Meaning & definition of Information technology
Introduction
This is the era of
information technology (IT). Nowadays, every aspect of our life is connected to
IT. Huge usage of IT is emerging in all over the world. Although, use of
Information technology is spreading. its impact in every field of life. But, it
impacts significantly in the field of education to make the learning process
interesting as well as successfully. According to J.T. Fouts, the first use of
the computer in the field of Education was in 1970. But, now computer and its
technology almost use in every educational institution across the world.
Technology
The process or application that creates new methods to:
· Solve problems
Technology has been defined as
"systematic knowledge and action, usually of industrial processes but
applicable to any recurrent activity". In providing tools and techniques
for action, technology at once adds to and draws from a knowledge base in which
theory and practice interact and compact. At its most general level technology
may be regarded as definable specifiable way of doing anything.
Technology is a codified, communicable procedure for solving problems. Technology, Manfred Kochen observed, impacts in three stages.
Before describing IT we
must know about Data, Information & data processing. So I am describing
here the meaning of the terms.
Data
Data is mare collection of raw facts. Data is
like raw material. Data does not interrelate and also it does not help in
decision making. Data is defined as groups of non-random symbols in the form of
text, images, voice representing quantities, action and objects.
Data processing
The conversion or
transformation of data into meaningful information is called data processing.
Information
The processed form of data is called information, which is meaningful for the recipients for current and progressive decision making. Information is the product of data processing. Information is interrelated data. Information is equivalent to finished goods produced after processing the raw material. The information has a value in decision making. Information brings clarity and creates an intelligent human response in the mind.
According to Davis and
Olson: “Information is a data that has been processed into a form that is
meaningful to recipient and is of real or perceived value in the current or the
prospective action or decision of recipient.”
Meaning
of Information Technology
The
term IT or information technology was first use in an article publish in
Harvard Business Review in 1958. Information technology is a recent and
comprehensive term, which describes the whole range of processes for
generation, storage, transmission, retrieval and processing of information.
Technology has changed dramatically over recent decades. The increasing variety
and accessibility of technology has expanded the toolbox and the opportunities for
teachers to use technology. Computer devices are more powerful and come in
different forms, from those that sit on our desks to those that sit in the palm
of our hands. The internet connects those devices and connects students to each
other in the classroom, through the school and around the world.
Ø The
use of tools, techniques or machines to transform the data into information is
called technology. It is also known as IT. IT is considered to be a subset of
information & communication technology or ICT. In general information
technology is all about use of computer.
Ø
The study or use of electronic equipment
especially computers for storing, analysing and sending out information is
called information technology.
Ø
Information technology is a general term
that describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store and
communicate information.
Ø IT
means the use of hardware and software services & supporting infrastructure
to produce manage & deliver information.
Definition
of Information technology
Macmillan Dictionary of
Information Technology defines IT as "the
acquisition, processing, storage and
dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a
micro-electronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications".
Two points are worth consideration about this
definition:
1.
The
new information technology is seen as involving the
formulating, recording and processing and not just transmitting of,
information. These are elements in the communication process which can be
separated (both analytically and in practice) but in the context of human
communication they tend to be intertwined.
2.
Modem information technology
deals with a wide variety of ways of representing information. It covers not
only the textual (i.e., cognitive, propositional and verbalised forms, we often
think under the head information), but also numerical, visual, and auditory
representations.
Ø UNESCO defines Information
Technology as "scientific, technological and
engineering disciplines and the management techniques used in information
handling and processing information, their applications; computers and their
interaction with man and machine and associated social, economic and cultural
matters".
This definition, while
emphasising the significant role of computers, appears not to take into its
purview the communication systems. It may, however, be stated that
communication systems are as essential to information technology as computers.
As a consequence, we have a convergence of three strands of technologies:
computers, microelectronics and communications. In other words, mosaics of
technologies, products and techniques have combined to provide new electronic
dimensions to information management. This mosaic is known by the name new
information technology. It is important to bear in mind that information
technology is not just concerned with new pieces of equipment but with much
broader spectrum of information activities. Information technology encompasses
such different things as book, print; reprography, the telephone network,
broadcasting and computers.
Scope
of IT in Education
The following are the
scope of Information technology in Education.
Ø Teaching
learning process
Ø Publication
of books, magazines, articles
Ø Evaluation
& Assessment
Ø Administration
& Management
Ø Research
Ø Development
of educational tools
Ø Distance
learning
Ø Lifelong
learning
Ø Libraries
& E-libraries, Seminars
Ø Learning
management system (LMS)
Need
and Importance of Information Technology in Education
Need of IT in Education
o
Education is a lifelong process
therefore anytime anywhere access to it is the need
o
Information explosion is an ever
increasing phenomena therefore there is need to get access to this information
o
Education should meet the needs of
variety of learners and therefore IT is important in meeting this need
o
It is a requirement of the society that
the individuals should possess technological literacy
o
We need to increase access and bring
down the cost of education to meet the challenges of illiteracy and poverty-IT
is the answer
Importance of IT in
Education
Ø access
to variety of learning resources
Ø immediacy
to information
Ø anytime
learning
Ø anywhere
learning
Ø collaborative
learning
Ø multimedia
approach to education
Ø authentic
and up to date information
Ø access
to online libraries
Ø teaching
of different subjects made interesting
Ø educational
data storage
Ø distance
education
Ø access
to the source of information
Ø Multiple
communication channels-e-mail, chat, forum, blogs, etc.
Ø access
to open courseware
Ø better
accesses to children with disabilities
Ø reduces
time on many routine tasks
Conclusion
In today’s world education needs modern,
moderate and simple technologies in order to meet its needs for its arrival and
correct use. Computer and its related technology have completely revolutionized
our lives. Now, information technology is important in every walk in life.
Undoubtedly, Information technology has great impact in our education system.
Various technologies have been used to improve the teaching and learning
process. Information technology makes our education system interesting,
flexible, self-pacing and effective. Students can learn better without getting
bored and frustrated.