CHAPTER 1

LIVING IN THE IT ERA

Introduction to Information and
Communications Technology (ICT)

Introduction
The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging
every day because of technological advances.
To nurture young people’s interest in IT and innovative thinking, we need to provide an IT learning
atmosphere. The study of an ICT course contributes significantly to the education of students by providing
pathways into the workforce or preparing them for further studies. It also provides opportunities for the
development of key generic skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity and problem-solving, in
contexts that derive naturally from their learning objectives, outcomes and experiences.

Technology versus Information Technology

Technology is tool that is designed based on scientific knowledge. Information technology or IT is a product,
service, or tool that derives its value from data. Technology may be primarily valued for physical functionality
such as transportation while information technology is primarily valued for functions related to data.
Technology enabling government organizations, industries, and common individuals to improve on their
decision-making, business processes, and everyday living. One key point of information technology is that it
involves the processing of data by computers.

Information Technology
Computers existed before 1978, but they were mainly used to perform complicated calculations. Computers
are built according to their design and reliability. Currently, scientists and researchers are working on five
generations that are based on the various factors that affect their performance. Due to the evolution of
technology, people have become more dependent on computers for their daily tasks. The devices are now
designed to work seamlessly across various platforms.

Evolution of Technology

Humans are prone to considering ways to improve tasks, workloads, or even day-to-day activities. The
concept of technology started off with the simplest tool. In order to build a house, one cannot simply use his or
her own two hands to cut wood and place it together. A hacksaw, hammer, and set of nails are needed to put
these pieces of wood together. The concept of a wheel also made transportation much easier, being able to
move several objects from one place to another with ease. By combining a set of tools, humans have come up
with a machine.

Another type of machine that is nowadays considered a necessity is computers. A computer is an electronic
device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, manipulate
the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use. However, as
technology evolves, so do machines. Computers today are no longer the same computers our parents first
used. The majority of machines, including computers, have evolved into the field of automation. In general,
automation refers to a non-manual way of completing a task. When applied to ICT, it refers to the use of
scripts, programs, jobs, and various other means of value provision to the intended end user. Automation is
defined as "the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically." We define
automation as the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of
products and services.
Intelligent System
An automated system is not the same thing as an intelligent system. Intelligent systems are far more complex
and are capable of learning. This is where the concept of artificial intelligence comes in. ICT intelligent systems
designers apply methods of artificial intelligence, in engineering, robotics, and computer science to design
programs that simulate intelligence including thinking models, cognitive and knowledge-based systems,
problem solving, and decision making. Intelligent systems are poised to fill a growing number of roles in
today's society, including factory automation, field and service robotics, assistive robotics, military applications,
medical care, education, entertainment, visual inspection, character recognition, human identification using
various biometric modalities, visual surveillance, and intelligent transportation.

Different Stages of IT Development Pre-Mechanical Age

The pre-mechanical age dates back between 3000 BC and 1450 AD. Human beings at that time primarily
communicated with each other using simple picture drawings called petroglyphs. This eventually led to the
arrival of the first writing system known as ¨cuniform¨. Instead of using pictures to express words, signs were
composed to correspond with spoken sounds.
The first writing material was simply a pen like object to create markings in wet clay. The numbering systems
and the abacus, the first calculator, were also invented during this period.
Mechanical Age
The mechanical age dates back between 1450 and 1840. This age is provided development between our
modern-day technologies and the rising technologies back then. Innovations in this age has given a great
interest in computation and information. Several machines were invented like the printing press, and metal-
type printing machine development of book indexes and the use of page numbers. The organization of
information paved the way of the development of files and databases.
Here are some other inventions during this age.

 The slide rule (1600s) is an analog computer that allowed users to multiply and divide.
 The Pascaline, invented around 1642, is also called the arithmetic machine. It is the first
calculator or adding machine to be produced in any quantity and actually used. The
Pascaline was designed and built by the French mathematician-philosopher Blaise Pascal
between 1642 and 1644.
 The Leibniz’s machine (1670s) – a machine that was an improvement of the Pascaline that
included additional components that made it easier for users to multiply and divide.

Even though these machine inventions were not as effective as the latest technologies we use today, they play
a big role in the evolution process of information technology.

Electromechanical Age
Electromechanical age dates back between 1840 and 1940, the beginning of telecommunication emerged.
Revolutionary technologies were invented in this stage that led to modern information technology systems. The
first discovery during this age was an electrical battery that created and stored electricity. In this age, telegraph
was invented to communicate with others over great distances through the use of electricity. This has led to
the development of Morse Code. This was a system built to communicate with others by breaking down the
alphabet into dots and dashes, transformed into electrical impulses and transmitted over a wire. More
importantly, the first digital computer was created during this time.
Electronic Age
Electronic age started way back 1940’s until this time. This is the stage of information technology that we
currently live in. Electronic equipment including computers began to take place. ENIAC/EDSAC/ was the first
high-speed digital computer being the ENIAC, Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. It was able to
solve a large class of numerical problems through reprogramming.
The evolution of information technology and the development of computers have been grouped into five
different stages or generations. They are:
• The First Generation (roughly from 1940-1956)
• The Second Generation (roughly from 1956-1963)
• The Third Generation (roughly from 1964-1971)
• The Fourth Generation (roughly from 1971-Present)
• The Fifth Generation (Present to Future)

The First Generation

The period of first generation was 1946 - 1954. Computers of first generation used vacuum tubes as the basic
components for memory and circuitry for Central Processing Unit.
It was designed by J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly from the University of Pennsylvania. It was the first
electronic computer and was considered the first generation of computer. The modular computer, composed of
several panels capable of performing different functions. It stores limited or small amount of information and
only do arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction up to 10 digits. The computer was roughly 167
sqm. and weighed 27 tons that uses vacuum tubes.
The computers relied on machine language and could only solve one problem at a time. Punched cards and
paper tape were used for input and printouts were used to display output. The ENIAC was an example of a
firstgeneration computer but it was programmed by plugboard and switches. The first electronic computer,
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and calculator) was developed in 1947 at the University of
Pennsylvania, USA.

The Second Generation

The period of second generation was 1959-1965. In second generation of computer transistors were used. The
transistors were highly reliable and easier to handle and maintain than the vacuum tubes. They required much
less power. These transistors replaced vacuum tubes in computers during this period. The magnetic cores
were used to construct large random-access memories. Magnetic disk storage was also developed during this
period.
Replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors made computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, reliable
and more energy efficient. It allowed computers to become more accessible since high-level programming
languages were being developed such as COBOL and FORTRAN.
Second generation computers leaned away from cryptic, binary machine language to symbolic, assembly
languages which programmed written instruction. Magnetic core technology was also used instead of magnetic
drum which made it possible for computers to store their instructions in their memory. Little by little, magnetic
tape and disks took the place of punched cards.

The Third Generation

The period of third generation was 1965-1974. In this generation silicon transistors replaced germanium
transistors. Integrated circuits were developed by interconnecting transistors, resistors and capacitors grown
on a single chip of silicon. Integrated Circuit (IC) chips were used in computers. ICs were small in size, less
power consuming and less expensive than the previous switching technology. Advances in storage
technologies resulted in creating large capacity magnetic, disks and tapes and large magnetic core based
random access memory.
ICs increased the speed and the efficiency of computers due. Transistors were made smaller and installed on
silicon chips. Cards and printouts became obsolete since operating systems, keyboards and monitors were
created. Programming languages were developed that made programming easier to do. BASIC was one of
those languages. Society as a whole had access to computers.

The Fourth Generation

The period of fourth generation was 1971-1980.The fourth-generation computers were made using very
largescale integration technology. Tens of thousands of components were packed on a single chip, the size of
a fingernail. It led to the development of microprocessor. Magnetic core memories were replaced by
semiconductor memories. Personal computer operating systems were developed during this period.
Computers upscaled to integrated circuits that contained a numerous amount of transistors on one, small chip.
Microprocessors contained memory, logic, and control circuits (central processing unit) on a single chip. From
enormous vacuum tubes that filled an entire room to a tiny chip that could fit in your hand. Computers like IBM
and Apple PC (personal computer) were created for both personal and business purposes.
Language software products such as Word for Windows and Access were also introduced which enabled
people to use computers without the necessity of any technical knowledge. Small computers became popular
and spread worldwide, networks, handheld devices and finally the internet were developed.
By the beginning of the 21st century, the World Wide Web began to be adopted by businesses as a
communication and sales method. The fastest development since 2010 has been the adoption of cloud
computing, which enables business software and data services to be accessed over the web.

The Fifth Generation

Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology gave way to Ultra Large Scale Integration that led to the
development of microprocessor chip with several million electronic components on each. Powerful laptops,
notebook PCs and desktops were the other developments during this period.

The fifth generation is essentially about a new super-breed of computers. These computers will be able to
think and take decisions. Artificial Intelligence is being built into the computer. Research focuses on artificial
intelligence, the creation of intelligent machines that function and behave like humans. The main goal is to
develop devices that respond to natural language input and that are capable of learning.
Speech/voice recognition, artificial intelligence, neural system, quantum computers, learning, planning, and
problem solving are some of the activities that are being tested and performed.

What is Information Communications Technology - ICT?

INFORMATION
Information refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study, or research. These are facts
provided or learned about something or someone thus, are knowledge acquired from another. Knowledge
gained through study, communication, research, instruction. Information is knowledge you can convey to
others. There are several ways and means of transmitting information to others: telephone, television, and
radio. Information provides us with knowledge and helps us to fulfill our daily tasks. Information is needed to
make decisions and to predict the future (formation of tsunami) using the latest technology and warn the public
to avoid disasters in the affected areas.

COMMUNICATION
Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process whereby information is exchanged between
individuals using symbols, signs, or verbal interactions. 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. Today, virtual communication has
been seen as one of the most common, easy and convenient ways using different gadgets like, smartphones
and computers connected thru the internet.

TECHNOLOGY
Technology is applications of scientific knowledge to solve problem or perform a specific function. It comes
from the Greek word “tekhnologia” in other form “techne” means art, skill, or craft “logia” means study
generally,
The use of scientific knowledge, experience, and resources to create processes and product that fulfill human
needs. It aides in communication. It enables government organizations, industries, and common individuals to
improve on their decision-making, business processes, and everyday living.
The simplest form of technology is the development and use of basic tools. Invention of the wheel helped
humans to travel. Use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information. Information
technology involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for
the processing and distribution of data. Spreading information to broadcast information such as news or
weather reports effectively. Radio television satellites and the world wide web are powerful tools that can be
used. technology changes, you must keep up with the changes to remain digitally literate. Digital literacy
involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related
technologies.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNCATIONS TECHNOLOGY

The term ICT was defined in a study conducted by Zuppo (2012) as “related to technologies that facilitate the
transfer of information and various types of electronically mediated communication. Zuppo created an ICT
hierarchy to identify key aspects, such as ICT in education, business, and the economic
It is the technology required for information processing, is the use of electronics computers, communication
devices and application software to convert store protect process transmit and retrieve information from
anywhere anytime.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is a broader term for Information Technology (IT). It
refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It is like Information
Technology (IT) but focuses primarily on communication technologies. It includes the Internet, wireless
networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.

It refers to all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers,
software, middleware, videoconferencing, social networking, and other media applications and services
enabling users to access, retrieve, store, transmit, and manipulate information in a digital form. ICTs are also
used to refer to the convergence of media technology such as audio-visual and telephone networks with
computer networks, by means of a unified system of cabling (including signal distribution and management) or
link system.
ICT is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing including all devices, networking
components, applications and systems that combined allow people and organizations (businesses, nonprofit
agencies, governments, and criminal enterprises) to interact in the digital
ICT have provided society with a vast array of new communication capabilities. For example, people can
communicate in real-time with others in different countries using technologies such as. instant messaging
voice over IP (VoIP), videoconferencing. Social networking websites like Facebook allow users from all over
the world to remain in contact and communicate on a regular basis.

ICT Hierarchy by Colrain Zuppo

Information and communications technology is an extended term for information technology which stresses the
role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless
signals), computers as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems,
which enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. The term ICT is also used to refer
to the convergence of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or
link system. However, ICT has no universal definition, as the concepts. Methods and applications involved in
ICT are constantly evolving on an almost daily basis. The broadness of ICT covers any product that will store,
retrieve, manipulate, transmit, or receive information electronically in a digital form.

In 2012, Zuppo proposed an ICT hierarchy where each hierarchy level “contain some degree of commonality in
that they are related to technologies that facilitate the transfer of information and various types of electronically
mediated communication

Impacts of ICT on Society

Because of virtual communication, ironically people are less likely to talk to or meet each other in person. And
because of the comfort of working from home and entertainment that the internet offers, physical activity is
reduced leading to health issues such as obesity and heart disease. ICT have direct and indirect impact on the
following: political, economic, social, cultural, Education, governance, job creation and e-commerce and thus
on economic growth and social systems.

ICT's Societal and Economic Impact

ICT has been a leverage for economic, societal, and interpersonal transactions and interactions. It has
drastically changed how people work, communicate, learn, and live. ICT revolutionized all parts of the human
experience as first computers and now robots do many of the tasks once handled by humans. Its importance
to economic development and business growth has been so monumental, in fact, that it's credited with
ushering in what many have labeled the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The broad shifts in society, as individuals
as a group are moving from personal, face-to face interactions to ones in the digital space.
This new era is frequently termed the Digital Age. For example, computers once answered phones and
directed calls to the appropriate individuals to respond; now robots not only can answer the calls, but they can
often more quickly and efficiently handle callers' requests for services.
More than 75% of people worldwide have access to a cellphone internet access through either mobile or fixed
broadband remains prohibitively expensive in many countries due to a lack of ICT infrastructure. It is estimated
that out of the global population of 7.4 billion people, more than 4 billion don't have access to the internet.
Additionally, it estimated that only 1.1 billion people have access to high-speed internet. digital divide.

Impact of ICT on Industry, E-commerce & Banking

In the industrial sector, ICT has helped workers operate machine. It has also helped researchers analyze and
collect research data for future references. ICT has provided facilitation in production planning and control
systems.
ICT has also impact on the e-commerce. It made buying and selling faster and more efficient through internet.
It connected online customers with supplies to purchase products. This method can save time and cost. It has
helped employees to communicate with their customers for any inquiries and to get the latest updates
inventory to be informed to the customers
In the banking sector, banking system and activities has tremendously become digital. Electronic banking
services and online services has been offered.
Business-wise, ICT have provided cloud computing and automation in business processes. The manner by
which business aspects like working remotely, mobile technology, protection of information, customer
satisfaction and resource management has been greatly changed and influenced by ICT.

Impact of ICT on Transportation Sector

ICT’s impact on transportation industry has been monumental. ICT has changed transportation in three major
ways: efficiency, safety, and convenience.

Impact of ICT on Education

In education, ICT have provided tremendous advantages in the teaching and learning process with the aid of
computers. From the traditional chalk and talk method, multimedia classes have been used by many educators
and learning facilitators. Research have been made easy using ICT. Collection of data and information have
been an ease with the use of ICT.

Through the use of ICT, educators have been able to ensure lifelong learning. ICT has provided access to
distance learning accessing teaching materials and experts from all over the world. Teacher use computers to
research for teaching materials, participate in online forum and webinars. Students use computers as
reference tools for looking information on the internet. Researchers use computers to collect and process data.
ICT gave opportunity to learning impossible experiments by using laboratory simulations. Impossible
experiments in the field of medicine, engineering and industry can be performed easily with the help of ICT.
There is also possibility for students to have individual learning. Manpower problem and human problems can
be avoided by conducting online examinations. The curriculum information about textbooks and references are
available using ICT.
On the hind side, ICT would require large costs as these applications, software and infrastructure are
expensive. Students and sometimes teachers can get in the technology aspect rather than subject content.
Lastly, a student’s imagination power decreases - their ability to imagine vanishes.

Negative Impact of ICT on Individuals, Organizations and Society

ICT has resulted in a reduced personal interaction and physical activity.
There is job loss or increase in unemployment. Multiple workers are being replaced and reduced by a smaller
number of employees capable of doing the same volume of tasks. In terms of shipping and freight services
which a certain amount is added to the operating costs for the physical process of transporting commodities or
goods.
For security, ICT brings threat to security. Internet connection must always be safeguarded from different
attacks such as data modification, identity/IP address spoofing, password-based attacks, denial of service.

Ethical Issues in ICT

1. PLAGIARISM – an act of theft in which a person copies another person’s ideas, words, or writings, etc and
pass them off as his or her own.

2. EXPLOITATION – action in which one deals with a person dishonestly, unethically, and dishonorably, in
order to take advantage of the latter’s works and /or resources.

3. LIBEL – it can either be an insult, slur, or slander. Either written or spoken or even through actions, it may
lead to libel if the accusation is not true and without any piece of evidence.

4. SOFTWARE PIRACY – act of installing or copying a software into the computer in the absence of an end-
user licensing agreement (EULA), and/or producing a copy disregarding the copyrights.

Most Common Cybercrime Committed in the Philippines

The digitization of data, the expanding use of high-speed internet and the growing global network together
have led to new levels of crime, where so-called bad actors can hatch electronically enabled schemes or
illegally gain access to systems to steal money, intellectual property or private information or to disrupt
systems that control critical infrastructure. ICT has also brought automation and robots that displace workers
who are unable to transfer their skills to new positions. ICT has allowed more and more people to limit their
interactions with others, creating what some people fear is a population that could lose some of what makes it
human.
Here is the list of the most common cybercrime committed in the Philippines.
1. Online Libel
2. Online Scams
3. Identity Theft
4. Online Threats
5. Violation of Anti-Photo & Voyeurism Act
6. Credit Card Fraud
7. Signal Jammers
8. Cybersex
9. Sextortion
10. Hacking
11. Card Abuse
12. Extortion
13. Kidnap for Ransom
14. Piracy
15. Advance Fee Fraud
16. Transaction Fraud
17. Ransomware