Digital Technologies & ICT Grade 10
Understanding what digital technology and ICT actually mean, how computers process information, and the basic model behind every computer system.
Digital Technologies
Digital technologies are electronic tools, systems and devices that use digital data (0s and 1s) to collect, process, store and communicate information.
Examples: computers, smartphones, networks, cloud computing, databases, AI systems, IoT devices.
ICT vs IT
| Term | Stands for | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ICT | Information Communication Technology | All technologies that capture, transmit and display data electronically — people, hardware, software, procedures, data. |
| IT | Information Technology | A subset of ICT — the development, maintenance and use of computer systems, software and networks for processing and communicating data. |
Data vs Information vs Knowledge
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Data | Raw, unprocessed facts with no meaning on their own | 3, 5, 7, 1, 9 |
| Information | Data that has been processed and given meaning | "Sorted list: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9" |
| Knowledge | Insight derived from understanding information | "These are odd numbers in ascending order" |
Characteristics of a Computer
- Speed — performs millions of operations per second
- Accuracy — follows instructions exactly
- Diligence — does not get tired or distracted
- Storage — large amounts of data can be stored
- Automation — tasks can be executed automatically
- Versatility — can perform many different types of tasks
The Information Processing Cycle
All computer operations follow this cycle:
| Stage | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Input | Raw data is collected and entered | Typing on keyboard, scanning a barcode |
| Processing | CPU manipulates data using instructions | Calculating a total, sorting a list |
| Output | Results produced in usable format | Screen display, printout |
| Storage | Data saved for future use | Saving to HDD, cloud backup |
| Communication | Data transferred between systems | Email, network transfer |
Benefits and Negative Impacts of ICT
| Benefits | Negative Impacts |
|---|---|
| Improved communication | Cyberbullying |
| Automation of services | Addiction to digital devices |
| Access to information | Job displacement due to automation |
| Improved education and training | Privacy and security risks |
| Remote work possibilities | Digital divide |
The Digital Divide
The digital divide is the growing gap between people with access to digital technology ("haves") and those without ("have-nots"). Factors include:
- Education — higher-educated households use technology more
- Income — lower-income areas lack infrastructure
- Location — rural areas have limited access