What is communication technology? While we talk about technology in the modern world. Most people think of computers or smartphones.
We can download music and watch videos on our phones. Besides, We can use Google Maps to find out how to get somewhere.
Moreover, we can also send messages with apps like Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct.
Communication technology makes it easier for people to talk and share information. It is a type of thing that helps people talk.
So, this article is about what is communication technology!
In education
Communication technology is an important part of learning. As well, teaching in schools and universities.
In the 1980s, many schools used audio-visual teaching aids. They combined audio with slides and film to increase learning. Teaching aids were only available in certain classrooms.
Other things like film projectors, cassette players, and overhead transparencies projectors were not available.
Nowadays, there are many ways that communication technology is helpful for education. For example, online lecture capture systems.
The system records lectures and uploads them onto the Internet. Students can watch or listen to them at home or in class on their computers.
And, it makes it easy for students to access lectures at any time and from anywhere in the world.
Technological capacity
Technological capacity has improved in recent years. There are more gadgets for students to use in class.
Many schools even have interactive whiteboards. It includes features like an LCD and interactive pen. They can use it to show videos, type documents. Or write on the board with special pens.
The pen is different from a normal marker. So it does not leave marks behind. These whiteboards can use to create presentations.
As a result, students can watch on their laptops. This reduces the amount of paper needed for a lesson and saves time. In universities, there are similar tools that help students complete assignments more easily.
The etymology of Communication Technology
The term was used in the 1980s, but it became more popular after 2000. Today, many people use the terms “communication technology” and “ICT.”
There has been a shift in perception in recent times. ICT is not only used for school. People also use it in their own life.
It is now seen as something that can be used in many parts of life, including business and industry.
The term “communication technology” is also sometimes called “communications and information technology.”
This is because it includes both types of technologies. They are all connected to the use of computers and other products.
ICT vs. Communication Technology
However, many people still use the terms “communication technology” and “ICT” interchangeably.
The word ICT is used more often than communication technology in recent times. Technology is a word that can mean different things depending on the context.
It can be more general and not refer to a specific technology. However, communication technology is one type of technology.
ICT encompasses all types of technologies that are associated with computers and other products.
On the other hand, Communication technology uses different types of equipment like phones, education, and business.
- YouTube (YT)
- Google Docs
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Tumblr
Communication technologies have been around for a long time. However, there were not as many uses for them before computers became popular. Now, they are essential in the workplace and the classroom.
WSIS process and ICT development goals
The WSIS is a group of rules that helps us with the global ICT agenda. There are ten principles and sixty-nine actionable recommendations, for example-
It also forms the foundation for the United Nations’ six thematic areas of focus:
(i) Human rights and fundamental freedoms;
(ii) Governance, democracy, and development;
(iii) Capacity-building
(iv) Access to information and knowledge;
(v) Connectivity; and
(vi) Technological innovation
The WSIS process is the main way ICT issues are discussed, negotiated, and implemented globally.
ICT Development Index
The ICT Development Index measures the development impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on individuals.
It uses to track ICT access. In addition, used overtime at the global, regional, and national levels. It develops by the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Models of access to ICT
The development goal of ICT is to provide internet facilities for all. But it does not work that way since some people can access the cyber world while some cannot.
So there are a few models of access to ICT, they are:
- A digital divide means that some people have computers and internet access. Others don’t.
- The digital exclusion model is a way to show that there are people. They don’t have access to the benefits of the Internet.
- In this theory, different people have different access to ICT. It is hard for anyone person to know how other people can get access.
Types of communication technology
In general, there are four main types of communication technology.
They are named below:
Telephone: It has helped transmit voice messages from one place to another in electric signals.
Radio: It is a communication device that can transmit and receive signals via frequencies.
Television: The transmission of pictures via electronic signals can be traced back to 1920 when John Logie Baird demonstrated the world’s first working television system.
Internet/Online Database/Computer Networks: This is the most advanced of all technologies used for communication purposes.
Communication technology is important because it helps people. People can learn anything they want. They have access to the Internet. It has no boundaries and limitations.
What are some communication technologies?
Many different things help with communication, but here are some of the most common:
1) Instant Messaging– This communication tool allows you to communicate with another person in real-time.
This can do via text message or online communication through a messenger-like app or WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
2) Social Media– Social media websites have exploded into popularity over the years. It’s allowing people from all walks of life to connect and share information.
Some popular social media websites include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram.
3) Internet– This has transformed the way we communicate with the rest of the world. Using an Internet connection in your home or office, you can talk to anyone around the world in real-time.
4) Email– Email is a free service that allows you to send and receive messages instantly.
It is also a great way to connect with someone else as most email addresses are publicly displayed. So, you can usually see their username.
5) Phone Calls– Although voice calling is not common. Phone calls are still a popular way to communicate over long distances. Most phones offer several features, such as caller ID and a call log.
6) Video Calling– Video calling is becoming an increasingly popular way to keep in touch with friends and family.
We have all heard of Skype or Facetime. But there are many other video calling services, such as Tango and Google Hangouts.
And
7) SMS– Short Message Service is a technology that allows you to send text messages from one phone to another.
This text messaging service is used on both mobile phones and computers.
8) Fax– Although fax machines have been around for decades. Nevertheless, they are still a popular way to send and receive documents even though fax machines aren’t used as often as they were.
They use for important communications, such as official government document submissions.
9) Radio– It is a free tool for anyone to communicate with others worldwide.
Although many people still listen to radio broadcasts daily. It is becoming less popular as more people turn towards television or online streaming for their entertainment needs.
10) Video Conferencing– With this tool, you can invite multiple people to join in on a conference call over the Internet.
Components of a CT system
The components of a communication technology system are important to understand how the different parts work together. This blog post will explore the various components and their functions.
The first component is a transmitter. It converts information into radio waves or microwaves that can send through space.
The next component is a receiver. It turns intercepted signals back into usable information for the user.
Next up is the modem, which modulates data bits to travel long distances without being lost or distorted along the way.
Finally, the antennae capture energy from electromagnetic waves and convert it to electric power for use by other devices.”
Literacy
The term literacy means you know how to read and write. When people are literate, they can read and write.
It also means using language, numbers, images, and other technologies to do things.
Additionally, literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals.
Conduits
A conduit is a means of communicating information such as data and news. Conduits replace the use of physical cables in transmitting telecommunication signals from one location to another.
Conduits make the transmission of data faster and more accurate.
Three main types of conduits exist:
- Wireline Conduits
- Wireless Conduits
- Satellite Conduits.