ICT SKILS

Unit 3: Information and Communication Technology Skills
Session 1: Introduction to ICT
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.
It encompasses a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information.
Examples include computers, the Internet, broadcasting technologies (radio and television), and telephony.
Digital technology translates information into a binary format (zero or one), whereas analog technology uses electric pulses of varying amplitude.
Informatics (as defined by UNESCO) is the science dealing with the design, realization, evaluation, use, and maintenance of information processing systems, including hardware, software, organizational, and human aspects, as well as industrial, commercial, governmental, and political implications.
ICT tools enable anytime, anywhere access to information and resources. Examples: smartphones, computers, Internet, email, social networks, movies, TV.
Basic ICT skills needed are operating computers and browsing the Internet for collecting, storing, and disseminating information.
ICT at Workplace: Integrated into all economic sectors (e.g., online banking, creating documents, calculations, online payments). Modern ICT uses various media forms like text, graphics, animation, audio, and video.
ICT at Home: Used for entertainment (television), communication (phones, social media via smartphones), and information (watching videos/news, listening to music, playing games).
Session 2: ICT Tools: Smartphones and Tablets – I
Smartphones are advanced mobile phones that allow making calls, browsing the web, sending emails, making video calls, playing games, listening to music, and watching movies.
They use wireless (mobile) networks and operating systems like Android OS, Apple iOS, and Windows Mobile.
Tablets are mini-computers with a touchscreen interface, larger than smartphones.
They combine input, output, and processing functions into one touchscreen, performing tasks similar to computers or smartphones, especially suitable for activities like reading.
TV and Radio have long served as ICT tools.
Radio broadcasts audio, while TV broadcasts audio-visual information for entertainment and learning.
Applications (Apps) are software programs that enable smartphones and tablets to perform various functions.
Some apps are “default” (pre-installed), while others can be downloaded (free or paid) from online stores like Google Play Store (for Android) and Apple App Store (for Apple).
Commonly found applications on smartphones/mobiles include Phone, Camera, Calendar, Mail, Photos, Clock, Maps (using GPS), Messages, Web Browser, and Music.
Key differences between Smartphones and Tablets:
Main usage: Smartphone primarily as a phone with added features; Tablet as a portable personal computer with a touchscreen.
Screen size: Smartphones have smaller screens; Tablets have bigger screens.
Photos and videos: Easier to watch/edit on a tablet due to larger screen.
Battery life: Smartphones need more frequent charging; Tablets usually have longer battery life.
Storage: Smartphones come with various storage capacities (high storage is costly); Tablets usually have higher storage capacity.
Session 3: ICT Tools: Smartphones and Tablets – II
Basic controls of a mobile device:
Power button: Used to start and shut down.
Screen: Touch-sensitive display for functions.
Back button: Navigates to the previous screen in an app.
Microphone: Used for speaking during calls.
Menu button: Shows options in a specific app (may not be on all devices).
Home button: Returns to the Home Screen from any other screen or app.
Earpiece: For listening to voice calls.
Volume button: Adjusts sound level.
Basic features of a mobile device:
Bluetooth: Short-range wireless technology for connecting devices (within 30 feet) to send messages, songs.
Chargeable Battery: Portable power source that can be recharged.
Wi-Fi: Wireless network technology for connecting to local area networks and the Internet.
Touch Screen: Output display that allows interaction by touching with a finger.
Camera: Front and back cameras for capturing pictures and videos.
Clock: Present in all devices, can be set for local time.
Cellular network connectivity: Provides network for making calls.
Global Positioning System (GPS): Navigation system for finding directions and maps to specific locations.
Home screen: The first (start) screen of a mobile device, typically having three main parts.
Basic gestures for touchscreen interaction:
Tap: Single touch to click.
Tap and hold: Similar to right-clicking a mouse.
Drag: Tap, hold, and move finger across the screen to move an item.
Swipe: Slide finger right, left, up, or down (like turning a page).
Double tap: Tap twice quickly to zoom out (increase size).
Pinch: Bring thumb and finger together on the screen to zoom in (reduce size).
Session 4: Parts of a Computer and Peripherals
A computer system is a programmable machine designed to store, retrieve information, and perform arithmetic/logical operations.
It consists of three main units: Input Unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Output Unit.
In desktop computers, these units are separate devices (keyboard, CPU box, monitor).
In a laptop, all three units are combined into one device.
Input Unit: Helps users enter raw data and instructions.
Output Unit: Produces meaningful results for the user in desired format.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): Performs operations as per instructions; like the brain of the computer. It has three parts:
Control Unit (CU): Acts as a manager, receiving instructions and coordinating between parts.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical and logical calculations.
Memory Unit (MU): Acts as temporary storage for data during operations.
Input devices: Used to enter information into the computer.
Keyboard: Enters letters, numbers, control functions.
Microphone: Records sound.
Web camera: Records videos.
Scanner: Copies physical documents into digital format.
Output devices: Bring information from the computer to the user.
Monitor: Displays output information visually.
Printer: Provides a hard copy of processed information.
Speakers: Plays sound-based output.
Peripherals: Input and output devices that are plugged into the computer via connection ports.
Other peripheral devices include Barcode reader (for recording purchased items in retail).
Memory Storage Devices:
Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporary storage, information is lost when the computer is switched off. Like a kitchen counter.
Read Only Memory (ROM): Permanently stores information, retained when the computer is off, not easily changed. Mainly used when starting the computer. Like storage shelves.
Flash Memory: Can permanently store information, not lost when computer is off, information can be changed easily; used in removable storage devices (e.g., USB).
Motherboard: The main circuit board inside a computer, connecting input, processing, and output devices.
Storage devices: Used to store digital information and transfer files. Examples: USB flash drive, hard disk, CD, DVD. They differ in storage capacity.
Data storage units:
Bit: Smallest storage unit, represented by 0 or 1.
Byte: 8 bits, represents a character.
Kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes.
Megabyte (MB): 1024 KB.
Gigabyte (GB): 1024 MB.
Terabyte (TB): 1024 GB.
Ports and connections: Slots or channels where wires connect input, output, and storage devices.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port: Connects peripherals like mouse, keyboard, printer.
Display port: Connects monitor or display unit (e.g., VGA, HDMI).
Audio ports: Connects microphone, speakers, headphones (line out port for sound output).
Ethernet port: Connects to high-speed Internet cable.
Power port: Connects to the power supply.
Session 5: Basic Computer Operations
A computer system comprises hardware (physical, touchable parts like keyboard, monitor, CPU) and software (programs that make hardware work). Hardware is useless without software.
The most important software is the Operating System (OS), which starts when the computer is switched on and displays the desktop.
Examples for laptops/desktops: Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS.
Examples for mobile devices: Apple iOS, Google Android.
Starting a computer:
Press the Power button on the CPU.
A basic program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) runs a self-test.
If successful, BIOS loads the Operating System, making the computer ready for user input.
Login and Logout:
Used when multiple people share a computer to protect individual files and applications.
Requires a login-ID and password for authorized access.
Always log out or sign out after finishing work to prevent others from accessing your data.
Shutting down a computer: The Operating System closes all applications and turns off the computer.
Using the keyboard: An input device for typing text, numbers, and commands.
Function keys (F1-F12): Perform specific, program-dependent functions (F1 usually for help).
Control keys: CTRL, SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK, TAB; perform special functions based on context.
Enter key: Moves cursor to a new line, sends commands, confirms tasks.
Punctuation keys: For marks like colon, semicolon, question mark, quotation marks.
Navigation keys: Arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP/DOWN; move cursor within a document.
Command keys: INSERT (overwrite), DELETE (remove right of cursor), BACKSPACE (remove left of cursor).
Windows key: Opens the Start menu.
Using a mouse: A small device to move, select, and open items on screen.
Roll over/hover: Shows details by simply placing the mouse pointer over an item.
Point and click: Moves pointer and selects an item.
Drag and drop: Clicks, holds, and moves an item to a new location before releasing the button.
Double-click: Quickly clicks the left mouse button twice to open a file.
Session 6: Performing Basic File Operations
Information on a computer is stored in electronic files, which are organized into folders.
Files are given a file name and a file name extension (e.g., .txt, .doc, .jpg, .mp3) that identifies its type.
A folder is a location where a group of files can be stored.
Creating a file (using a text editor):
Open a text editor (e.g., Notepad in Windows, Text Editor in Ubuntu).
Type the desired text.
Save the file, giving it a name and selecting a location (e.g., Desktop).
Common keyboard shortcuts for file operations:
CTRL+Z: Undo.
CTRL+Y: Redo.
CTRL+A: Select all.
CTRL+X: Cut.
CTRL+C: Copy.
CTRL+V: Paste.
CTRL+P: Print.
CTRL+S: Save.
Session 7: Communication and Networking – Basics of Internet
The Internet is a huge global network of computers.
A computer connected to the Internet is considered online.
The World Wide Web (WWW or Web) is a vast collection of information (websites) accessible via the Internet.
Uses of the Internet:
Search information: Get the latest information on various topics.
Shopping: Buy and sell products, make digital payments.
Entertainment: Listen to music, play games, watch movies, share pictures.
Online booking: Book tickets for movies, hotels, travel (bus/train/plane).
E-mail and chatting: Send messages and communicate quickly with people worldwide (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
Online learning: Access various courses, some free, some paid.
Social networking: Share interests, knowledge, and stories with friends and family (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).
Online banking: Perform banking operations (account checks, money transfers).
Connecting to the Internet requires:
A device (computer, laptop, mobile).
A connection device (modem).
An Internet Service Provider (ISP), which provides connectivity (e.g., telephone company).
Types of connections:
Wired connections: Computer connected via a wire (e.g., Ethernet cables to a modem).
Wireless connections: Computer connected without wires (e.g., Wi-Fi, using a wireless Internet card in laptops).
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a specific time.
Expressed in bits per second (bps) for digital devices (Kbps, Mbps, Gbps) or Hertz (Hz) for analog devices.
Internet browser: An application or software program that helps you visit websites. Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer.
Searching for information: Open an Internet browser, type the topic in the search box, and press Enter.
Session 8: Communication and Networking – Internet Browsing
The World Wide Web (WWW or Web) is a vast collection of linked hypertext files stored on computers globally, serving as a platform for users to access and share information.
The WWW is composed of web pages, web browsers, and a system to transfer information between them.
A web page is a document on an Internet-connected computer, each having a unique address/location (URL), like http://ncert.nic.in.
A web browser (or browser) is a software application for using and sharing information on the WWW. Popular examples include Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, and Opera.
Hyperlinks: Highlighted and underlined words on web pages that, when clicked, take you to another part of the same page or a different page.
Important parts of a web browser:
Address bar (Alt+d): Where you type the URL of a web page.
Tabbed browsing (Ctrl+T): Allows viewing multiple pages in the same window.
Back and forward buttons (Alt+Left/Right arrow keys): Navigate to previously viewed pages.
Refresh button (F5): Reloads the page if it doesn’t display correctly.
Steps to browse a web page: Open a web browser, type a URL in the address bar (e.g., http://google.co.in), type a search query in the search bar, press Enter, and click on desired links from the search results.
Session 9: Communication and Networking – Introduction to E-mail
Electronic mail (e-mail) is a quick way of sending messages over the Internet.
E-mails consist of text and images and can include attachments like videos, documents, or spreadsheets.
Advantages of e-mail:
Fast: Messages reach recipients worldwide almost immediately.
Easy to use.
Can be sent to multiple people at the same time.
Free: Most e-mail services don’t charge money.
Environment friendly: No paper is used.
E-mail ID or Address: Has a general format of local_part@domain (e.g., ashokrastogi_1@gmail.com).
The local_part (before @) is created by the user and must be unique.
The domain (after @) is the name of the e-mail service provider (e.g., gmail.com, outlook.com, yahoo.co.in).
Comparison with Postal Mail:
Address: Postal mail uses a physical street address; e-mail uses a digital address.
Written on: Postal mail on paper with pen; e-mail on a computer or mobile device.
Sent via: Postal mail via physical transport (bus, air, train); e-mail travels digitally over the Internet.
Received in: Postal mail in a letterbox; e-mail in the recipient’s Inbox.
Session 10: Communication and Networking – Creating an E-mail Account
To set up an e-mail account, popular providers include Gmail (Google), Outlook mail (Microsoft), and Yahoo mail (Yahoo).
Steps to open an e-mail account on Gmail (procedures are similar for other providers):
Go to www.gmail.com and click “Create an account”.
Fill out the sign-up form with your name, desired username, password, and other details.
A secure password should be at least 8 characters long and include letters, numbers, and special characters.
Provide additional details like phone number and country, review Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, check the box, and click “Next step”.
After the Google welcome page, click “Continue to Gmail” to access your new account.
Session 11: Communication and Networking – Writing an E-mail
Steps to write an e-mail in Gmail:
Connect to the Internet and open Gmail; sign in with your ID and password.
Click the COMPOSE button to open a “New Message” window.
In the To: section, type the primary recipient’s e-mail ID.
In the Cc: section, type e-mail IDs of people you want to send copies to.
In the Subject: section, write the main topic of the e-mail (e.g., ‘Happy Diwali’).
In the main body, type your message, including a salutation and signature.
Click the Send button.
Attaching a file to an e-mail:
Click the Attach button, which often has a paperclip symbol.
A new window will open showing files and folders on your computer; find and click the file you want to attach, then press OK.
The file name will appear next to a paperclip symbol in your e-mail.
Managing E-mail Folders:
Inbox: Holds e-mails you have received.
Sent folder: Holds e-mails you have sent.
Drafts folder: Holds e-mails you started writing but haven’t sent yet.
Junk/Spam folder: Holds e-mails deemed not useful.
Trash can/folder: Holds e-mails you have deleted; they remain there for a few days before permanent removal.
Session 12: Communication and Networking – Receiving and Replying to E-mails
Receiving an e-mail: New e-mails appear in your Inbox, showing the sender’s name, subject, and a title of the main message. The mail will remain bold until you open it.
After reading an e-mail, you have options to reply, forward, or delete it.
Reply to All: If an e-mail was sent to multiple people, this option sends your reply to all recipients of the original mail.
Replying to an e-mail:
Click the Reply option at the bottom.
A space opens for your reply, with the sender’s e-mail address pre-filled.
Type your reply and click Send.
Forwarding an e-mail:
Click Forward.
A space appears with the old message copied into it.
Enter the e-mail address of the person(s) you want to forward it to, add any extra message, and click Send.
Deleting an e-mail:
Click the delete icon.
The e-mail is moved from your Inbox to the “Trash” folder, where it stays for a few days before being permanently removed.