Summary of ICT.......

Second Year

I- Definition and scope of ICT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an extensive term covering a wide range
of advanced technologies for manipulating and communicating information (Turban, Leidner,
McLean, & Wetherbe, 2015). This multifaceted field includes both hardware and software
components, forming a complex ecosystem for processing, storing, and transferring information.
At its core, Information Technology (IT) serves as the foundation of ICT, seamlessly integrating
computing capabilities with high-speed communication links for data, sound, and video
transmission (Laudon & Laudon, 2020). In practical terms, IT includes diverse devices, from
personal computers to handheld devices (Williams & Sawyer, 2005). These technologies
contribute to seamless information flow in our interconnected world. The convergence of
computers and communication technologies is pivotal in shaping IT, playing a central role in
modern societies for efficient information processing and dissemination. In the digital era, the
significance of ICT becomes increasingly pronounced, influencing daily lives and organizational
operations (Castells, 2009). The transformative power of ICT extends beyond gadgets, impacting
industries, education, healthcare, and more. With ongoing advancements in hardware and
software, ICT evolves, driving greater connectivity, efficiency, and innovation
I.1- Clarification of Terms The term "Information and Communication Technology" (ICT)
is a composite phrase composed of three integral components, each carrying distinct meanings
and functionalities. The elucidation of these terms provides a comprehensive understanding of
ICT and its role in modern systems. 1. Information: In the context of ICT, information
encompasses diverse data formats such as written, audio, visual, or audiovisual content that is
coded, capable of storage, and transmission. This information serves as the foundation for
decision-making, initiating, modifying, or halting processes (Turban, Leidner, McLean, &
Wetherbe, 2015).
2. Communication: Communication within ICT involves the electronic transmission of data,
often across distances. This process is facilitated through networks comprising sending and
receiving equipment, wires, and satellite links. It entails the exchange and sharing of
information using communication mediums like cables and satellites (Laudon & Laudon,
2020).
3. Technology: The technology component of ICT encompasses the ever-evolving range of
digital tools and supports that enable individuals and organizations to communicate and
share information digitally. These technologies serve as the means for processing
information efficiently (Castells, 2009).
II- Historical evolution of ICT
The evolution of technology spans various historical ages, each marked by significant
advancements that have shaped the way humans interact with information. Beginning with the
Stone Age, where the mastery of fire marked a pivotal moment in technology, enabling food
preservation and the transition from raw to cooked meals. Subsequent ages witnessed further
progress, such as the Iron Age, characterized by the fabrication of essential tools and weapons
like hoes, cutlasses, arrows, spears, and swords. The Middle Age brought about the development
of writing, with feathers serving as primitive pens. The Industrial Age followed, introducing
machinery for manufacturing and advancements in weaponry. This progression in technology
laid the groundwork for the Electronic Age, a period characterized by the advent of computers
and the internet.
III- Key goals of ICT
I.1- Enhancing data creation, processing, and sharing (Laudon & Laudon, 2020) Enhancing data
creation, processing, and sharing involves improving the ways in which information is generated,
handled, and exchanged. This goal is central to the effectiveness of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) in various fields. Here's a breakdown of how this objective
manifests in real-world applications:
1. Data Creation: - Scientific Research: In scientific fields, advanced instruments and
sensors generate large volumes of data. ICT facilitates the efficient collection and recording
of this data, enabling researchers to analyze and draw insights. - Business Operations:
Companies utilize ICT to capture data from various sources, including customer
interactions, sales, and market trends. This data creation supports informed decision-
making and strategic planning.
2. Data Processing: - Big Data Analytics: ICT enables the processing of massive datasets
through advanced analytics tools. This is valuable in uncovering patterns, trends, and
correlations, providing businesses and organizations with actionable intelligence. -
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI): These technologies leverage robust data
processing capabilities to improve their learning and decision-making processes, leading
to more accurate predictions and automation.
3. Data Sharing: - Collaboration Platforms: ICT facilitates the sharing of data in real-time
across geographical locations. Cloud-based collaboration tools and platforms enable teams
to collaborate seamlessly on projects, enhancing productivity. - Healthcare Information
Systems: Electronic health records and interoperable systems allow healthcare
professionals to share patient data securely, leading to more coordinated and efficient care.
4. Education and Research: - Digital Libraries: ICT supports the creation and sharing of
educational resources, enhancing the learning experience. Digital libraries and online
repositories make academic information easily accessible to students and researchers. -
Collaborative Research: Researchers collaborate globally, sharing data and findings
through ICT platforms. This accelerates the pace of innovation and discovery in various
scientific disciplines.
5. Open Data Initiatives: - Government Transparency: Many governments implement open
data initiatives, using ICT to share public datasets. This promotes transparency,
accountability, and allows citizens to access and use government data for various purposes.
6. Media and Entertainment: - Content Distribution Platforms: In the media industry, ICT
facilitates the creation and sharing of content through platforms like streaming services,
social media, and digital publishing, reaching a global audience. Enhancing data creation,
processing, and sharing through ICT is foundational to the digital age, driving innovation,
informed decision-making, and collaboration across diverse sectors.
IV- Technologies Included in ICT (Turkle, 2011):
1. Internet-Enabled Communication Channels : In our rapidly advancing, interconnected
world, internet-enabled communication channels form the bedrock of digital interactions.
Email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media platforms empower
individuals, businesses, and organizations to engage and collaborate in real-time,
transcending geographical constraints. The internet acts as a conduit for the seamless
exchange of information, fostering global connectivity and enhancing the efficiency of
communication processes.
2. Mobile Technologies Empowered by Wireless Networks: The convergence of mobile
technologies and wireless networks has ushered in a transformative era in accessing
 information and communication. Smartphones, tablets, and various mobile devices harness
the capabilities of 4G and 5G networks, providing instantaneous connectivity that allows
users to make calls, send messages, and access a myriad of applications on the move. The
ubiquity and portability of mobile devices have redefined how individuals interact with the
digital world, placing information at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere.
3. Comprehensive Overview of Telecommunication Technologies:
4.
• Telephones: Evolving beyond their traditional roles, telephones have transformed into
multifunctional communication devices through the integration of digital technologies. Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) facilitates voice communication over the internet, contributing to
the fluid exchange of information.
• Radio and Television Broadcast: Undergoing a digital metamorphosis, broadcasting
technologies have elevated audio and video quality. Streaming services have emerged as
influential platforms, delivering on-demand content via the internet and reshaping how we
consume media.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Positioned at the forefront of technological innovation, AI has
become a cornerstone within the ICT landscape. Spanning applications from Natural Language
Processing (NLP) to machine learning and robotics, AI enhances automation, facilitates data
analysis, and streamlines decision-making processes across diverse sectors, promising heightened
efficiency and innovation.