QUEZON MEMORIAL ACADEMY

Progreso St. Poblacion West Umingan, Pangasinan

Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the

21st Century Culture
Week 11- Second Semester

I. Title: Information and Communications Technology

II. Objectives:
After going through this module, students are expected to:
A. Discuss the functions of information and communications technology (ICT);
B. Identify dimensions of technology that are enabling and not inhibiting;
C. Discuss the benefits of ICT; and
D. Utilize ICT effectively rather than be enslaved by it.
III. Anticipatory Guide:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is a broader term for Information Technology (IT),
which refers to all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, cell phones,
computers, software, middleware, video-conferencing, 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. However, there is
no universally accepted definition of ICTs considering that the concepts, methods and tools involved in ICTs are
steadily evolving on an almost daily basis.

IV. Lesson Content:

According to technopedia, ICT refers to “all the technology used to handle telecommunications, broadcast
media, intelligent building management systems, audiovisual processing and transmission systems, and network-
based control and monitoring functions.” The term covers wireless networks, cell phones, the internet, and other
media for communication. Information and communications technology is similar to information technology (IT),
although the former gives more emphasis on communication technologies while the latter is limited to computers.
New ICTs are providing the world with new communication services such as video conferencing, instant
messaging, and voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP). Moreover, social networking sites and mobile apps such as
Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have made connecting and exchanging information among users scattered all over
the globe instantaneous due to minimal barriers. Thus, ICT is perceived to be instrumental in creating a global
village, which is the world conceived as a single community linked by telecommunications.
Paul Heinrich (2011) enumerates the uses of ICT in learning, management, and communication which are
interrelated.
1. Learning- the school should consider learning about ICT as a subject and learning with ICT, which is
applying the entire range of ICT tools in support of learning. Learning about ICT as a subject should cover
technical knowledge about ICT such as systems, networks, data standards, programming; core skills which
include digital communications, control, problem solving, media production, and editing; safety, security,
copyright laws, e-safety, data protection and environmental issues.
2. Management- this refers to the Management Information System (MIS) which takes care of report writing,
home-school links, attendance, examination entries, and target setting. The most important task of MIS is the
collection and handling of data on student performance.
3. Communication- this is about projecting the right image of the school of the school through its Website,
which provides the public an idea about the school. It contains core information, online prospectus, news,
student activities, and guidance and support materials for parental engagement.
Benefits of ICT
ICT has benefited human life in all dimensions. Alongside the benefits and advantages of ICT are problems and
disadvantages. Nevertheless, the benefits of ICT far outweigh the drawbacks. Similar with functions, the benefits of
ICT vary according to the area or field of study. The benefits focused here lie much in the field of education.
Disadvantages of ICT in Education
Just like any other technology, ICT too comes with certain limitations. While most of the educational specialist
empathize on putting aside the few disadvantages, few still argue otherwise and essay the drawbacks of using the
technology in education.
`Misleading and misguiding information
`Risk of cyber-attacks and hacks
`A risk to the traditional book and handwriting methods
`Implementing computers and the internet for ICT replace the convention education `curriculums
`Managing courses online is difficult
`Misuse of technology
`Not accessible everywhere
`Teachers require experience to handle ICT 
`implementing computers and the internet is expensive 
`Few believe that computers can limit imagination 
Advantages of ICT in Education
`The 10 benefits/ advantages of ICT in education are enormous. Its benefits are easy to `perceive and simple
to implement.
`Enhanced the modes of communication
`Cost-efficient
`Paperless: Eliminate the usage of paper. Eco-friendly
`Better teaching and learning methods
`Enhanced data and information security
`Minimize cost and save time
`Easy student management
`Automatic solutions to manual paper-based process and procedures
`Interactive and collaborative teaching and learning methods
`Direct classroom teaching 
`Spread awareness of the social impact of technological change in education
`Web-based LMS tools connect students, educators, scholars and researchers, and education personal
together
`Enhance E-learning and learning management system (LMS)
`Independent learning platforms for students
`Teachers can teach better with images, videos and graphics while delivering lessons
`Educators can create engaging, interesting and well-designed classroom activities
`Improve the administration and enhance the quality and efficiency of education
`Promote and improve the digital culture in schools, colleges, and universities
Dimensions of ICT:
1. Computing: PCs are expensive for most people, and shared access becomes inevitable. PC today are very difficult to
use, and even expert spend a lot of time maintaining their machines, worrying about upgrades, security, compatibility of
hardware, etc. As a complementary technology, non PC devices are an important option.
2. Connectivity: while mobile telephony is improving worldwide, it remains expensive, limited and poor at providing
data connectivity.
3. Content: Meaningful content is lacking in many languages, and most content is not locally relevant.
4. Capacity: users need to be aware, literate and innovative to harness the power of ICT. They also should be
empowered to use ICT, both by society and by the state.

V. Activity
Expand your understanding:
1. By looking at the picture above, explain the different dimensions of ICT.
2. What do you think is more effective: promoting your advocacy online or with the use of ICT, or by word or mouth?
Why?
VI. Assignment
Explain ICT as facilitator of Social Relations and Political movement.
LORIELE P. LANTION

Subject Teacher