ICT

**What are ICT?**
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 * ICT stands for** **//Information Communication Technology//**. Any communication device or application can be considered an information communication technology (ICT). Some can include distant education/learning, chatrooms/videoconferencing, radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on. Today, the realm of possible uses for information communication technologies are everywhere. Many sectors are dependent on ICTs for record keeping, monitoring and transmitting information. A few examples of such sectors are banking, education, law enforcement, military defence, health care and politics. Many countries have been promoting ICTs as well. Under developed countries are fearing that they won’t be able to catch up with and therefore widening the digital divide- a means of bridging the gap.

**ICT's in Distant Education**
Information and communication technologies (ICT's) can provide an enhanced distant education. It enhances education by providing alternatives, which once were not possible to improve the quality and quantity of education. This type of channel of communication has the ability to present real opportunities for students, who once did not have the opportunity. //Here are some of the benefits of distance education courses.// __Convenience__ -- take online courses when you need them, not based on some college’s annual or semester schedule. A course is as close as a computer with an Internet connection. It also provides f__lexibility__ -- with no set class times, you decide when to complete your assignments and readings. You set the pace. In some programs, you can even design your own degree plan. It is also s__elf-Directed__ -- you set your own pace and schedule, so you control the learning environment. Lastly, __Time Spent in Classroom__ -- now you can take a course on just about any subject without ever having to be in -- or travel to -- a classroom so you have very little wasted time. Note, however, that some distance-education programs still do have an in-class component.

source: http://www.quintcareers.com/distance_learning_pros-cons.html

**Advantages** **of ICTs**
Many have cited ICTs the perfect tool for enabling less developed countries to catch up. Case studies done by two Alcatel business development consultants proved this to be more than just a priority but an economic reality.


 * 1) Rural communities held down by poor infrastructure and illiteracy can be able to access information through wireless networks. Such rural communities that mainly depend on agriculture can get information on market prices in the cities and so forth. Schools can also access a wide array of educational resources.
 * 2) As an investment, they could provide higher returns compared to alternative costly infrastructure. They may not replace roads but they ensure best use of the few means of transportation available.
 * 3) Economically, they create more local transparent marketing channels by reducing speculation and improving the distribution of margins between the various links in the value chain of each sector, from producer through to consumer. Time and money saved here can be channeled to other fruitful activities.
 * 4) Political and other social campaigns which are dependent on information can reap alot here. Improved communication between the authorities and local people can help implement health program initiatives and similar programs which require transmitting of information to the masses in lesser time.

ICTs used in the above do not have to be on an individual basis, they can be used collectively like in community centres and local authority branches.

source: http://www.alcatel.com/doctypes/articlepaperlibrary/html/ATR2004Q3/ATR2004Q3A02_EN.jhtml

**Disadvantages of ICTs**
ICTs’ have created a global village where people across the world can share conversations, pictures, videos at a level of interaction that is at the click of a button. As ICTs’ continue to evolve they bring with them several disadvantages. Some disadvantages include difficulties in finding access to such communication devices as well as affording the means to use such devices. In a number of developing countries, especially in urban areas, people are beginning to gain access and use of the internet. At the same time people have become mindless //mummies// who are controlled by e-mail, video-conferencing and internet chat in an effort to replace face to face oral communication. Despite how ICTs may bring us closer world wide it has made separated us from and in the real world. What kinds of relationships are we really building through the internet chatrooms and IM programs. There's no real connection between people. In addition, we have become so dependent on this type of technology- most people would even say their essentials in life include a cell phone.

The English language is also being ruined by ICTs such as MSN. When kids are writing today they are using all the short forms used in chatroom and IMs. For example, instead of 'you' people just put 'u' or 'lol' for 'laugh out loud'. They spell virtually every word incorrectly and this can harm their future in education and the workplace. What will become of the English language if ICTs like this keep up.

Due to such electronic technology, jobs and working locations have already be turned into a culture where people interact with a screen rather than a person. A prime example of this is telecommuting where people who work from home are linked to the office by modems where they can communicate with the work place without having to leave their desks or homes. Once again real relations do not develope. As well, you it can be bad in a business perspective because the managers may never really get to know their workers and therefore creates a very separated and ununified workplace. Another disadvantage to ICTs’ is the volume of transmitted data that individuals receive. With spam (junk e-mail) being sent and receive in the millions everyday, people simply have too much information to deal with.