COMP100: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Is this course for you?

Introduction to information technology enable Learners understand the

basic parts of computer technology and communication/Telecommunication
technologies and Impacts of information in various sector of economy. Also
explore the nature and economics of information; thus, be able to evaluate
and effectively use information in the current age of information. Provide a
comprehensive introduction to programming, and builds a concrete base of
programming skills that can be used to easily develop programs in all other
programming languages.
Expose students to past and current research issues in the field of information
technology. Provide experience in the implementation of typical programming
concepts.

You are expected to complete the course in 45 lecture hours and 15 pratical
hours within a period of one semester.

Introduction to the course

In this course we aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of
information technology and programming concepts. In particular we focus on
the principles, techniques, and practices relevant to the intention and
implementation of information technology and programming. The course
takes a systems-oriented view of information technology and programming,
concentrating on infrastructure hardware, software and providing hands-on
experience implementing information technology and programming.
Course outline
There are Nine (9) topics in this course, namely:
Topic 1: Definitions of Information Technology

Topic 2: Computer technology;

Topic 3: Computer software;

Topic 4: Exploring the nature of information;

Topic 5: Creating information and Economics of information;

Topic 6: Information systems;

Topic 7: Information communication,

Topic 8: Information security and backup systems;

 COMP100: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Course content
Is this course for you?

Introduction to information technology enable Learners understand the

basic parts of computer technology and communication/Telecommunication
technologies and Impacts of information in various sector of economy. Also
explore the nature and economics of information; thus, be able to evaluate
and effectively use information in the current age of information. Provide a
comprehensive introduction to programming, and builds a concrete base of
programming skills that can be used to easily develop programs in all other
programming languages.
Expose students to past and current research issues in the field of information
technology. Provide experience in the implementation of typical programming
concepts.

You are expected to complete the course in 45 lecture hours and 15 pratical
hours within a period of one semester.

Introduction to the course

In this course we aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of
information technology and programming concepts. In particular we focus on
the principles, techniques, and practices relevant to the intention and
implementation of information technology and programming. The course
takes a systems-oriented view of information technology and programming,
concentrating on infrastructure hardware, software and providing hands-on
experience implementing information technology and programming.
Course Content
There are eight (8) topics in this course, namely:
Topic 1: Definitions of Information Technology

Topic 2: Computer technology;

Topic 3: Computer software;

Topic 4: Exploring the nature of information;

Topic 5: Creating information and Economics of information;

Topic 6: Information systems;

Topic 7: Information communication,

Topic 8: Security and backup systems;

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
i) Relate Nation development with Information Technology
ii) Able to evaluate information based on its characteristics
iii) Understand applications information technology for different businesses
and levels of management.
iv) Create information and efficiently use generic software to; capture data,
generate, store, display and disseminate information
v) Understand information security and backup systems

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
i) Relate Nation development with Information Technology
ii) Able to evaluate information based on its characteristics
iii) Understand applications information technology for different businesses
and levels of management.
iv) Create information and efficiently use generic software to; capture data,
generate, store, display and disseminate information.
v) Understand and evaluate information security and backup systems
 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
TOPIC ONE: DEFINITIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Introduction
Welcome to topic one. This topic is aimed at introducing Information
Technology and programming terminologies. You will also learn examples of
Information Technology. The topic is, therefore, designed to prepare you to
have a clear understanding of Information technology forces and principles.
You also learn the key benefits derived from Information Technology as well
as advantages and disadvantages Information Technology.

Topic Time

 Compulsory online reading, activities, self-assessments and practice

exercises [3 hours]
 Optional further reading [1.5 hours]
 Total student input [4.5 hours]

Topic Learning Requirements

 Participation in one chat (at least 5 entries)

 At least two elaborate contributions to the discussion topic. You may also
start your own discussion thread.

 Timely submission of the assignments

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

i. Define information technology and computer programming concepts

ii. Explain examples of information technology and Uses of Computer
Programs.
iii. Explain forces and principles of Information Technology
iv. Key benefits derived from Information Technology
 v. Advantages and disadvantages Information Technology

Topic Content

1.1. Introduction

What is Information Technology?

The Basics – What is data / Information?
Data: Raw facts, figures, and details.
Information: An organized, meaningful, and useful interpretation of data.
Information is data processed for some purpose
Information can only be considered to be 'real’ if it meets certain criteria i.e.
• It must be communicated to the recipient
• It must be in a language that is understood
• It must be in a suitable form
• It must be relevant for achieving some purpose
Information: is any form of communication that provides understandable
and useful knowledge for the person receiving it.
Knowledge: An awareness and understanding of a set of information and
how that information can be put to the best use.
Information technology (IT) is the application of computers and
telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate
data, often in the context of a business or other enterprise.
Information technology is the use of computers and software to manage
information. In some companies, this is referred to as Management
Information Services (or MIS) or simply as Information Services (or IS). The
information technology department of a large company would be responsible
for storing information, protecting information, processing the information,
transmitting the information as necessary, and later retrieving information as
necessary.
IT are set of tools, processes, and methodologies (such as
coding/programming, data communications, data conversion, storage and
retrieval, systems analysis and design, systems control) and associated
equipment employed to collect, process, and present information. In broad
terms, IT also includes office automation, multimedia, and
telecommunications.
Information Technology: Technology that enables information to be used
to produce products and services
Information Technology (IT) to refer to a wide variety of items and abilities
used in the creation, storage, and dispersal of data and information. Its three
main components are computers, communications networks, and know-how.
Information and communication technologies(ICT): stresses the role of
communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines
and wireless signals), computers as well as necessary enterprise software,
middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access,
store, transmit, and manipulate information.
ICT is also used to refer to the convergence of audio-visual and telephone
networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system.
1.2 Examples of Information Technology
 Telephone and radio equipment and switches used for voice
communications.
 Traditional computer applications that include data storage and programs
to input, process, and output the data.
 Software and support for office automation systems such as word
processing and spreadsheets, as well as the computer to run them.
 Users' PCs and software.
 Server hardware and software used to support applications such as
electronic mail/groupware, file and print services, database, application/
web servers, storage systems, and other hosting services.
 Data, voice, and video networks and all associated communications
equipment and software.
  Peripherals directly connected to computer information systems used to
collect or transmit audio, video or graphic information, such as scanners
and digitizers.
 Voice response systems that interact with a computer database or
application.
 The state radio communications network.
 Computers and network systems used by teachers, trainers, and students
for educational purposes
 "Open/integrated" computer systems that monitor or automate
mechanical or chemical processes and also store information used by
computer applications for analysis and decision-making, such as a
building management system.
 All operating costs, equipment and staff time associated with supporting
the technology infrastructure of the agency, possibly including items
excluded above, such as video equipment used for technology training
that is included in the information systems cost center for the agency.
1.3 The forces of IT

Figure 1.1: The forces of IT

Computer
A computer is a general purpose, programmable device that is used for the
production and processing of information
Computer: An electronic system that can be instructed to accept, process,
store, and present data and information

Hardware: The computer and its associated equipment.

Program: A set of instructions that directs a computer to perform certain
tasks and produce certain results.
Software: The general term for a set of instructions that controls a computer
or a communications network.
System: A set of components that interact to accomplish a purpose.
Information System: A business information system designed to produce
the information needed for successful management of a structured problem,
process, department, or business.
Computers Are Programmable
 Computers respond to instructions in the form of programs
 Programs are written in order to make computers behave in specific
ways i.e. word
 Processor, systems control
 Programs are stored in the Computer memory
How computers process information
 Computers accept inputs ( i.e. data)
 The input is translated into binary numbers and ‘processed’
 The process produces output (i.e. information)
This sequence can repeat endlessly: outputs can be inputs!
Communications Networks
 Communication: The sending and receiving of data and information
over a communications network.
  Communications Network: A set of locations, or nodes, consisting of
hardware, programs, and information linked together as a system that
transmits and receives data and information.
 Data Communication: The transmission of data and information
through a communications medium.
 Network
 A system of computers, peripherals, terminals, and databases
connected by communication lines.
 LAN—local area network
 WAN—wide area network
 Internet
 Electronic information networks that carry audio, video, and
computer data.
Know-How
• The capability to do something well.
• Information technology know-how consists of:
• Familiarity with the tools of IT; including the Internet
• Possession of the skills needed to use these tools
• An understanding of when to use IT to solve a problem or create
an opportunity
• Example of Business System
Figure 1.2 Business Systems
1.4 The Principles of Information Technology
i) Functions of Information Technology
ii) The Opportunities of Information Technology
iii) Information Technology Is All Around Us, Improving Our Lives
iv) The Responsibilities of Using Information Technology
1) Functions of Information Technology
 Transmission: The computer process of distributing information over
a communications network.
– Electronic Mail, or E-Mail
– Voice Messaging, or Voice Mail

Benefits of Information Technology

Figure 1.3: Benefits of Information Technology
2) The Opportunities of Information Technology
• Helping People
• Solving Problems
– Problem: A perceived difference between an existing condition
and a desired condition.
– Problem Solving: The process of recognizing a problem,
identifying alternatives for solving it, and successfully
implementing the chosen solution.
3) Information technology is all around us to improving our lives
Example of how IT has improve our living standards in terms of
 Entertainment
 Education
 Training
 Entertainment
 Transport
 Paperwork
  (Financial sector) e.g. Money and Investments, Taxation and
Accounting
 Agriculture
 Health and Medicine
 Manufacturing
 Journalism
 Energy
 Sports
 Governance
4) The Responsibilities of Using Information Technology
• To be Informed
• To Make Proper Use of IT
• To Safeguard
1.5 Key benefits to be derived from developing the national IT sector
1. Catalyst for improved business efficiency: A developed ICT sector will
prove a significant driving force for improved efficiency in the business
sector. Easier transfer and management of information make for more
efficient operations, which results in lower operating costs, a scenario
that benefits merchant and consumer alike.
2. Increased access to government services: A robust IT sector also
benefits governments as it allows for increased connectivity with the
public and increased access by the public to government services. In
T&T, initiatives such as “IT-connect” enable citizens to access and apply
for Government and state agency programmes and services online.
3. Greater opportunities for citizens: Citizens themselves have much to
gain from a developed IT sector. This as such a scenario allows for
greater access to primary services such as health and education.
 4. Education, in particular, can be seen to be made more available to the
public as distance learning and online tuition offer citizens greater
opportunities for self-improvement in an IT-empowered society.
1.5.1 Advantages and Disadvantages Information Technology
Advantages
i) Globalization: With improvements in information technology,
globalization has increased. The world is brought closer, and the world’s
economy is quickly becoming a single interdependent system.
Information can be shared quickly and easily from all over the globe and
barriers of linguistic and geographic boundaries can be torn down as
people share ideas and information with each other.
ii) Communication has become an easier, cheaper, and faster system with
the help of information technology. Using the internet, people can speak
to each other all over the world using video conferencing. Skype and
zoom is one helpful application that allows users to communicate to other
Skype and Zoom users for free e.g. during this period of corona pandemic
most business learning institutions are conducting their business online.
You can also pay a small fee to call or accessing online services.
iii) Social media is also another area of communication available because
of information technology. It’s now easier than ever to share photos and
information about your life with people you know all over the world. This
draws some families closer to family members they don’t get to see as
often.
iv) Real time/live communication: Most mobile devices also offer some
kind of face to face video communication as well. Using Skype and zoom
or other programs like it, you can call other mobile Skype users for free
to talk face to face. Apple also has Facetime, which allows iPhone users
to talk face to face with other iPhone users.
 v) Cost effective: Businesses have become more cost effective for both
themselves and their consumers using information technology. By
streamlining, businesses increase their productivity. This pays out to
greater profits, which allows companies to offer better pay and less
strenuous working conditions.
vi) Reachability: Along with making businesses more cost effective,
information technology allows businesses to be within reach of
consumers 24/7. You can also save money on purchases by buying items
located in different countries.
vii) Job creation: Information technology has also created new jobs.
Programmers, systems analyzers, hardware and software developers,
and web designers all owe their jobs to information technology. Without
such advances, these jobs would not exist.
Disadvantages
i) Unemployment: Unfortunately, along with the creation of new and
interesting jobs, information technology has also led to a rise in
unemployment. By streamlining the business process, job redundancies,
downsizing, and outsourcing has occurred. Many low and middle level
jobs have been turned to other countries, leaving more people
unemployed.
ii) Lack of job security: Many people also credit information technology
with a lack of job security. As new technology is released and jobs
require more and more training, it’s important for employees to stay in
a learning mode in order to keep their job. Changes in technology make
it difficult for older employees to adapt as quickly as their younger peers.
iii) Lack of privacy: Although information technology continuously works
on making things more secure, there is still a great lack of privacy. Cell
phones have been known to be intercepted, and email addresses can be
hacked. Just recently, the Heart bleed Bug created vulnerability in the
 Open SSL cryptographic software library, and many people were
concerned for their internet security and privacy.
iv) Dominant culture: It is also believed that along with opening a great
communication window, information technology has begun to create a
dominant culture. Many believe that the United States holds the most
influence over how teenagers all over the world now act, dress, and
behave simply because of what they can access online. English has
slowly become the primary mode of communication for business and
other communication areas.

In summary, you learned that;

 The world of IT applications in all sectors offers great opportunities for

gross national development; most especially in developing countries
Internet enables users throughout the world to access its (application)
services from anywhere.

 IT enables global economy era facilitates in terms of easy collection,

processing documentation, analysis and presentation of information in
all sectors; Health, Transport, Commerce, Industrial and education.

 IT, through the adoption of mobile phones and internet access makes
distance to be transparent and accessible of information

 IT has direct positive and negative relationship with economic growth in

various sector of economy.

Glossary

Information: is any form of communication that provides understandable

and useful knowledge for the person receiving it.
Information Technology (IT) is the application of computers and
telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate
data, often in the context of a business or other enterprise.
Information and Communication Technologies(ICT): stresses the role of
communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines
and wireless signals), computers as well as necessary enterprise software,
middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access,
store, transmit, and manipulate information
Computer: An electronic system that can be instructed to accept, process,
store, and present data and information
Information System: A business information system designed to produce
the information needed for successful management of a structured problem,
process, department, or business.
Communications Network: A set of locations, or nodes, consisting of
hardware, programs, and information linked together as a system that
transmits and receives data and information.
Internet: Electronic information networks that carry audio, video and
computer data.

Further Reading

Joseph Farrell, &Carl Shapiro, The Economics of Information Technology: An

Introduction (Raffaele Mattioli Lectures) Cambridge University Press, 2016

H. L. Capron and J. A Johnson, Computers: Tools for an information age, 12th

Edition, Prentice Hall 2018

TOPIC ACTIVITIES

Activity

Visit nearby shop center carry out a survey and identify how IT facilities day
to day activities and transactions

Tip

Identify the type(s) of IT gadget(s) used by shopkeeper and customers in

carry out various shopping activities and transactions.
Assignment

a) The world of IT applications in all sectors offers great opportunities for

gross national development; most especially in developing countries
Internet enables users throughout the world to access its (application)
services from anywhere. Justify this statement using five specify
examples.

b) Explain how IT enables global economy era facilitates in terms of easy

collection, processing documentation, analysis and presentation of
information in following sectors;

i) Health,

ii) Transport,

iii) Commerce,

iv) Industrial and

v) Education.

c) Discuss how IT through the adoption of mobile phones and internet

access makes distance to be transparent and accessible of information

d) ”IT has direct positive and negative relationship with economic and
social growth in various sector of economy”. Qualify the statement citing
five positive and negative examples.