The Role of Information Technology in Education
Information can be considered the solution to uncertainty; it identifies both the nature and the boundaries of an entity and therefore resolves the question of “what a particular entity is”. The word information is used in a much broader sense than a mere definition of any sort. The idea of information has various meanings in many different contexts. Information may be described as information systems, procedures, data structures, knowledge bases, formulas, optimization criteria, specification templates, or even algorithms.
In scientific writing the term information is used very often. For example, in a scientific paper the author would refer to the results of an experiment as being “established by facts and studies based on theoretical predictions”. This description is necessary because the reader needs to be sure that the results have been established by scientific facts and studies. It is also necessary because without such information the paper could not be understood. Even if the paper is subsequently read it needs to still be justified within the framework of the theory.
In engineering the use of information is more common. An example would be that of the design of an airplane using the latest and greatest computer software. The information technology field includes a great deal of information technology, which takes into account computer systems, information management, engineering and scientific research. The process of developing a new airplane has required tremendous amounts of scientific information from the outset, prior to its development, testing, operation and ultimately disposal.
A relatively new field, and growing rapidly, is that of information technology and information management. This is an ever changing area due to the pace of technology, society and businesses. One can name hundreds of such fields and sub-fields. Examples of information technology include information systems, computer science, internet technologies, information technologies, telecommunication technologies, e-business, e-health, and information science. Information systems refers to the processes that are involved in information delivery, networks, storage, security, servers and networks.
There are countless disciplines that are affected by information technology. It includes computer sciences, engineering, biological sciences, physics, mathematics, engineering technology, applied physics, information technology and electrical and optical sciences. Information technology in this sense does not refer merely to the utilization of machines for information processing, but encompasses all those aspects that are involved in the process of information transfer. It includes computer systems, networks, storage devices, digital and analog appliances, human-computer interactions, telecommunications, computer systems, personal computers and networking. Information management refers to the systematic approach used in all these areas in order to track, store, retrieve and disseminate information that has been acquired and/or is being developed. It is used to ensure that information is well managed, archived, shared and analyzed.
Information technology also includes information systems, which are used to control the acquisition, transmission, management and distribution of information. Information technology has had an important role in all areas of science and technology, because it is the basis of how things are done. Examples include telephone communications, postal services, aviation and transportation services, shopping and communication. This also includes computer systems. It also involves the use of the Internet and other information sources. In other words, information is everywhere and it is used in every sphere of human activity.