Lesson 1 Title of lesson: Introduction to Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Learning Area
Information and communication technology and society

Topic
Introduction to Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Learning outcomes
Define Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Explain how communication evolved over the centuries

Introduction
In the early years of Tanah Melayu, when there were no tv & radio, the beduk played the important role
in the society
The Headman of the village was the one who announced any news, be it birth, death, time of prayers or
even when the village was in danger.
Different rhythms signified different events. The rhythm of the ‘Beduk’ to announce death was
different from the rhythm used to announce prayers.
For example: the rhythm of ‘ Rentak Alu-alu ’ was used to announce death. While for Friday prayers,
the ‘ Tidung Melompat ’ rhytm was used.

Evolution of Communication

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

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

Information

Refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study or research

The tools to transmit information are the telephone, television & 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 fulfil our daily tasks. For example, forecasting the stock
exchange market.
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 utilised as compared to the use of
the internet, e-mail or video conferencing.
Communication is important in order to gain knowledge. With knowledge, we are more confident in
expressing our thoughts and ideas.
Technology
The use of scientific knowledge, experience & resources to create processes & products that fulfill
human needs.
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.

© 2006 Government of Malaysia 1

STATEMENT TRUE FALSE Instruction: Decide whether the statements are TRUE or FALSE.

1. The headman of the village is the one who will announce any news using the ‘beduk’.
( )
2. Beduk was used only for the announcement of deaths. (
)
3. ICT stands for Institute of Communication Technology. (
)
4. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the technology that people use to improve
their life. ( )
5. Information may come in various forms such as articles, charts, commentaries, quotes and
( )
recommendations.
6. Computers are the only modern communication technology. (
)
7. Communication is the application of scientific knowledge. (
)
8. We need to learn about ICT if we do not want to be left behind. (
)
9. There was no communication at all during the ancient periods. (
)
10. Information and Communication Technology comprises three major elements which are computer,
( )
Internet and networking.

Instruction: Circle the correct answers.

11. In 1500 BC, The Phoenicians developed the _____ writing.
A. laptop
B. Internet
C. telephone
D. Cuneiform
12. What is the fact about information?
A. Information can only be obtained from reading.
B. Information may come in various forms such as articles and charts.
C. Knowledge cannot be acquired through experience or investigation.
D. Messages received through signs and symbols are not considered as information.

13. Communication is ______ of transmitting messages.

A. an act
B. a function
C. a situation
D. a domination

14. A ____________ is a communication without technology.

A. leaflet
B. drama
C. magazine
D. newspaper

15. In _____ we can predict the stock exchange market based on the information that we have.
A. sport
B. lifestyle
C. business
D. entertainment

16. It is also a process whereby information is exchanged between individuals using symbols, signs or
verbal interactions.
The above statement refers to:
A. computers
B. advertising
C. photography
D. communication

17. Scientists can predict the formation of a tsunami using the latest _____ and give warnings to avoid
catastrophic disasters in
the affected countries.
A. knowledge
B. geography
C. anthropology
D. technology
18. An aeroplane is built using the application of _________ knowledge.
A. art
B. graphic
C. scientific
D. investigation
19. Thus the invention of cellular phones, television and other electronic devices are important in
enhancing _________as a
hole.
A. games
B. animation
C. multimedia
D. communication

20. Internet was known as _________.

A. Killer Net
B. Multi Net
C. Jaring Net
D. ARPANET

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct inventions.

Example: The telegraph line was invented before the telephone.
21. Paper was invented after ________________.
22. The computer was invented after the ________________.
23. The photocopier was invented after the _______________.
24. ARPANET was invented after _______________.
25. The printing machine was invented after__________________.

Definition of Information Technology

Information Technology means the use of hardware, software, services, and supporting infrastructure to
manage and deliver information using voice, data, and video.

To further define information technology and what should be included as far as the IT budget, the
following information is provided:

Information Technology includes: all computers with a human interface all computer peripherals which
will not operate unless connected to a computer or network all voice, video and data networks and the
equipment, staff and purchased services necessary to operate them all salary and benefits for staff
whose job descriptions specifically includes technology functions, i.e. network services, applications
development, systems administration all technology services provided by vendors or contractors
operating costs associated with providing information technology all costs associated with developing,
purchasing, licensing or maintaining software

ICT In Everyday Life: Education, Banking, Industry and Commerce

List the usage of ICT in everyday life.

Agencies may wish to include other costs at their discretion. For example, an agency may wish to
include digital cameras in their IT budget even though they can be operated stand-alone. Data entry
personnel may be included if they are considered part of the technology staff. Costs that are excluded
above may be included if they are an integral part of a computer applications or would be difficult to
break out because the costs are included with other information technology costs.
Examples of Information Technology:
Telephone and radio equipment and switches used for voice communications.
Traditional computer applications that include data storage and programs to input, process, and output
the data.
Software and support for office automation systems such as word processing and spreadsheets, as well
as the computer to run them.
Users' PCs and software.
Server hardware and software used to support applications such as electronic mail/groupware, file and
print services, database, application/ web servers, storage systems, and other hosting services.
Data, voice, and video networks and all associated communications equipment and software.
Peripherals directly connected to computer information systems used to collect or transmit audio, video
or graphic information, such as scanners and digitizers.
Voice response systems that interact with a computer database or application.
The state radio communications network.
Computers and network systems used by teachers, trainers, and students for educational purposes
"Open/integrated" computer systems that monitor or automate mechanical or chemical processes and
also store information used by computer applications for analysis and decision-making, such as the
Metasys building management system.
All operating costs, equipment and staff time associated with supporting the technology infrastructure
of the agency, possibly including items excluded above, such as video equipment used for technology
training that is included in the information systems cost center for the agency.
Examples of items excluded from the definition:
"Closed/stand-alone" computer systems that monitor or automate mechanical or chemical processes,
such as the fire alarm system in the capitol building.
Audio-visual equipment which can be operated as a standalone piece of equipment, such as televisions,
tape recorders, VCRs, video cameras, and overhead projectors. Stand-alone video editing equipment is
excluded.
Copy machines and fax machines.
Licenses or subscriptions to electronic information provided to users in lieu of books or magazines.
Salaries of staff who use technology but are not directly involved in developing, implementing or
supporting technology as documented on their PIQ. Data entry staff, staff who digitize drawings, staff
who do desktop publishing are excluded. "Power users" who use advanced features of spreadsheets or
word processing software are excluded.
Data entry services