What is Information Technology
Information technology is the use and application of the computer system to
process, manage and distribute information. Use of IT in this context involves
both the hardware and software components.
Some major advantages of Information Technology in various areas are listed
below:
Speed and Accuracy in information Processing
With the use of IT more work can be done by individuals, businesses,
services and government organisations. Function enhancement programs such as
word processors, database programs and spreadsheets can get work done in less
time with increased accuracy and efficiency.
Global Social Interaction
IT has made global social and cultural interaction very simple. This is
evident with the emergence and success of social networking websites, such as
Facebook and Twitter. More so, the use of information technology has eliminated
language barriers with technologies such as language translators.
Entertainment
The introduction and use of high tech applications and gadgets such as
iTunes, iPod and iPone has been revolutionary. Downloading, buying, playing and
organising, music, videos, movies and TV shows has been made super easy and
accessible. The gallant advancement of information technology through history
puts the world in your palm with technologies such as iPad and Amazon Kindle.
Communication
The effect of information technology on universal communication is
phenomenal. Telecommunication has gone beyond the use of basic technologies.
With the advancement of the Internet and technologies such as VoIP (Voice over
IP), organizations, businesses and individuals can communicate any time from
different parts of the world through video and voice calls, web conferencing,
seminars and virtual meetings.
Economic Advancement
A major step to global economic advancement is the removal of distance and
time barriers brought about by the application of information technology to
buying and selling of goods and services (e-commerce). E-commerce gave room for
tiny, small and big business players to emerge. Interconnection of businesses
is made painless. Thousands of local, national and international businesses and
enterprises now have what is referred to as ‘web presence’ and can now reach
wider audience.
Education
Education has gone far beyond the use of bricks and mortal classrooms or
traditional blackboards. The world is now in the era of e-learning, using
technologies such as VLEs (Virtual Learning Environments). Students can have
access to all teaching materials and resources online; engage in virtual
classrooms real time or asynchronously.
Health
The use of IT has led to an overall improvement in quality, safety and
efficiency in the health care delivery system. The health care sector is
positively impacted by the use of electronic health records, virtual healthcare
team technologies, telemedicine, e-health grids and various specialist health
care information systems.
Information technology had brought phenomenal changes to all aspect of life.
The positive impact has been global and the change continues to grow
exponentially. However, the disadvantages can not be ignored. A major menace
brought about by IT is security and drastic reduction in privacy.
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