Concepts of Information and Communication Technology | Knowledge Management and ICT for Public Admin

Summary

In this session, Professor Crip Anthony A. Ramos introduces the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its vital role in public administration. He explains the evolution from Information Technology (IT) to ICT, highlighting its impact on governance, communication, and data management. Key characteristics of ICT such as interactivity, global reach, and reduced costs are discussed, along with the types and desirable qualities of information. The lecture concludes with practical advice for using SMART criteria in research, emphasizing the need for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely information.

Takeaways

• 😀 ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology, which includes a wide range of digital communication tools like radios, phones, computers, and satellites.
• 😀 ICT plays a vital role in modern public administration by improving efficiency in governance, particularly in government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
• 😀 The development of ICT has expanded from IT (Information Technology) to encompass communication technologies, thus allowing for more interactive and real-time exchanges of information.
• 😀 ICT enables two-way communication, unlike traditional one-way forms of communication like television or radio. This interactivity enhances feedback loops in information exchange.
• 😀 The availability of ICT is nearly constant, with services like the internet accessible 24/7, provided there is a connection.
• 😀 Geographic boundaries no longer limit communication and information transfer, making ICT tools capable of global reach and connectivity.
• 😀 The cost of communication has significantly decreased due to digital platforms, making it more affordable to transmit information across vast distances.
• 😀 Computers are crucial for processing raw data into meaningful information. Data is the raw input, while information results from interpreting and analyzing that data.
• 😀 The three types of information that organizations process are operational (daily tasks), management (strategic planning), and strategic (critical decision-making information).
• 😀 Desirable qualities of information include being relevant, complete, timely, accurate, presentable, and cost-effective to ensure effective usage in decision-making and research.
• 😀 When gathering information for research or decision-making, it must adhere to the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this session in the knowledge management and ICT for public administration course?

The main focus of this session is to introduce and define Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly in the context of public administration and governance.

How does ICT relate to public administration and governance?

ICT is increasingly used in public administration to enhance governance, particularly by improving the efficiency and accessibility of services provided by government agencies and local government units.

What are some of the communication devices and applications included under ICT?

ICT is an umbrella term that encompasses communication devices and applications such as radio, television, cellular phones, computer hardware and software, satellite systems, and other related technologies.

What are the key characteristics of ICT discussed in the lecture?

The key characteristics of ICT include interactivity (two-way communication), permanent availability (24/7 connectivity), global reach (overcoming geographic boundaries), and reduced costs for communication.

What does the term 'interactivity' mean in the context of ICT?

'Interactivity' refers to the ability of ICT systems to allow real-time feedback or responses from the recipient of information, which was not possible in older, one-way communication methods.

Why is the permanent availability of ICT important?

Permanent availability means that ICT tools, such as the internet, are accessible 24/7, which enables continuous communication, access to information, and services without interruption.

How does ICT contribute to reducing communication costs?

ICT reduces communication costs by making it easier and cheaper to connect with others globally through platforms like the internet, as opposed to older methods that were often expensive, such as international phone calls.

What role do computers play in the use of ICT?

Computers are essential for ICT, as they process data, store information, and enable users to retrieve, manipulate, and communicate digital information efficiently.

What are the different types of information discussed in the session?

The different types of information include operational (day-to-day details), management (information for planning and control), and strategic (mission-critical information used for long-term decisions).

What are the desirable qualities of information according to the lecture?

Desirable qualities of information include relevance (applicability to the task), completeness (sufficient for decision-making), timeliness (available when needed), accuracy (free from error), presentation (easy to understand), and cost-effectiveness.

What does the SMART criteria stand for in the context of gathering information?

The SMART criteria stand for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. It’s a guideline to ensure that the information gathered is appropriate for research or decision-making purposes.