Career Focus: Becoming ICT compliant

ICT stands for 'Information and Communication Technology'. It is a broad term covering all information and communication management using desktop computer, laptop, palmtop, iPad, smartphones, etc. Prior to the 1970s, computers were extremely big and expensive devices found only in advanced countries. With the introduction of personal computer (PC) by IBM in the late 1970s and especially the windows operating system by Microsoft in the early 1990s, the computer age was born. Computer programmers rapidly developed what we know today as applications or programmes to take over many tasks that were hitherto done manually or with less effective device. Government and other employers of labour eagerly responded by sponsoring various computer courses for their employees and executives. Today, most examination are conducted through the use of computer, and many assignments requires the use of computer. This highlights the importance of ICT in our world today.

Using computer makes tedious processes simple; as a result, most devices, equipment, services, utilities, and human activities are now computerized. Strenuous exercises like voting, census, registration, staff management, record-keeping, manufacturing, etc. becomes much easier with the ICT approach. The internet has made marketing, banking, communication and a host of other things remarkably easier. The education sector alone offers sufficient examples of ICT innovations. Online registration, e-learning, e-books, audio-visuals, slideshow presentation, virtual classrooms, computer-based tests, and cyber-schooling are some of them. Predictably, ICT's relevance will continue to increase in its scope, creating hard times for youths who fail to follow the trend. ICT is a very broad discipline and you need not bother about many of its aspects if it is not your actual professional pursuit.

When can one be able to study ICT?
With the rate at which the world is fast developing and becoming more of computer age, one can actually study ICT even right from early primary school.

Essential software
Software have been developed to address virtually every area of the internet. However, a working knowledge of the ones on the table above is recommended.
In addition, you need the knowledge of web-based applications like Browser (e.g. Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer), Mail Clients (e.g. Yahoo mail, Gmail), and search engines (e.g. Ask.com, Google).

 Basic Handling Skills
 The essential handling know-how includes:
1.    Familiarization with the workings of the Windows Operating System
2.    Familiarity with the various ports, connectors, cables and their functions (especially for Desktop Computers).
3.    Setup and installation of basic peripherals such as phone-to-PC, printer, etc.
4.    Using common peripherals like Flash Drive, an external Hard Drive, etc.
5.    Proficiency in the use of input devices, especially the Keyboard
6.    Scanning the computer for virus detection, elimination and prevention using anti-virus software.
 The good news is that much of this knowledge will come in the course of learning and using the computer and relevant software.
Becoming ICT compliant: you can acquire the necessary knowledge in ICT through any of the following approach:
    Enrolling for formal training  Training centers with moderate fees are available in our neighbourhoods. This option is for those who do not have personal computer. If you have access to a computer, you have more options below.
    The 'Help' menu content  Most computer programmes feature the 'Help' menu that contains detailed step-by-step tutorials on the use of programmes.
    Getting tutorials from the web  Certain websites contain useful tutorials on the use of software which you can copy and paste (and sometimes print) for personal use.
    Purchasing good software books. Books that explains the use of software can be purchased.
    Installing audio-visual tutorials. Installable audio-visual tutorials on CDs and DVDs are available with software vendors. A good example is the professor teachers series, which majors on Microsoft office applications and Mavis Beacon typing tutor which offers efficient tutorials on the use of keyboard.
    Learning online. Some website provides free virtual classroom training on the use of software.
Knowledge of ICT is of immense advantage either in your trade/craft or further studies. Searching the web for solution, for example can solve serious technical, academic, or workshop problems. Besides examination bodies are adopting ICT approaches. Certain applications have been developed especially for professional. For example, Finale, Sage, LANSurveyor, and Stellarium are application for music, accounting, network, and meteorology respectively.