THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION Ms Bentil 1

THE INFO. TECH. REVOLUTION  Information Technology Information Technology (IT) is simply defined as the use of computers and telecommunications to generate, store, retrieve and transmit information. Ms Bentil 2

 UNESCO defines IT as “Scientific technological and engineering disciplines and the management techniques used in information handling and processing information, their interaction with man and machine and associated social, economic and cultural matters” Ms Bentil3

 Information Technology has transformed the world over the last two to three decades. Ms Bentil4

 Globalisation  Information Technology has transformed the whole world into a global village.  With the introduction of the internet, the world has been brought closer in information provision. Ms Bentil 5

 Information Technology has impacted on most aspects of our lives – Education Work Medicine Culture, Environment Communication Ms Bentil 6

1. Education Advantages  IT complements traditional educational techniques.  Access to more information resources.  Distance learning  Invisible college networks Ms Bentil 7

Disadvantages  Information overload  Information may not be reliable Ms Bentil 8

2. Work/Business Advantages  Enhanced information management. Eg. Microsoft office has enhanced office work.  Telecommuting  Reduction in paper work since most tasks are handled electronically. Ms Bentil 9

 Physical movement of work from areas of high labour cost to areas where there is low cost. Disadvantages  Unemployment  Low productivity Ms Bentil 10

3. Medicine  IT has led to the use of Telemedicine in solving medical problems across the globe. Advantages  Telemonitoring  Interactive services – real time interactions between patients and health care providers  Self diagnosis Ms Bentil 11

 Teaching tool  Enhanced the work of medical staff. -For example, doctors can check for drug interactions and allergies.  Other services include telenursing and telepharmacy. Ms Bentil 12

Disadvantages  Sometimes it is difficult to ascertain the quality of service.  Self medication Ms Bentil 13

4. Environment Advantages  IT has enabled the understanding of physical and ecological processes.  It is now possible to monitor and sometimes control the effects of changes in the earth’s environment through satellites.  Eg. Weather forecast, disasters and natural hazards. Ms Bentil 14

 Reduction in the use of paper Disadvantages  Global warming  E-wastes (Discarded electronic equipments)  Computers and mobile phones emit dangerous rays and gases that are harmful to living organisms. Ms Bentil 15

 Mobile phone radiation has dangerous effects on the lives of humans and animals.  In humans, it is known to cause cancer and other health complications.  In farm animals, it is known to cause: -- Decreased milk production (diary cows) Ms Bentil 16

-reproductive problems -general declines in overall health.  For birds, it interferes with navigation and reproduction.  There has been a reduction in bird population due to this radiation.  Disappearances of bees Ms Bentil 17

5. Culture  Culture can be defined as the ideas, beliefs, values, customs and practices (what they eat, how they dress) of a group of people. Advantages  Promotion and sharing of culture  Today’s societies are multicultural Ms Bentil 18

Disadvantage  Blind copying of the western culture. Ms Bentil 19

6. E-Commerce  E – Commerce is the buying and selling of product or service over the Internet. Advantages  IT has enhanced trade within and among countries.  Promotion of quick buying and selling of goods and services. Ms Bentil 20

 More reach to customers. Disadvantages  Fraudulent activities – deceptive sales practices.  The quality of products cannot be ascertained. Ms Bentil 21

7. Communication  The major impact of information technology is felt in the area of telecommunication. Advantages  New forms of communication – mobile phones, teleconferencing.  It has brought about networking which reduces isolation. Ms Bentil 22

 Disadvantage  It has reduced interpersonal contacts. Ms Bentil 23

8. Security  Information Technology has also enhanced security. Advantages  Various gadgets have been manufactured to enhance security services. - Theft detection systems - Security cameras and monitors Ms Bentil 24

 In the western world, there are surveillance cameras all over to ensure security and discipline.  Discipline on the roads, in stores, hospitals, offices, etc Disadvantage  Invasion of privacy Ms Bentil 25

Challenges for African countries 1. Infrastructural challenges. 2. Low investment in ICT equipment. 3. High rate of illiteracy in Africa. 4. Lack of ICT skills. 5. Low electricity generating capacities. Ms Bentil 26