoT will play a vital role in smart homes, smart
cities and industrial automation.

5G networks: 5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard
after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to
connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.
5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher data speeds, low latency, more reliability,
massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more
users. With the increase of sensors and adoption of 5G networks, IoT devices will provide
seamless connectivity, enabling data-driven decision making.

Prepared By: Ms. Ambreen Ilyas Athar 5|Page

Assistant Professor (Computer Sc)
GPGCW, Mandian Abbottabad
 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Virtual and Augmented reality: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two
technologies that are changing the way we use screens, creating new and exciting interactive
experiences. Extended reality including AR and VR will redefine the boundaries between the
physical and digital worlds enabling immersive gaming experience, virtual tours and enhanced.
The main differences between VR and AR are:

 VR creates an immersive virtual environment, while AR augments a real-world scene.

 VR is 75 percent virtual, while AR is only 25 percent virtual.
 VR requires a headset device, while AR does not.
 VR users move in a completely fictional world, while AR users are in contact with the real
world.
Cybersecurity: Cyber Security protects data, devices and networks from attackers, criminals
and anyone harming a system. Cyber security trends will focus on advanced encryption
methods, biometric authentication, and AI-driven threat detection systems.

Quantum Computing: Quantum Computing is a multidisciplinary field that consisting of

aspects of Computer Sc, Physics and mathematics that utilizes quantum mechanics to solve
complex problem faster than on classical computers.

Web 3.0: Web3 – also known as “Web3″ or “Web 3.0″ – is a term that refers to the next
iteration of the internet that promotes decentralized protocols and aims to reduce dependency
on large tech companies like Youtube, Netflix and Amazon.

Prepared By: Ms. Ambreen Ilyas Athar 6|Page

Assistant Professor (Computer Sc)
GPGCW, Mandian Abbottabad