1.1.2 ICT IN EVERYDAY LIFE

1.1.2.1 List the usage of ICT in everyday life.

EDUCATION

In education, teachers, students, researchers and school administrators benefits from the usage of ICT.

Computers offer interactive experiences, enhanced learning, cognitif development & better management.

Teachers:

~ use computers to search for teaching materials, participate in online forums and online conferences as well as to aid their teaching.

Students:

~ use the computers as a reference tool. They use computers to browse the internet to look for information.

Researchers:

~ use computers to collect and process data.

School Administrators:

~ use computers for administrative purposes to make sure that the entire operation runs smoothly.

BANKING

In the banking, customers, businessman & bank administrator benefits from the usage of ICT.

Customers:

~ can make any transactions at the 24 hour service centres or via online.These services allow them to do transaction at anytime they want.

Businessman:

~ can save their time by using the online services offered by banks. They can access company accounts for loan applications, business transactions and update on their cash flow at any time.

Bank Administrator:

~ can oversee the entire banking activities such as reconciliations, inter-branch transactions (IBT), telegraphic transfer and others by referring to the banking system.

INDUSTRY

Computers are used to facilitate production planning and control systems, to support chain management and to help in product design in the industrial sector. In the industrial sector, workers, researchers and administrator benefits from the usage of ICT.

Workers:

~ use machines that are connected to computers to operate. In some productions, robots are used to take over jobs that are dangerous to the workers.

Researchers:

~ use computers to analyse and collect research data for future reference.

Administrators:

~ use computers to oversee the entire operations in the plant or factory to detect specific errors or defects that occurred in the process.

E-COMMERCE

E-commerce helps in boosting the economy. It makes buying and selling activities easier, more efficient and faster. For this application, computers, Internet and shared software are needed. In the e-commerce sector, customers, suppliers and employees benefits from the usage of ICT.

Customers:

~ use computers to be connected online with suppliers to purchase products. This method can save time and cost as they do not have to go to any outlets.

Suppliers:

~ use computers to keep track of their transactions. All products are bar coded and can be read by the computer scanner to help in determining prices and managing inventory.

Employees:

~ use computers and telephones to communicate with their customers for any enquiries. The system helps employees to get the latest updates on inventory to be informed to the customers.

OTHER SECTORS:

Among other sectors that benefit from the usage of ICT are archiecture, arts, career, goverment, healthcare, home, law enforcement, transportation and travel

1.1.2.2 State the differences between computerised and non-computerised systems.

EDUCATION

Before ICT

• depends strictly on teachers & textbook
•  no or limited technology in the teaching & learning process

With ICT

• more interesting & interactive experiences
• enhanced learning

BANKING SYSTEM

Before ICT

• banking was done manually by taking deposits directly
• transactions can only be made during working hours
• takes time to approve any loan applications

With ICT

• all transactions are done by computers
• transaction can be done at anytime and place
• online services, phone banking system, credit cards are available

INDUSTRY

Before ICT

• Production was slow because everything was done manually and totally depended on human labour.

With ICT

• Computers and telecommunications industry became very popular and profitable since production can be increased through an all day operation.

COMMERCE

Before ICT

• Trading was made using the barter system and it was then later developed into currency.
• Advertisement was in the form of word of mouth, billboards and printed flyers.
• Trading globally was extremely slow, late and expensive.

With ICT

• E-commerce plays an important role in the economic scene. It includes distribution, buying, selling and servicing products that are done electronically

Traders had to find ways to market local products in the global market.

1.1.2.3  State the impact of ICT on society.

1. FASTER COMMUNICATION SPEED

With the Internet, news or messages are sent via e-mail to anyone efficiently. With the capability and connection speed on the Internet, any information can travel fast and at an instant. It saves time and is inexpensive.

2. LOWER COMMUNICATION COST

Using the Internet is cost-effective than other modes of communication such as telephone, mailing or courier service. It allows access to large amounts of data at a very low cost. We do not have to pay for any basic services provided by the Internet. The cost of connection is relatively cheap.

3. RELIABLE MODE OF COMMUNICATION

Computers are reliable. Information could be accessed and retrieved from anywhere and at anytime. This makes it a reliable mode of communication.

4. EFFECTIVE SHARING OF INFORMATION

With ICT, information can be shared all around the world. People can share and exchange opinions, news and information through discussion groups, mailing list and forums. This will contribute to the development of knowledge based society.

5. PAPERLESS ENVIRONMENT

ICT has created the term paperless environment which means information can be stored & retrieved through the digital medium instead of paper. Online communication via emails, online chat and instant messaging also helps in creating the paperless environment.

6. BORDERLESS COMMUNICATION

Internet has become a borderless sources for services and information. Through the Internet, information and communication can be borderless. It offers fast information retrieval, interactivity, accessibility and versatility.

7. SOCIAL PROBLEMS

There are some negative effects of ICT. It has created social problems in the society. Nowadays, people tend to choose online communication rather than having real time conversations. People tend to become more individualistic and introvert. Another negative effect of ICT are fraud, identity theft, pornography & hacking. This will result a moral decedent and generate threads to the society.

8. HEALTH PROBLEMS

A computer may harm users if they use it for long hours frequently. Computer users are also exposed to bad posture, eyestrain, physical and mental stress. In order to solve the health problems, an ergonomic environment can be introduced.