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. |
Types of Computers
Computers come in different forms, each suited to a different purpose. They differ mainly in processing power, size / portability and typical use.
| Type | Description / typical use |
|---|---|
| Desktop | A non-portable personal computer for home or office; good performance for its price. |
| Laptop / notebook | A portable personal computer with a built-in screen, keyboard and battery. |
| Tablet | A small, touchscreen mobile device; very portable, for lighter computing tasks. |
| Smartphone | A pocket-sized touchscreen device combining a phone with apps, a camera and internet access. |
| Server | A powerful computer that manages a network and provides resources/services to other computers. |
| Embedded computer (microcontroller) | A tiny computer built into another device to control one specific task (e.g. a washing machine, car or smart TV). |
Roughly from most to least processing power: server → desktop → laptop → tablet → smartphone → embedded; for physical size the order is broadly the reverse.
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
Green Computing
Green computing is the environmentally responsible use of computers and digital devices — using technology in ways that reduce energy consumption and electronic waste.
- Use energy-efficient hardware and enable power-saving/sleep settings
- Turn off computers and monitors when not in use, instead of leaving them on standby
- Reduce unnecessary printing; print double-sided when you must
- Choose a laptop over a desktop where possible — laptops use less power
- Recycle e-waste responsibly instead of throwing old devices in the bin
- Use cloud storage instead of buying and running extra physical storage hardware
Green computing saves electricity (and money), reduces pollution and carbon footprint, and conserves the natural resources used to manufacture new devices. E-waste (old phones, monitors, batteries) contains toxic materials like lead and mercury, so it should go to a proper e-waste recycler — not a normal landfill.