4 Developments in Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is referred to as a range of tools and techniques relating to computer-based hardware, to communications including both directed and broadcast, to information sources such as CD-ROM and the internet, and to associated technologies such as robots, videoconferencing and digital TV.

Developmental Stages of Information and Communication Technology

Technology evolved through different ages. The Stone Age was the beginning of development of technology. Man was able to get fire (light) through the spark of stones that provided light and he no longer ate his food raw. He used fire to preserve his meat. The Stone Age evolved into the Iron Age which saw the emergence of fabrication of farm implements and weapon of war like hoes, cutlass, arrows, spears, sword, etc. The Middle Age was the age when writing was developed and people used feather as pen. The Industrial Age was the next age to the Middle Age. The Industrial Age witnessed the fabrication of machines for manufacturing and weapons of war. As a result of development in technology, there is the introduction or the emergence of Electronic Age. This age involves the use of computer and the internet. As a result of this development, there is the desire to know more and to get information acquired or to be broken into units as a result of the rate at which individual is bombarded with various information.

Information Age

We are in the Information Age when so much information is available all the time. This is having untold effects on human being. One of the results is information overload. Williams and Sawyer (2005) reported that the International Data Corporation (IDC) made a forecast that by the year 2005, more than 36 billion person-to-person e-mails would be sent daily. Already, according to Williams and Sawyer (2005), the average business user reportedly spends more than 2 hours daily dealing with e-mails. They stressed further that people would use the brain less for memorising because familiar phone numbers are being stored on speed- dial cell phones, pocket computers and electronic databases are increasing our dependence on computer. There is an upsurge in ‘multitasking’ activity: people are now highly skilled and they can perform several tasks at one, such as doing homework while talking on the phone, watching television, answering e-mail, and surfing the world-wide-web. Group of people can do things together in business, politics, journalism, etc. without knowing each other, through the use of smart mobile devices. These trends pose a challenge on how one learns and manages information. This is the importance of Information and Communication Technology. In essence, ICT enables you to learn through the harnessing of the benefits of developments in technology that transcend space and time. The general purpose of information is to present accurately and clearly an event which is new to the hearer or listener to enhance his knowledge or understanding. This message is passed across in a manner that will change or structure the attitude or action of the audience. In other word, there is a combination of two major activities (information and communication) which produces a new trend. Information and communication are linked to the senses hence all the materials used to convey messages are broadly categorised into audio (materials that appeal to the sense of sound), visual (materials that appeal to sight) and audiovisual (materials that combine sight and sound). These trends dictate the types of materials that are being developed to convey information and communication. Technology evolved through the Stone Age, Iron Age, Middle Age, Industrial Age and the Electronic Age. The Electronic Age witnessed the use of computer and this age has undergone a lot of transformation. This is the age that evolves into the Information Age. Computer is the main tool that is used to manipulate events in this age. Today, almost every job or profession requires computer skills. Some are ordinary jobs where computers are used as ordinary tools while some are specialised jobs that require advanced computer training for professional careers. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has made the use of computers in all facets of endeavour inevitable.

• In the hotel Business, the clerk needs computer to deal with reservation problems, guests who have online problems need someone to attend to them.
• Law enforcement officers need the knowledge of computer to check out stolen cars, criminal records, etc. Equally, knowledge of computers will help solve fraud, accounting illegalities, etc.
• Computers are used in entertainment. They are useful and are used for budgets, payroll and ticketing. Computers are also used for creating cinematic special effects.
• In a public presentation, computers are used for the presentation of lectures, special features, etc.

Information and Communication Technology is clearly changing old jobs and inventing new ones. To enhance this trend, practitioners need to combine traditional education with training in computers and communication.