Meaning and Understanding ICT

The integration of computing, telecommunications, and government policies for managing the access, security, processing, transmission, and storage of information is referred to as Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Components of ICT

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) comprises various components.

• Hardware components are one of the ICT components that facilitate the creation, transfer, storage, and management of
• Software is another component that supports digital design, personal productivity, and workflow management. This includes Software as a Service (SaaS) and local client applications.

• Electronic components are also included in ICT, and they enable the exchange of digital information through subscription service delivery
• Services related to ICT include IT asset management, data lifecycle management, customer experience management, digital employee experience management, and data

ICT and Education

The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in education has greatly improved the learning process and created a more conducive learning environment. This is achieved through the use of computers, tablets, interactive electronic boards, data displays, and other ICT tools to communicate information to students. UNESCO advocates for a comprehensive educational system that leverages the benefits of ICT, addressing the challenges in communication, information, science, and education through collaborative efforts.

Schools utilize a variety of information and communication technology (ICT) tools to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information. In certain contexts, ICT has become an integral part of the teaching- learning process, as demonstrated by the replacement of chalkboards with interactive digital whiteboards, the use of students’ personal devices for learning during class time, and the “flipped classroom” model, where students watch lectures at home and utilize classroom time for interactive exercises.

With digitally literate teachers who are trained to use ICT, these methods can foster higher-order thinking skills, provide creative and personalized options for students to demonstrate their understanding, and equip students with the necessary skills to navigate technological advancements in society and the workplace. Planners responsible for ICT implementation must consider various issues, such as the total cost-benefit analysis, providing and maintaining the required infrastructure, and ensuring that investments are aligned with policies aimed at promoting effective ICT use and teacher support.

Certain Suggestions

1. Teachers require specific professional development opportunities to enhance their ability to use ICT for formative learning assessments, personalized instruction, accessing online resources, and promoting student interaction and collaboration. Such training must positively impact teachers’ general attitudes towards ICT in the classroom while also providing guidance on ICT teaching and learning within each discipline. Education managers, supervisors, teacher educators, and decision-makers also need to be trained in ICT use to support teachers in implementing changes in their teaching. Without this support, teachers tend to limit student academic thinking by using ICT for skill-based applications.
2. In order to ensure that investments in ICT benefit students, certain conditions must be met. School policies should provide adequate ICT infrastructure, including stable and affordable internet connectivity, and security measures like filters and site blockers. Teacher policies should focus on basic ICT literacy skills, as well as ICT use in pedagogical and discipline-specific settings. ICT integration into the curriculum is essential, and digital content must reflect local culture and be available in local languages. Ongoing technical, human, and organizational support is required to ensure access and effective use of ICT.
3. To introduce ICT in resource-constrained contexts, policies should use an incremental approach, establishing infrastructure and adopting sustainable and upgradable ICT. The total cost of ICT ownership, including training, connectivity, technical support, and software, is considerable. Some schools have implemented the Bring Your Own Device approach to provide students with access to mobile technology, but not all families can afford such devices. To ensure equitable access to ICT for learning, schools must provide all students with access to devices.
4. Digital divide needs to be addressed as it exposes socio-economic inequalities. To overcome socio- economic inequalities, policies must aim to bridge the digital divide by providing media, internet, and digital literacy to all students, not just those who are most accessible.

5. Students who speak a minority language as their mother tongue face disadvantages in accessing ICT tools compared to their majority peers, as they are less likely to have computers and internet connections at home, and there is limited online material available in their language. However, ICT tools can also assist minority language students in improving their language skills, including the official language of instruction, through features such as automatic speech recognition, authentic audio-visual materials, and chat functions.

Applications of ICT in Education Sector

1. Research for teaching materials, online conferences etc.
2. ICT or computers are used as reference tools.
3. ICT or computer is used by the researchers to collect and process data.
4. Computers are used as administrative tools.
5. ICT offers interactive learning.

• • The Ministry of Human Resource Development acknowledges the importance of ICT in education to increase the current enrolment rate in Higher Education from 15 percent to 30 percent by the end of the 11th Plan period.
  • The ministry launched a web portal named “SAKSHAT,” a One Stop Education Portal that provides high-quality e-content in all disciplines and
  • Several projects are underway to change the way teaching and learning is done in India, including the project, “Developing suitable pedagogical methods for various classes, intellectual calibers and research in e-learning,” anchored by IIT
  • The National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) aims to provide personalized and interactive knowledge modules to all learners in Higher Education Institutions in any time and anywhere mode to enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education by 5 percentage points during the XI Five Year Plan
  • The mission has two major components: content generation and connectivity, with the provision of access devices for institutions and
  • The mission seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower those who have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy.
  • The mission plans to focus on appropriate pedagogy for e-learning, providing the facility of performing experiments through virtual laboratories, on-line testing and certification, on-line availability of teachers to guide and mentor learners, utilization of available Education Satellite (EduSAT) and Direct to Home (DTH) platforms, training and empowerment of teachers to effectively use the new method of teaching learning, etc.
  • The mission would create high-quality e-content for the target groups and simultaneously extend computer infrastructure and connectivity to over 18000 colleges in the country, including each of the departments of nearly 400 universities/deemed universities and institutions of national
  • Interactivity and problem-solving approaches would be addressed through the “Talk to a Teacher” segment, and peer-group assisted content development would utilize the Wikipedia type of collaborative platform under the supervision of a content advisory committee responsible for vetting the content.

• The Ministry of Human Resource Development acknowledges the importance of ICT in education to increase the current enrolment rate in Higher Education from 15 percent to 30 percent by the end of the 11th Plan period.
• The ministry launched a web portal named “SAKSHAT,” a One Stop Education Portal that provides high-quality e-content in all disciplines and
• Several projects are underway to change the way teaching and learning is done in India, including the project, “Developing suitable pedagogical methods for various classes, intellectual calibers and research in e-learning,” anchored by IIT
• The National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) aims to provide personalized and interactive knowledge modules to all learners in Higher Education Institutions in any time and anywhere mode to enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education by 5 percentage points during the XI Five Year Plan
• The mission has two major components: content generation and connectivity, with the provision of access devices for institutions and
• The mission seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower those who have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy.
• The mission plans to focus on appropriate pedagogy for e-learning, providing the facility of performing experiments through virtual laboratories, on-line testing and certification, on-line availability of teachers to guide and mentor learners, utilization of available Education Satellite (EduSAT) and Direct to Home (DTH) platforms, training and empowerment of teachers to effectively use the new method of teaching learning, etc.
• The mission would create high-quality e-content for the target groups and simultaneously extend computer infrastructure and connectivity to over 18000 colleges in the country, including each of the departments of nearly 400 universities/deemed universities and institutions of national
• Interactivity and problem-solving approaches would be addressed through the “Talk to a Teacher” segment, and peer-group assisted content development would utilize the Wikipedia type of collaborative platform under the supervision of a content advisory committee responsible for vetting the content.

Other aLeading Sub Sectors of ICT

ICT and Finance and Banking

ICT has had a significant impact on the finance and banking industry. With the use of ICT, financial institutions have been able to automate many processes, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing efficiency. Online banking and mobile banking applications have made banking more accessible and convenient for customers, allowing them to perform transactions from anywhere at any time.

Advantages

Improved Efficiency: ICT helps in streamlining banking and financial operations, reducing processing times, and increasing accuracy. This allows banks and financial institutions to serve customers more efficiently, resulting in higher customer satisfaction. For example, online banking services allow customers to manage their accounts and conduct transactions from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits to the bank.

Cost Savings: By automating routine banking tasks and reducing the need for manual labor, ICT can help banks and financial institutions save costs. For example, many banks now offer mobile check deposit, which allows customers to deposit checks by taking a picture of them with their smartphones. This saves banks the cost of hiring tellers to process deposits.

Improved Customer Experience: ICT enables banks and financial institutions to offer personalized and tailored services to customers. For example, banks can use customer data to provide targeted financial advice and offers based on individual customer needs and preferences.

Enhanced Security: ICT can improve the security of financial transactions by implementing secure systems for data storage, encryption, and authentication. For example, two-factor authentication is now widely used to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive financial information.

Access to Global Markets: ICT has opened up global markets, making it easier for banks and financial institutions to expand their services internationally. For example, fintech companies are now using blockchain technology to facilitate cross-border payments, making it easier and cheaper for businesses to transfer funds internationally.

Challenges

While there are many advantages to the use of ICT in finance and banking, there are also several challenges that must be addressed:

Security risks: As with any digital system, the use of ICT in finance and banking can create vulnerabilities that may be exploited by cyber criminals. Banks and financial institutions need to invest in robust security systems and protocols to protect their customers’ sensitive financial information.

Technical issues: The complexity of ICT systems can lead to technical difficulties that may disrupt banking and financial services. Technical glitches or system failures can result in financial losses for customers and institutions.

Infrastructure requirements: The implementation of ICT in finance and banking requires significant infrastructure investment, including hardware, software, and telecommunications networks. These costs can be prohibitive for smaller institutions.

Data management: The vast amount of data generated by financial transactions can be difficult to manage, store, and analyze effectively. Effective data management is critical for providing timely and accurate financial information to customers and stakeholders.

Digital divide: While the use of ICT in finance and banking can create opportunities for financial inclusion, it also has the potential to exacerbate the digital divide. Individuals without access to technology or the digital skills necessary to use it may be left behind as banking and financial services move increasingly online.

Regulatory challenges: The use of ICT in finance and banking raises complex regulatory issues, particularly around data privacy and security. Banks and financial institutions need to comply with a range of regulatory frameworks, which can vary by jurisdiction, and be able to adapt to changing regulatory environments.

e-C ommerce

• The e-commerce market in India is growing rapidly and is expected to reach $100 billion by 2025, according to
• Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the e-commerce sector in India grew by 39 percent in 2021, reaching a total of $79 billion.
• The growth in the e-commerce sector in India can be attributed to various factors such as hyperlocal delivery, digital education services, food delivery, digital health services, digital media and entertainment, and online
• India has become a popular destination for e-commerce due to its vast consumer base, diverse demographics, cost-effective digital infrastructure and services, and well-established supply chain

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are critical components of the digital economy and have become increasingly important in India and around the world. Here are some key points about the state of cybersecurity and ICT in India and globally:

India has emerged as a leader in the global cybersecurity industry, ranking tenth in the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index in 2020, with a score of 97.5/100. India’s total enterprise information security and risk management spending increased by 10 percent in 2021 to $2.08 billion, according to the Data Security Council of India.

Globally, the cybersecurity market is growing rapidly, driven by an increasing number of cyber attacks and a growing need for security solutions. The global cybersecurity market is expected to reach $345 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 10.9 percent.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation efforts around the world, leading to an increased focus on cybersecurity and ICT. In India, the pandemic has spurred growth in areas such as e-commerce, digital health services, and online education, leading to increased demand for cybersecurity solutions.

The use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things is driving innovation in the cybersecurity industry. For example, AI can be used to detect and prevent cyber attacks, while blockchain can enhance data security and improve supply chain management.

The banking and finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure sectors are among the most vulnerable to cyber attacks, and are therefore the largest markets for cybersecurity solutions. Other industries such as e-commerce, retail, and manufacturing are also increasingly investing in cybersecurity.

Governments around the world are taking steps to strengthen cybersecurity, with many countries implementing regulations and guidelines to protect critical infrastructure and personal data. In India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched initiatives such as the National Cyber Security Policy and the Cyber Swachhta Kendra to improve cybersecurity.

• India ranked 10th in the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index 2020 with a score of 5/100.
• India’s enterprise information security and risk management spending increased by 10 percent from $1.9 billion in 2020 to $2.08 billion in 2021.

• India’s cybersecurity services and products industry has grown at a rate of 40 percent annually, reaching $9.85 billion in 2021.
• The industry is predicted to touch $15.4 billion by 2023, according to the Data Security Council of
• The leading industry sectors driving cybersecurity growth in India are banking, healthcare, insurance, capital markets, and critical information infrastructure such as energy, oil and gas, defense, transportation, and

Fintech

The FinTech market in India is among the fastest-growing in the world, driven primarily by digital payments, with digital lending and other technology-enabled financial services following suit. Currently valued at $31 billion, the Indian FinTech market is expected to soar to $150 billion by 2025, as projected by Invest India. FinTech transactions are set to double to $138 billion in 2023 from the $66 billion recorded in 2019. The Reserve Bank of India, as the overseer of payment systems in the country, has implemented measures to bolster the FinTech ecosystem in recognition of its vital role in advancing the Indian economy.

Impact of ICT on Society

Positives

1. Faster communication speed:

• The advent of ICT has led to a significant improvement in the speed of communication. With the use of various communication tools such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media platforms, individuals and organizations can communicate with one another faster than ever before. This has led to increased productivity, as businesses can now share information and make decisions in real-time, ultimately resulting in faster and better decision-making processes.

2. Lower communication cost:

• ICT has reduced the cost of communication significantly. With the availability of cost-effective communication tools such as email, instant messaging, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), individuals and organizations can communicate with others across the globe at lower costs. This has allowed businesses to reduce their operational costs, increase their efficiency, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

3. Reliable mode of communication:

• ICT has also provided a more reliable mode of communication. With the use of various communication tools, individuals and organizations can communicate with one another in a more efficient and reliable manner. This has reduced the likelihood of miscommunication, leading to fewer errors and better decision-making processes.

4. Effective sharing of information:

• One of the most significant impacts of ICT on society is the effective sharing of information. With the use of various digital tools, individuals and organizations can share information faster and more efficiently than ever before. This has led to improved collaboration and decision-making processes, as businesses can now share data and insights in real-time, allowing them to respond quickly to changes in their industry.

5. Borderless communication:

• Finally, ICT has made communication borderless. With the use of the internet and other digital tools, individuals and organizations can communicate with others across the globe without the need for physical presence. This has opened up new opportunities for businesses to expand their operations globally, leading to increased growth and prosperity. Additionally, borderless communication has also led to improved cultural exchange and understanding, as people from different parts of the world can now communicate and share ideas more easily.

Negatives

While ICT has brought about numerous positive impacts on society, it has also given rise to a few negative effects, which are:

1.    Cyberbullying

• ICT has led to the rise of cyberbullying, a form of bullying that takes place online. Cyberbullying involves the use of digital tools such as social media, email, and instant messaging to harass, intimidate, or embarrass individuals. This form of bullying can have severe consequences, including mental health issues, social withdrawal, and in extreme cases, suicide.

2.    Information Overload:

• ICT has led to an abundance of information being available to individuals, which can be overwhelming. The excessive amount of information available can cause stress, anxiety, and cognitive overload, leading to decreased productivity, poor decision-making, and burnout.

3.   Dependency:

• ICT has created a dependency on technology, with individuals becoming increasingly reliant on digital tools for communication, information, and entertainment. This dependency can lead to addiction, anxiety, and a reduced ability to function without technology.

4.    Security Risks:

• ICT has also given rise to security risks, with the potential for personal data to be accessed, manipulated, or stolen. Cybersecurity threats such as hacking, identity theft, and phishing attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing a significant risk to individuals, businesses, and governments.

In conclusion, while ICT has brought about numerous positive impacts on society, it is essential to recognize its potential negative effects and take steps to mitigate them. By doing so, we can fully harness the benefits of ICT while minimizing its potential risks.

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