ICT_Assignment_Model_Answers for an assignment.docx

It's an answer to an ICT question

1. FOUNDATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Assignment Model Answers
Section A: Short Answer Questions
Define Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and explain its scope in modern
society.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to technologies that provide access to
information through telecommunication systems. It includes devices such as computers, mobile
phones, software applications, and networks like the internet. The scope of ICT in modern
society is very wide, covering areas such as education through e-learning, business through e-
commerce, healthcare through telemedicine, governance through e-government, and
entertainment through online media platforms.
Differentiate between data, information, and knowledge with examples.
Data are raw facts and figures, for example, “80, 75, 90.” Information is processed data that has
meaning, for example, “The student scored 80%, 75%, and 90% in three subjects.” Knowledge is
the understanding and insight gained from information, for example, “The student is
performing above average and is strong in mathematics.”
List and explain the three main components of a computer system.
Hardware: These are the physical parts of a computer, such as the monitor, CPU, keyboard, and
printer.
Software: These are programs that instruct the hardware on what to do, including operating
systems and applications.
People (Users): These are individuals who operate the computer system to achieve specific
tasks.
Explain the difference between system software and application software.
System software manages computer hardware and provides a platform for running applications.
Examples are Windows, Linux, and macOS. Application software, on the other hand, is designed
to perform specific user tasks such as word processing, photo editing, or browsing the web.
Examples are MS Word, Photoshop, and Google Chrome.
Name the types of operating systems and explain their functions.
Single-user OS: Allows one user at a time, e.g., MS DOS.
Multi-user OS: Supports multiple users simultaneously, e.g., Unix.
Real-time OS: Provides instant processing, used in robotics and ATMs.
Network OS: Manages connected computers, e.g., Windows Server.
Mobile OS: Designed for smartphones, e.g., Android and iOS.

2. Define a database and DBMS. Give examples of DBMS software.
A database is an organized collection of related data stored electronically. A Database
Management System (DBMS) is software used to manage and manipulate data in a database.
Examples include Microsoft Access, MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.
Differentiate between analog and digital signals with diagrams.
Analog signals are continuous waveforms that vary over time, such as a human voice in a
telephone. Digital signals are discrete signals represented by binary numbers (0s and 1s), used
in computers and digital devices.
Define the concept of digital divide and give examples.
The digital divide refers to the gap between people who have access to ICT and those who do not.
For example, urban communities may have high-speed internet, while rural communities lack
connectivity. Another example is developing countries that lag behind developed nations in ICT
infrastructure.
List three emerging trends in ICT and briefly explain each.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machines simulating human thinking and decision-making.
Cloud Computing: Using online servers to store and access data rather than local computers.
Internet of Things (IoT): Everyday devices like refrigerators and cars connected to the internet.
Differentiate between LAN, MAN, and WAN in terms of coverage and usage.
LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area like a school or office.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a town or city.
WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large geographical areas, such as countries or the entire
world (Internet).
Section B: Practical / Applied Questions
Model answers include instructions on how to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access to
perform the given tasks.
1. MS Word: Create a document with a title page, table, image, and formatting.
2. MS Excel: Enter student records, calculate totals and averages using formulas, and create
charts.
3. MS PowerPoint: Prepare 5 slides on 'The Role of ICT in Education' with images, transitions,
and animations.
4. MS Access: Create a student database, query marks above 80, and generate a report.
5. Research (Hospital Example): Hospitals use ICT for patient record systems, telemedicine, and
billing.
Section C: Essay / Discussion Questions
Discuss the impact of ICT on business, education, and healthcare.
ICT has transformed business by enabling online transactions, digital marketing, and global
communication. In education, it has introduced e-learning, digital libraries, and online

3. examinations. In healthcare, ICT supports telemedicine, patient management systems, and
modern medical equipment.
Explain the functions of an operating system and why it is essential for computer operations.
An operating system manages computer hardware resources, provides a user interface, controls
files and memory, and enables communication between hardware and software. It is essential
because, without it, computers cannot function.
Describe the data processing cycle and explain each stage with examples.
The stages include:
Input: Collecting raw data.
Processing: Converting data into meaningful form.
Output: Displaying results.
Storage: Saving data for future use.
Feedback: Using results to refine processes.
Analyze the ethical and social issues in ICT, including cybercrime, privacy, and digital
addiction.
ICT raises ethical concerns such as cybercrime, identity theft, and privacy violations. Social
issues include internet addiction, unemployment due to automation, and unequal access to ICT.
Explain the Internet of Things (IoT) and give examples of its use in daily life.
IoT connects everyday objects to the internet. Examples include smart TVs, wearable fitness
trackers, smart refrigerators, and self-driving cars. These devices help improve convenience,
health monitoring, and efficiency in daily life.
Section D: Critical Thinking / Scenario-Based Questions
A school wants to move from manual record-keeping to a digital database system.
The school can use MS Access or MySQL as database software. Such a system will allow quick
access to records, reduce paperwork, and improve accuracy. It will also make it easier for
teachers to update and retrieve student data.
A company wants to improve its communication with clients using ICT tools.
ICT tools such as email systems, video conferencing platforms like Zoom, and collaboration
software like Slack or Microsoft Teams can enhance communication. These tools improve
efficiency by reducing delays, supporting teamwork, and enabling remote work.
Imagine a rural community with limited internet access.
Challenges include poor ICT infrastructure, high costs of connectivity, and low digital literacy.
Solutions include establishing community ICT centers, providing affordable internet packages,
and offering training programs to improve ICT skills.

4. A hospital wants to implement cloud-based health record management.
Advantages include easy access to patient records, cost savings, backup and recovery, and
improved collaboration between medical staff. Risks include data breaches, unauthorized
access, and dependence on internet connectivity.