UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY

Tuguegarao City

College of Information Technology

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

Course Code : GEEL 1

Course Title : LIVING IN THE IT ERA

PRELIM PERIODIC COVERAGE

MODULE No. 01
TITLE: LIVING IN THE IT ERA: AN OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW/ The benefits of technology are all around us and can be seen in everything
INTRODUCTION from electricity to global communications. Our cars and cell phones have
navigation systems to ensure that we do not get lost. We can pay our bills
at the touch of a button on the internet. Our cellphones have evolved into
tiny little computers in our pockets.

We can now communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world at any

time not only by telephone, but also by video conference, instant
messenger and email. With faster internet connections being introduced
on a daily basis it seems like the only limit to what technology can do is
our own imagination. All of these innovations have one goal in mind – to
make our lives easier!
LEARNING  Differentiate Information Technology (IT) from Information and
OUTCOMES Communication Technology (ICT).
 Discuss the evolution of Information and Communication Technology
(ICT).
LEARNING 1. Define Information Technology.
OBJECTIVES 2. Enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of Information
Technology.
3. Define Information and Communication Technology.
4. Discover the technology timeline of ICT.

Discussion/Situational analysis/Content Etc.:

Information Technology (IT)

Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other physical devices,
infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data.

IT Software and Hardware

IT includes several layers of physical equipment (hardware), virtualization and management or

automation tools, operating systems and applications (software) used to perform essential functions.
User devices, peripherals and software, such as laptops, smartphones or even recording equipment, can
be included in the IT domain. IT can also refer to the architectures, methodologies and regulations
governing the use and storage of data.

Importance of Information Technology

We are living in the information age and are constantly inundated from every area within our lives with
information technology. It is now a part of our everyday lives and has greatly impacted society. We use
information technology to do school work, research for work, recreation and almost anything else that

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 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
Tuguegarao City

College of Information Technology

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

can be imagined. Family and friends are able to stay connected through internet applications and smart
devices.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Information Technology

Advantages of Information Technology

Information technology is a huge advantage to businesses by allowing organizations to be more efficient

and to maximize productivity. It allows for faster communication, protection of company records and
electronic storage. Every work environment is now dependent on computers and information
technology. Other advantages of information technology include:

1. Protecting and Storing Information

Electronic storage systems are being created to hold the information that is being shared over the internet
and internal intranets. Secure maintenance of customer and company files is vital to the integrity of the
company. Virtual vaults keep information safe by limiting access to a select few. Security systems are
put in place to protect your electronic information and keep it from being wiped out or damaged during
a system breakdown. Hackers are also kept at bay with intense securities.

2. Automated Processes

The ability to find ways to complete more work in a shorter amount of time is essential to the success
of a company. Information technology improves a company’s efficiency by implementing automated
processes to make employees more capable of handling a larger work load. Reports, queries and
monitoring financials can be completed by the computer programs, leaving employees free to complete
other tasks.

3. Communication

Communication in every aspect of human interaction is essential. In the business world, communication
is imperative to the success of the company. Emailing, video conferencing and chat rooms allow for
easier communicating between employees and supervisors as well as employees and clients.

4. Remote Access or Telecommuting

When a company has implemented an information technology system, many times employees can then
access the company’s network electronically. This enables employees to work from home or while on
the road. This gives the employees more flexibility and they are more productive because they can still
work when not in the office.

Disadvantages of Information Technology

Information technology has changed the world around us. Communication is done much faster and
global trade is becoming a simplified process. Although the benefits of information technology make it
seem ideal, there are also some disadvantages of information tech that are listed below.

1. Expense of Implementation and Maintenance

Setup costs for implementing an information technology system within a home or business can be very
costly. Software training can also take another big bite out of the budget. Information technology

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 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
Tuguegarao City

College of Information Technology

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

systems, just like any other equipment, need to be maintained and repaired from time to time. But there
are also updating and upgrading costs associated with IT systems.

2. Elimination of Jobs

By implementing IT systems into a company, tasks take less time and therefore, employees have more
time throughout the day. Paperwork is processed and filed immediately, reports are generated with the
touch of a button and financial statements are generated automatically. Companies are finding that they
can combine jobs and need a smaller staff to operate fully.

3. Breaches in Security

When information is stored electronically, there are more chances of having security breaches. Hackers
are evolving along with technology and they are never up to any good. Security systems that were state-
of-the-art last year are now out-of-date and in desperate need of upgrading. To protect company data, a
security specialist should be kept on staff.

While information technology is quickly becoming something that we cannot live without, there are
many aspects that keep us on our toes. Trying to stay current on the changes and be able to afford the
upgrades can make a person feel helpless and confused. But when we understand the different aspects
of information technology, then we can accomplish so much more than without it.

Evolution of Information and Communication Technology

Communication has improved and evolved to facilitate our daily activities. In the 21st century,
everything related to communication utilizes technology to ‘send out’ or disseminate information to
a wider audience. Information can be ‘sent out’ in many ways. The inventions of cellular phones,
television and other electronic devices are important in enhancing communication.

What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?

ICT is the technology required for information processing, in particular, the use of electronic
computers, communication devices and software applications to convert, store, protect, process,
transmit and retrieve information from anywhere, anytime.

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 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
Tuguegarao City

College of Information Technology

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

Information

Information refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study or research.

The tools to transmit information are the telephone, television and radio.

We need information to make decisions and to predict the future. For example, scientists can detect
the formation of a tsunami using the latest technology and warn the public to avoid disasters in the
affected areas.

Information is knowledge and helps us to fulfill our daily tasks. For example, forecasting the stock
exchange market.

Communication

Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process whereby information is exchanged

between individuals using symbols, signs or verbal interactions. Previously, people communicated
through sign or symbols, performing drama and poetry. With the advent of technology, these ‘older’
forms of communication are less utilized as compared to the use of the Internet, e-mail or video
conferencing.

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 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
Tuguegarao City

College of Information Technology

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

Communication is important in order to gain knowledge. With knowledge, we are more confident in
expressing our thoughts and ideas.

Technology

Technology is the use of scientific knowledge, experience and resources to

create processes and products that fulfill human needs. Technology is vital in
communication.

Aiding Communication

Telephone and fax machines are the devices used in extending communication.

Spreading Information

To broadcast information such as news or weather reports effectively.

Radio, television, satellites and the World Wide Web (www) are
powerful tools that can be used.

Technology Timeline

Technology Year

In 3500 BC, the Sumerians developed

cuneiform writing.

In 1500 BC, the Phoenicians developed

the alphabet

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 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
Tuguegarao City

College of Information Technology

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

In 105 BC, Tsai Lun of China invented

paper.

In 1454, the first printing began with

the creation of a printing machine.

Technology Year

In 1793, the telegraph line was invented.

In 1876, the first telephone was

introduced.

In 1925, television was made known to

public.

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 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
Tuguegarao City

College of Information Technology

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

In 1941, the computer was created.

In 1958, the photocopier machine was

introduced.

Technology Year

In 1963, the communication

satellite was introduced.

In 1969, the first Internet known as

ARPANET was introduced.

References:

https://sites.google.com/site/firdauskmm/chapter-1-introduction-to-information-technology
https://smkstictcd.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/la1-ict-topic-1-ict-and-society.pdf
https://inspirationfeed.com/pros-cons-of-living-in-the-era-of-technology/
https://civilengineersforum.com/information-technology-advantages-disadvantages/

Prepared by:

IT Instructors

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