Lesson 1: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

1.1 Introduction to Data and Information

Data refers to raw, unprocessed facts and figures that by themselves have no meaning.
These can be numbers, words, images, or sounds. For example, a list of student names
and their respective marks in a subject is data.
Information is data that has been processed and organized to make it meaningful. It
provides context and allows for decision-making. For example, arranging the same
student marks into a table showing their total marks and average would turn it into
information.
Example of Data and Information:
• Data: Ravi: 78, 90, 79; Rizwan: 87, 70, 80
• Information:
Name Math English Science Total Average
Ravi 78 90 79 247 82.3
Rizwan 87 70 80 237 79
In this example, data becomes information when it is organized to show each student's
total marks and average.
Key Point: Information is obtained by processing data, and it is more useful in decision-
making than raw data.

1.2 Characteristics of Quality Information

For information to be useful, it must have certain qualities:
• Relevancy: The information must be appropriate for the task at hand. Irrelevant
information could confuse or mislead.
o Example: If a school principal only needs the final grade of students,
showing detailed test results from every grade would be irrelevant.
• Completeness: It should contain all the necessary facts. Incomplete information
may lead to wrong decisions.
o Example: If a weather report lacks wind speed data, it may be incomplete
for planning an outdoor event.
• Accuracy: The information must be free of errors and represent the situation
correctly.

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 o Example: Inaccurate health data may result in incorrect medical treatment.
• Timeliness: Information must be up to date to be useful.
o Example: Last week’s sales data may not help in making decisions about
today’s promotions.
• Cost-effectiveness: The cost of gathering and processing the information should
not outweigh its benefits.
o Example: Spending excessive amounts to gather trivial information for a
small project may not be justified.
Key Point: High-quality information must be relevant, complete, accurate, timely, and
cost-effective.

1.3 Information Systems

An Information System is a collection of components that work together to process data
and deliver information. It includes hardware (like computers and servers), software (like
operating systems and applications), and users.
Example: ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) as an Information System
• Input: The user inserts their ATM card and enters a PIN.
• Process: The ATM sends data to the bank’s central computer to check the balance
and process transactions.
• Output: The ATM provides information such as account balance or transaction
approval.
Other examples include:
• Fingerprint readers in offices to track attendance.
• QR Codes that allow smartphones to retrieve product information from a website.
Key Point: An information system processes input data to deliver meaningful information
as output.

1.4 Applications of ICT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a fundamental part of
modern life, impacting various fields such as governance, education, health, and business.
1.4.1 e-Government
• Definition: e-Government refers to the use of ICT to improve the interactions
between the government and citizens, businesses, or other governments.

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 • Example: Sri Lanka’s Government Information Center (www.gic.gov.lk) allows
citizens to access various services such as online bill payments, license renewals,
and information on public services.
1.4.2 ICT in Education
• Usage: ICT is revolutionizing education by providing tools like online learning
platforms, digital libraries, and interactive educational games.
• Example: Platforms like e-Thaksalawa and Nenasala in Sri Lanka provide
students access to digital learning materials and educational resources from
anywhere, improving self-study and classroom learning.
o Benefits:
▪ Access to educational content anytime, anywhere.
▪ Support for multimedia learning (videos, interactive quizzes, etc.).
Key Point: ICT enables more efficient and accessible services in government and
education, among many other fields.
1.4.3 ICT in Healthcare
ICT tools in healthcare make diagnosis and treatment more efficient. Examples include:
• Telemedicine: Patients in remote areas can consult doctors online without
physically visiting the hospital.
• Medical Devices: Machines like MRI scanners and electronic health records
systems store patient data for easy access and accurate treatment.

1.5 Evolution of Computers

Computers have evolved over the years, starting from simple mechanical devices to
modern, powerful machines.
• Abacus: The earliest known tool used for calculations, invented over 5,000 years
ago.
• Blaise Pascal’s Adding Machine (1642): One of the first mechanical devices to
automate calculations.
• Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine (1837): The first design of a
programmable computer, earning Babbage the title of "Father of Computing."
• ENIAC (1945): The first fully electronic computer, capable of performing large-
scale calculations for the military during World War II.
Over time, computers have evolved through several generations:

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 1. First Generation: Used vacuum tubes and were large and expensive (e.g.,
ENIAC).
2. Second Generation: Replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, making them
smaller and faster.
3. Third Generation: Introduced integrated circuits, further reducing size and cost.
4. Fourth Generation: Personal computers emerged with the use of
microprocessors.
5. Fifth Generation: Current generation with advancements in artificial intelligence
and machine learning.
Key Point: Computers have undergone significant development, moving from large,
mechanical systems to small, powerful devices used in everyday life.

Summary
• Data becomes information when it is processed to be meaningful.
• Information systems are used to manage and process data efficiently, providing
meaningful results (e.g., ATM systems).
• ICT is integrated into many aspects of life, improving services in education,
government, health, and more.
• Computers have evolved over centuries, with advancements driving the current
digital world.
Activity:
1. Research how ICT is applied in your school (e.g., for managing grades or
communication).
2. Write a short paragraph explaining how ICT can improve healthcare services in
rural areas.

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