SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

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LEARNING MODULE
FOR
GEE 3: LIVING IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ERA

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GEE 3: Living in the Information Era

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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Week 5
COURSE CODE : GEE

TITLE : Living in the Information Technology Era

TARGET POPULATION : All BSHM Students

INSTRUCTOR : Ms. Jesieryn M. Olangca

Overview

The concept of technology has evolved throughout the years. The term technology presently includes
advancements in communication and how information is handled, thus enabling governments,
organizations, industries, and ordinary individuals to improve on their decision –making, business
process, and everyday living.

Objectives

 Learn about the different computer softwares,

 Learn how humans communicate with peoples,
 Familiarize the different types of application software,
 Learn how computers impact everyday life.

Introduction of the learner

Each chapter in this module contains a major lesson involving the introduction to computers and
learn how computing is applied creatively to solve problems. The units are characterized by continuity,
and are arranged in such a manner that the present unit is related to the next unit. For this reason, you
are advised to read this module. After each unit, there are exercises to be given. Submission of task given
will be submitted by the agreed deadline.

GEE 3: Living in the Information Era

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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How Humans Communicate with Computers
Reading a long string of 0's and 1's can be very confusing and taxing. As such,
people who invented the computer identified two areas in computer systems-computer
hardware and computer software. Through computer software, humans are able to
"communicate" with the computer.

Computer Software
The computer software is a combination of instructions, data, and programs that
the computer needs in order to do a specific task. Another term used for computer
software is computer programs. Everything the computer does can basically be
controlled through these programs. Programs are a set of codes or instructions which
are usually designed or Written by computer programmers using a specific
programming language. The most common type of programming language used by
programmers is called object-oriented programming. This programming language
includes Microsoft’s C# (pronounced as ‘see-sharp’), Sun Microsystem’s Java, and an
open-source programming language,PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor).

Programmers have developed two types of computer Software-the system

software and application software.
People might be more familiar with the application software As most of the day-
to-day tasks done in front of a computer Involve the use of application programs (e.g.,
typing a school Assignment using Microsoft Word, editing a photo using Adobe
Photoshop, browsing through Facebook using Google Chrome, or Listening to music
using Apple’s iTunes). The system software also Called an operating system (OS) is the
most important software Running on a computer since it manages the computer’s
memory And instructions and has the ability to control all the connected Hardware and
installed software applications.
The OS allows a person to interact with the computer-from The hardware components
and peripherals to all the installed Software applications and files one has stored on the
computer.
GEE 3: Living in the Information Era

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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The interaction can occur in two ways:
1. By using a command-line operating system (e.g., DOS) In which the computer
responds according to the text Command that is typed
2. With a graphical user interface (GUI) operating system (e.g., Windows) such as
pictures and buttons through Mouse clicks and keyboard entries

System Platforms
Desktop systems differ from mobile systems in terms of how each platform treats
the application software installed in the system. A desktop or a laptop computer usually
needs an Application program to run a certain application on it, or possibly, multiple
ones at the same time. A typical example is that of a Web browser capable of running
multiple web sites with different “applications” all at the same time. In this scenario,
Google Chrome is open as the user waits for an email from a friend via Gmail, while
another browser tab has YouTube open as he or she Watches video tutorials. Another
browser tab with Wikipedia open Is possible as the user is also researching on different
computer Peripherals. All of these websites are accessed using a single Web browser.
A web browser is considered to be an application Software. However, this scenario is
typically played within a Desktop platform.
With today’s trend leaning towards mobility, more and more Mobile devices are
now capable of doing things which typical Desktop computers can do. This is why
companies that develop Smartphones, for example, have identified specific system
software and application software for these mobile devices (Hope, 2017).
Using a smartphone in accessing the same websites is a Different experience.
Instead of using a web browser to access all three web sites, mobile applications are
used. Mobile applications have the capacity to run directly on top of the operating
system without using web browsers. Facebook, YouTube, and Gmail Are typical
examples of desktop applications that have mobile Counterparts.

System Software
Two of the most popular desktop system software or OS Nowadays are
Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS In Mobile devices, Apple uses iOS for their
devices’ system software. But while Microsoft is also using Windows for their mobile
Devices’ operating system, it is not the leading mobile OS in the World, compared to its
desktop counterpart. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the most
GEE 3: Living in the Information Era

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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popular mobile Operating system as of 2016 is Android OS, acquiring 85% of the Global
market (IDC, 2017).

Table 2.3 Smartphone OS Market Share Chart

Period Android 1OS Windows Others
Phone

2016Q1 83.4% 15.4% 0.8% 0.4%

2016Q2 87.6% 11.7% 0.4% 0.3%

2016Q3 86.6% 12.5% 0.3% 0.4%

2016Q4 81.4% 18.2% 0.2% 0.2%

2017Q1 85.0% 14.7% 0.1% 0.1%

Applications Software
The table below identifies the different types of application Programs and their
corresponding software that are available in the Market.
Table 2.4 Different Types of Application Programs
Application program type Examples
Word processing software Microsoft word, wordpad, and notepad
Database software Oracle, Microsoft access, etc.
Spreadsheet software Apple numbers, Microsoft excel
Multimedia software Real player, media player
Presentation software Microsoft powerpoint, keynote
Enterprise software Customer relationship management
system
Information worker software Documentation tools, resource
management tools
Educational software Dictionaries: Encarta, Britannica,
Mathematics: MATLAb
Others: google earth
Simulation software Flight and scientific simulators
Application suites Openoffice, Microsoft office
Software for engineering and product Integrated development
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 development environments(IDE)
Online Applications Software
As previously discussed, application software consists of Programs that are
designed to perform specific tasks for users. Specific application software products,
called software packages, are available from different vendors. Usually, these software
Packages cost money although a lot of application software is now being made
available for free. Often called shareware, freeware, or public-domain software, this
software can be downloaded For free but usually with fewer capabilities compared to
the ones Sold. As such, online application software is now introduced with the improved
internet speed being made available to consumers. There are various products
available including software tools that were previously identified only as computer
applications.
Office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office Suite were only available ofline,
but now, Microsoft has developed Microsoft Office 365 which has been made available
to students and teachers For free via their Office 365 Education. Numerous web and
mobile Applications are also made available to users which oftentimes Feature the
same functionalities as the offline version. Google introduced its online applications
capable of doing the same thing As Microsoft’s Office Suite. Google Docs, Google
Sheets, and Google Slides are the online counterparts of MS Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint, respectively.
Other online productivity tools are also available for Organizations, such as data
collection and analysis, especially for those in the marketing industry. PCMag.com has
listed down Available online survey engines for 2017 and analyzed the top Contenders.
Included in the list are Zoho Survey, Survey Gizmo, Campaign Monitor GetFeedback,
Checkbox Survey, Fluid Surveys, SurveyMonkey, WorldApp KeySurvey, Outside
Software eSurveysPro, SoGoSurvey, and SurveyPlanet. Survey Gizmo is the Editors’
Choice getting a 4.5 rating and is said to be best for to midsize businesses (Schindler,
2017). Not only can easily disseminate its survey questions to its client but data trends
and analysis are also automatically done by tool, providing faster results.
Tomsguide.com has also listed down several population, Applications available
in the App Store and Google Play that can Increase productivity, improve efficiency, and
provide convenience.
Below are just some of the apps on their list:
1. Any do- a scheduler and reminder notification app
2. Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint- available free download in both
Android and iOS

GEE 3: Living in the Information Era

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 3. WPS Office- another office productivity suite that does The same as Microsoft’s
Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
4. Adobe Acrobat Reader – a PDF reader and annotation App which lets you view
and sign PDF forms
5. Microsoft Outlook – for reading emails, managing Contacts, and calendar
6. Newton Mail for accessing all email accounts in one “unified inbox”
7. Forge- a mobile drawing app that allows the user to create Sketches and edit
photos
Lastly, people who have no IT background can now create their own blogs and
websites through online tools which provide Web hosting and web content
management. They do not need to learn programming languages, although some
knowledge in Programming will be an advantage to further customize the web Layout.
Wix.com and wordpress.com are two of the most popular website creation tools
available online. Both tools offer blogging And website content management system
(CMS). Users do not need to be a programmers due to the simple and easy-to-use
design Of the CMS.

WordPress Wix

Programming Uses php,html, and css Uses html5

language used
Development process Uses web templates and Uses online drag and drop
template processors tools

How Computers Impact Everyday Life

The advent of technologies specifically the development of Information and
communications technology has changed the lives of people. Computers, for example,
permeate everyday life as they
Are used in various fields-in schools, malls, and hospitals, among others. The
following areas show how computers have made such an impact.

Education
Today, most elementary and secondary schools (public and private) and higher
education institutions (HEIS) have computers in their classrooms. ICT in general has
made things convenient and efficient for teachers, students, researchers, and school
Administrators.

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 With the use of computers, teachers can do research and enhance their teaching
materials. They can join online forums and Conferences and gain new ideas and learn
from the latest research Findings and trends.
Students use computers with internet access as one of their Reference tools.
They can communicate and collaborate with their Peers while working in their own
homes.
School administrators use computers for administrative work to ensure that the
entire operation of the school runs proficiently. An access to all school documents is
made easy and always available with the use of a so-called server.
Electronic learning (e-learning) is the newest teaching Methodology in which
students and teachers can communicate and collaborate with each other through online
discussion of their lessons, activities, and examinations. Such examples are
Blackboard, Edmodo, Moodle, etc.
Banking
The computer has made all banking transactions around the World easier and
more secure. It manipulates the entire banking System as it includes 24-hour electronic
banking services. The Services include:
 Automated teller machine (ATM)
 Cheque deposit
 Electronic fund transfer
 Direct deposit
 Pay by phone system
 Personal computer banking/internet banking

Workforce Industry
Workers, researchers, and administrators benefit from ICT. Computers are used
to expedite production planning and control Systems, to support chain management,
and to facilitate product Design in the industrial sector. Machines that are fully
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SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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computer-Operated are now used. Researchers use computers to gather and analyze
data for hypothetical reference while administrators use Computers to manage the
entire operations of the plant or factory to detect or anticipate explicit errors or
deficiencies that transpire in the process. Some of the large industrial companies that
Implement ICT include Toyota Philippines, Honda Philippines, And San Miguel
Corporation.
However, the use of ICT can be perceived as a threat to Assembly-line and
factory workers as robots or machines take over their jobs.

Electronic Commerce
Electronic commerce or simply e-commerce helps boost the economy. With
computers, internet, and shared software as the main tools needed, buying and selling
activities are made easier, more efficient, and faster. Customers, sellers, and suppliers
All benefit from the capabilities of ICT. Some of the known e-commerce markets are
Zalora, Lazada, Shopee, Metrodeal,Takatack, Amazon, OLX.ph, AirBnB, Booking.com,
Agoda.com, And many others.
Customers or clients use computers to communicate with Sellers. This method
can save time and cost as consumers do not have to go physically to any outlets or
department stores. Suppliers, on the other hand, use computers in keeping track of their
transactions which include the monitoring of inventory.
Hospitals
The use of computers in hospitals offers many benefits to both Doctors and
patients. Hospitals are creating patients’ databases of health records, treatment
records, and medical records. Also, with the help of ICT, doctors use computers and
various medical Applications not only for research advancement but also for faster
diagnosis of patients’ illnesses. Through computing and Monitoring technologies, tests
administered in hospitals such as Blood test, urine test, brain testing, ultrasound,
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echocardiography, Complete blood count (CBC), mammography, bone density Study,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and body Scanning, among others are
made possible. With the development of databases and other applications, ICTS
prevent medical errors In particular and improve the efficiency of the health system in
general.

Exercise:
Can be handwritten or computerized.
1. What is the common type of programming language used by the programmers?
2. What are the different types of application programs?
3. What are the two of the most popular website creation tools available online?
4. Imagine life without computers. How is it like? Now imagine the future with
everything going computerized or digital. How is it like? Compare and contrast
the two scenarios.

GEE 3: Living in the Information Era

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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