The Role Of ICT Information and Communications Technology

* Input – Using an input device such as a keyboard or barcode reader

* Storage of data – i.e. a hard disk

* Output – The processed information

* Communicate information – sending information to others by means of the internet

Personal qualities required for ICT professionals are as follows:

* Written communications skills

* Patience and understanding

* Good analytical skills

* Problem solving abilities

* Design skills

* Management skills

Chapter 2 – ICT in Business & Commerce

ICT in banking has many advantages:

* ICT enables banks to receive 50,000 calls a day

* Using ATM’s, cash can be drawn from any cash point machine all over the country

* Debit cards are used so you do not need to wlak around with large amounts of cash

* Saleries and bills can be paid automatically via direct debit

ICT in businesses i.e. Amazon.co.uk has many advantages:

* There is a huge saving in overheads i.e. shop space, location, electricity, heating etc.

* As it is a ‘virtual shop’ it can stock much more items as opposed to a normal shop

* It is a valuable market research tool

ICT has many advantages to customers:

* Do your shopping online from the comfort of your own home

* Listen to samples of songs before you purchase

* Shop without being jostled by crowds

Chapter 3 – ICT in Manufacturing

ICT has its advantages in manufacturing:

* It can deal with customers orders using entry and processing systems

* Computer aided manufacturing allows components to by produced with the utmost precision.

* Robots are used in every kind of industry from car manufacture to sorting items on an assembly line.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

This is the ability to create designs on screen for thousands of projects which can be evaluated before producing them using CAM. Once the design of the product is completed, the specs. Are input directly to a program that controls and manufacturing of parts.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

This is the manufacture of thousands of applications such as aeroplanes and car parts.

A great advantage of this is flexibility as individual items can be manufactured to a customers exact specifications.

Robots also have their advantages in industry:

* They have sensors which capture information from the environment

* They have a microprosessor to process the information.

* They can also be used for assembely line production

* Robots can tireless perform repetitive tasks

* Quality of work is consistant.

Chapter 4 – ICT in a caring society

Computers in medicine has its advantages:

* Medical records can be stored in the hospitals database which will include patiences’ subscriptions etc.

* Databases of organ donors and patients needing organ transplants means that when an organ becomes available, a match can be quickly found.

* Computerised watch can monitor critically ill patients

* Computers can model new drugs and test their effects

Computers also benefit disabled people:

* Scanners can convert printed text to verbal output for the blind

* Voice recognition converts speech to printed or display output for the hearing impaired

* People with physical abilities can use devices such as touch screens instead of keyboards.

Chapter 5 – ICT In Education

Computers in school and its advantages:

* The use of productivity tools such as word, excel etc.

* The use of interactive teaching packages.

* Access to the internet and thousands of online databases.

* Distance learning facilities for those who are able to attend school or college.

Will computers replace teachers ?

* Computers enable students to work at their own pace

* Computers are endlessly patient

* The material is presented in a consistent way – There are not many different styles of teaching like may of the teachers.