SCS

What is Information Technology and the Internet

• What is Information Technology?

The evolution of technology over the ages has primarily focused on building dwellings, transportation, and protection. Over the last century a subset of technology evolved into communications growing into what is called Information Technology. A simple explanation is any technology that allows for the access to, creation of, management of, and communication of information.

Telephones, computers, audio equipment, video equipment, and the branches of each of these categories provide opportunities to express and explain ideas.

• Why promote Information Technology?

  Information Technology, like other forms of technology, does not replace the reasons for their use. Instead, they allow for many different ways to reach goals. Just as a tractor is not essential to plow a field, neither is a computer needed to generate a report. On the other hand, the effective use of each tool enables the user to meet their goals in a timely fashion. As technology is now deeply woven in our society's fabric, we believe that educators must help children understand the potential good and negative impacts of technology on their lives.

• What is the Internet?

Sometimes called the Information Superhighway, Cyberspace, or just the "Net", we can say that the Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked to each other via telephone lines, satellites, television cable, and a host of other service providers. Some of these computers hold information and are sometimes called "sites". These sites may be educational or entertainment based. They may be managed by a company, government agency, school, or individual user from their home. Information shared may include mail, pictures, sounds, or documents.

• Why Use the Internet?


Finding, using, and creating information is at the heart of research regardless of the subject matter or who is using the technology. The Internet provides users the ability to search the globe from their computer, and possibly access information from the source at which it is housed. Discovering information can be fun and lead to paths that the user did not expect, opening doors to new thoughts and ideas. As a form of information technology, the Internet has become the fastest form of communication in the workplace. Understanding the effective use of the Internet will help build skills for the future.

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Last updated: November 21, 2005