The full form of ICT is Information and Communications Technology. It was launched in schools in December 2004 and revised in 2010 to provide opportunities for students to build their skills in ICT and make them learn through computer aided processes. It is used to control network based tools, telecommunications, monitoring, transmission systems, intelligent building management systems, broadcast media, etc. ICT includes any products that store, retrieve and manage the data in computers, mobiles and other storage devices. This scheme provides support to states and Union Territories to establish computer labs and other tools that help the students to build thier skills.
The simplified means of ICT is any technology that has to do with information and communication. ICT approaches and implementation change every day. It allows teachers to use digital learning and allows the students to focus on their weaknesses and help them in solving issues and decision-making. ICT resources can work as a medium to transfer lectures to a learner-centered environment.
The various components of ICT are:
Communication technology
Cloud computing
Internet access
Software
Hardware
Data and Transaction
ICT has become a fundamental need for today's society. ICT systems are adding smart and intelligent functionalities to current existing technologies. Business organizations use ICT in many ways like to increase their production, to bring customers, to improve their resources and many more. ICT has a direct and also indirect effect on the economic growth of everyone. In present days, many services depend on ICT directly or indirectly. The modern information technology and communication network used to improve enterprise advertising and development. It provides enhanced information exchange mechanisms for educational institutions such as schools and colleges.
ICT is important for social, economical and interpersonal transactions. ICT changes the way people live, learn and communicate. ICT continues to revolutionize all parts of human experience like at first computers are invented and now robots are discovered which do as many tasks as handled by humans. ICT importance to economic and social growth is so monumental and it impacts a lot in the life of humans. This new era is termed as the digital era in which ICT plays a major role. ICT mainly helps the organization to gain more profit comparatively with the means of modern techniques and technology tools.
The use of ICT has grown rapidly over the time. The ICT tools are widely used in schools to create, manage and store the information. ICT plays a vital role in education which turns the chalkboards into digital boards and also students can watch the lectures at home which is known as online learning. ICT leads to creative and innovative learning and higher order thinking skills which makes the students understand the concepts better. ICT product helps the student to prepare the ongoing technologies and upcoming development. ICT technology provides different opportunities to make the classes more fun and enjoyable in terms of teaching the same lessons in different ways. When ICT is integrated into the studies, students can be more engaged in their work when compared to normal classroom lectures.
For businesses and organizations advancement within ICT has brought significant changes of cost savings, conveniences and opportunities. There are many changes that have been made by ICT like digitization of data, expanding use of internet services, growing global network, etc. ICT has also brought automation and robots which can do the work fast and efficiently when compared to humans.
There are four main types of Information and Communication Technology that have contributed to the ease of sending messages. They are
Television
Telephone
Radio
Internet
There are many benefits of ICT. Some of them are listed below.
Cost-effective
Automation
Creation of new jobs
Educational resources for teachers
It promotes E-learning and classrooms
Upgraded classrooms
ICT promotes student engagement and knowledge retention
The important tools of ICT are:
Computers
Printers
Scanners
Desktop
Laptops
Data projector
Smart phones
ICT has a great impact in our day-to-day life. For example, we can read the daily newspaper using the online newspaper with the help of ICT and we can also connect with our family and friends though we are anywhere in the world with the help of video conferences and other means.