LECTURE 01

Introduction to ICT for Social

Sciences

LEE KUOK TIUNGlee@ums.edu.my

Introductions Information Communication Technology (ICT) has

recently become an important national agenda. Whether in developing or third world countries, ICT now is the socio-technology agenda. *

It is defined with various meaning and concepts and people usually relate ICT with computer and Internet.

Apparently, ICT contains hardware used to send and receive information such as telecommunications, microelectronic, audio, video, printed and computer (Richard, 2001; Rahmah, 2002; Shaikh Mohd Saifuddeen, 2002; & Noor Ismawati, 2002)

Continues …. ICT refers to two components which are

communication technology and information technology.

Communication technology refers to tools, organizational structure and social values being experienced by individual while collecting, processing and exchanging information with other individual (Rogers, 1986)

While information refer to the content of a source which can be used by someone as the base for decision making.

Continues …. Therefore, ICT is being viewed as the combination

of various choice of media such as redio, personal computer, compact disc, and Internet which can assist new view among new users (Hans d’Orville, dlm. Narimah, 2002a).

According to Ramachandran (2001), ICT includes information products and services and communication with characteristics: based on microelectronic technology; connected online such as radios and conventional television and email; electronic content such as web pages with audio-visual animation; concentrated technology such as web television and video conferencing.

Continues …. Malaysia has undergone radical social, economic

and political development over the last four decades.

The ICT industry offers the ability to improve access to a wide range of sectors including education, government, commercial and health services via the Internet and broadcast media.

Commitment given by the Government to the MSC Status Companies can be seen through the 10 point Bill of Guarantees.

Current Malaysian initiatives for IT development, like manufacturing industrial projects, are encouraged through private investments; in particular foreign multinationals.

Why ICT?1. Better services - more convenient and reliable,

with lower compliance costs, higher quality and value;

2. Cost effectiveness and efficiency - cheaper, better information and services for customers, and better value for taxpayers;

3. Improved reputation - building an image of MALAYSIA as a modern nation, an attractive location for people and business;

4. Greater participation by people in government - making it easier for those who wish to contribute; and

5. Leadership - supporting the knowledge society through public sector innovation

ICT Agenda in Malaysia ICT is significant as the main capitalist for

economy, social and political development. Even though Malaysia’s ICT agenda has

been generated by the initiation of the Multimedia Super Corridor, the effort to educate and instill ICT values have emerged through various approaches.

Among them are e-community, e-learning project, e-government application and smart school.

Continues …. Apparent fast pace of changes and development

has caused the public at time being left behind in current information and practice of ICT.

Study by Luke (2002) and Noor Ismawati (2003) stated that from the perspective of interest and understanding, the male have higher interest in ICT compared to their female counterparts

Rahil (2000) indicated that academic background play a significant contribution towards level of ICT knowledge.

On students, different attitude toward ICT is based on the program which they enrolled in.

Issues Related to ICT

1. ICT definition

2. ICT gap

3. The positive usage of ICT

4. ICT literacy through teaching and learning

Summary In order to ensure ICT as the force of nation

economic growth, it is vital to prepare the ICT-based generation.

One of the measures in forecasting the success of this agenda is through the degree of literacy of the public especially the youngsters.

The planned infrastructure will not bring any meaning if ICT practices are less emphasized.