Andrew C. Samuels, Information Technology Specialist Trainer c/o Ministry of Education Mona High School, Kingston, Jamaica 1 Unit 1 Module 1 Obj. 4 Specific Objective: distinguish among data, information and knowledge; Differences among data, information and knowledge. Specific Objective: explain information processing; Definition of information processing (input process, output process); manual versus automated information processing; components of manual information processing: collect, collate, analyze, present and disseminate; components of automated information processing: input (data capture or entry), process (for example, analyze, sort, calculate), store, retrieve, output (present and disseminate); transmit data and information. Interrelationship between data and information through information processing. Types of manual and automated information systems.

What is Data? Data is a set of values of qualitative or quantitative variables; restated, pieces of data are individual pieces of information. Data in computing (or data processing) is represented in a structure that is often tabular (represented by rows and columns), a tree (a set of nodes with parent-children relationship), or a graph (a set of connected nodes). Data is typically the result of measurements and can be visualized using graphs or images. Source: Wikipedia.

What is information? Information (shortened as info or info.) is that which informs, i.e. that from which data can be derived. At its most fundamental, information is any propagation of cause and effect within a system. Information is conveyed either as the content of a message or through direct or indirect observation of some thing. That which is perceived can be construed as a message in its own right, and in that sense, information is always conveyed as the content of a message. Information can be encoded into various forms for transmission and interpretation. For example, information may be encoded into signs, and transmitted via signals. Source: Wikipedia. When data has been processed into a meaningful form from which decisions can be made. G.I.G.O

What is Knowledge? facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. Knowledge makes humans more informed when making decisions. Knowledge speaks to the know how! Knowledge comes from ‘gut-feeling’ or intuition.

What is Information Processing? information processing, the acquisition, recording, organization, retrieval, display, and dissemination of information. Parts of Information Processing are: Input, Processing, Output, Storage. (IPOS Cycle) Input  Processing  Output  Storage DataInformation

Types of Information Processing Manual Information Processing (MIP) No form of technology is used to carry out information processing tasks. All tasks related to information processing is done solely using human efforts. Automated Information Processing (AIP) technology is used to carry out information processing tasks. All tasks related to information processing with various techniques that involves technology.

Manual Information Processing Advantages Easier and simpler to use to process information. Can be used without need for technology or machinery Limited training needed to carry out information processing Disadvantages Slow to process information in order to get up-to-date data. Errors are easily made and are hard to be detected in manual methods. Can be costly to operate and provide backup facilities for records stored.

Automated Information Processing Advantages Fast processing speed to acquire up-to-date information. Able to back up and recover information after information processing. Errors are easily detected after and during information processing. Greater efficiency in their operations as it relates to information processing. Real time, and online processing are outcomes of automated information processing. Provides audit trail to provide accurate recording of who makes changes to system and information stored. Disadvantages Very expensive to maintain real time and online system to monitor and support information processing. Any malfunction can affect negatively information processing. Any human induced or computer induced faults can affects information processing in an automated information system.

Components of Manual Information Processing Collect – sourcing the data or gathering it using manual methods. E.g. counting, ask questions, conduct interviews and record findings/responses, Collate – how we use manual methods to arrange data. For e.g. stating the number of males and females in a class daily. Data Analyze – to interpret information in order to make decision. Tabulating results of a set of numbers. Presentation – methods used to show the data. Creating a graph by hand using the data. Disseminate – methods used to distribute or share the data/information to the right or for its intended use. Posting messages on a notice board or recording in a master book, etc.

Components of automated information processing Data Entry/Data Capture: Use of scanning devices, sensors or any technological device to collect data/information for entry into the computer information system. Data process – how systems converts data into information. For e.g. at Megamart, bar codes are scanned in order to process the price of items for receipts and payments to be completed. Analyze – to interpret information, sort – to arrange information, calculate – to check/perform some numeric data analysis. Store – how we record, preserve or maintain data for time. Using secondary storage devices, i.e. Flash Memory cards, Flash Memory Chips, Hard Drives, CDs, etc. allows us to preserve information. Retrieval – how data is accessed from storage for use. Output – the display and sharing of information to the intended audience/person or for use. This includes disseminating of the information as well as how information is show.