21154300 Topic 1 Application of It

7/29/2019 21154300 Topic 1 Application of It

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/21154300-topic-1-application-of-it 1/10

X INTRODUCTION

X TheȱApplicationȱofȱInformationȱTechnologyȱ

Information technology is a discipline of science, technology andengineering, as well as a management technique which is used in arranging

and processing information and its application; computer and human-computer interaction; and matters that are related to social, economic andcultural factors.

British Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development: Report on Information Technology; H.M. Stationery Office. 1980

TTooppiiccȱ11

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Describe the application of information technology in various fields,such as business and management, education, entertainment, health,industrial manufacturing and engineering; and

2. Analyse the information technology that we often use in our dailylives.



X TOPIC 1 THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY2

Information technology (IT) can be applied in various fields such as business,entertainment, education and health. Discussions in this topic are related toinformation technology which we can perceive, directly or indirectly, in a varietyof fields and how it benefits us.

In general, information technology is the main tool in the information age. Thistool is used to access, store and disseminate information.

BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Information technology has been used in business and management for a longtime. At that time, the application of information technology was mainly focused

on data management. Today, information technology has produced some new business forms like business without cash or electronic commerce and tele-shopping.

1.1.1 Data Management

A business organisation usually involves a lot of data. Among the data that needto be handled or managed are related to customers, suppliers, existing stock andworkers.

The application of information technology enables this data to be accessed

swiftly and at any given time, thus enabling company operations to be carriedout efficiently.

Senn (1998) stated that information technology consists of three components i.e.computer, communication and know-how. These three components cannot beseparated. Computers and networks are useless if you do not know how to usethem. Knowing when to use the computer is just as important as knowing how touse it. The same importance applies to the ability to communicate informationvia the computer and also to connect people through information technology.Table 1.1 shows the main components of information technology.

1.1

ACTIVITY 1.1

„Most successful business organisations believe that informationtechnology is an important component to achieve and sustain thestability of competition in the markets that they are involved in‰. Whatare your views regarding this matter?



TOPIC 1 THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY W 3

Table 1.1 : Components of Information Technology

Component Description

Computer Used for receiving (input), processing, presentationand storage of data and information

Communicationnetwork

Used for sending and receiving data and information

Know-How What, When and How information technology is used

effectively to solve problems.

1.1.2 Electronic Business

Currently, electronic commerce has become a new business instrument thatkeeps on developing rapidly. This is caused by a variety of developments intechnology, telecommunication, computer software and hardware and, of course,the internet network.

Electronic business is a method of doing business without using paper orreplacing paper with electronics or the computer. Business transactions that takeplace between two or more parties occur through computer to computercommunication via a fixed network connection called the Internet.

"Megabuy" is a company which owns showrooms in various locations around theKlang Valley. It also provides shopping facilities through the website. You can goto this website, www.megabuy.com.my , if you want to find out more about thiscompany.

ACTIVITY 1.2

Nowadays, many companies provide shopping facilities through thenet. This website can offer you additional information about electroniccommerce, http:/jalalm_pc.tripod.com




Figure 1.1 shows an example of an e-Commerce website.

Figure 1.1 : The hub related to e-commerce in Malaysia, www.parkson.commy/index.htm

EDUCATION

The implementation of information technology in the field of education inMalaysia includes Smart Schools, educational portals, education plusentertainment (edutainment) and distance education.

1.2

(a) Examples of company webs in Malaysia arewww.blooming.com.my (flowers), www.computer.com.my(computers), www.midvalley.com.my (shopping complex) andothers. Apart from these websites, list two other websites whichprovide facilities for electronic shopping in Malaysia.

(b) Most supermarkets today use computerised paying system. Whatare the benefits of using this system? Discuss with your tutor orcourse mates.

ACTIVITY 1.3




1.2.1 Smart School

Did you know that the person responsible for introducing the concept of SmartSchools in Malaysia was the former Chief Director of Education, Tan Sri Dr. WanZahid Noordin.

Rapid development in the field of computer technology has encouragededucators to use computers in the process of teaching, often called Computer Aided Learning (CAL) or Computer Aided Instruction (CAI).

The initiative by Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) is hastened by the creation of a number of flagship applications, such as Smart School, which uses informationtechnology as the basis for teaching and learning. This means that the computeris expected to be used in educational management, evaluation and in teachingand learning.

Besides this, the Smart School will stress on the development of student potentialas individuals through the benefits received from information andcommunication technology (ICT). Students will be exposed to computer use andteaching materials will also be in electronic form.

The teacher plays the role of facilitator while the students themselves determine

their own level of learning according to their own capabilities. This means thatstudents who are intelligent and competent can continue with their learningwhile those who are weak will continue to be guided by the teacher.

1.2.2 Educational Portal

Educational portal is a gateway to education that is suitable for use by students.

This portal provides a lot of useful information especially to students who will besitting for important examinations such as UPSR, PMR, and SPM. Various typesof trial questions and answers are provided to students. Therefore, thisconstitutes immensely useful exam-oriented exercises for them.

There is also a column for World of Education which discusses the latesteducational issues, careers, science and technology, current issues and others. Asfor teachers, provision is made in the Teacher Education column which discussesrelated topics like teaching curriculum and others (see Figure 1.2).




Figure 1.2 : The Utusan educational portal (http://www.tutor.com.my)

ENTERTAINMENT

1.3.1 Education and Entertainment

Information technology can be used in the field of entertainment. Althoughlargely entertainment in nature, with information technology, we can combineeducation and entertainment ă better known as Edutainment.

Edutainment refers to a multimedia application which combines the elements of education and entertainment in a single package. At present, there are many

1.3

A popular educational portal in Malaysia is run by the Utusan Melayuwith the support of the Malaysian Ministry of Education. This portal can beaccessed at http://www.tutor.com.my/ and also athttp://www.eonline.com.my.

In your observation and opinion, does this portal give any benefit tostudents in the field of education? How can information technology beutilised to develop Smart Schools? Compare your idea with your coursemates.

ACTIVITY 1.4




multimedia programs for children and adolescents which include elements of entertainment for the purpose of education. Children and adolescents will,therefore, feel entertained as they study without being bored or stressed.

Figure 1.3 : Edutainment

1.3.2 Entertainment and Games

Games will also be more appealing if they are combined with entertainment.Nowadays, many games are available in the market, sold and distributed widely

using compact disc (CD-rom) technology. Its usage is very popular especiallyamongst the youth and the middle-aged.

Compact discs with large storage capacity enabling high quality animation,digital video with high quality audio effects and various types of interactivegames are distributed with speed and ease.

ACTIVITY 1.5

In your opinion, is the development of Edutainment beneficial or

disadvantageous to the student? Give reasons to justify your opinion.




TELE-MEDICINE

Tele-medicine is one of the main MSC applications. Many companies are nowstriving to develop tele-medicine application. According to the definition of theTelemedicine Bill of Law, 1997, "Telemedicine" means the practice of medicinethrough the use of all forms of data, visual and audio communication. Severalnew hospitals such as UKM Hospital, Putrajaya Hospital, Selayang Hospital andPutrajaya Clinic possess comprehensive facilities that can effectively apply tele-medicine.

In accordance with the Putrajaya theme as a smart city, the Putrajaya HealthClinic is equipped with modern instruments supported by state-of-the-artinformation technology facilities. Apart from this, the concept of tele-medicine,tele-consultation and a paperless working environment is also practiced in thisclinic.

The Putrajaya Clinic is also the first governmental clinic in Malaysia andSoutheast Asia to carry out extensive use of information technology facilities. Alldata relating to customers are recorded in an electronic medical record which canalso be read by the Kuala Lumpur and Selayang Hospitals. This means thatmedical experts from these clinics and other health institutions have theopportunity to discuss among themselves the best course of action to be taken tocontrol and further improve the health standards of the customers concerned.

Putrajaya Hospital, located in an area of approximately 11 hectares in Precinct 7,is the only hospital in Malaysia that is fully equipped with the tools and facilitiesof IT. This hospital, which is built in an area of 25.72-acres, is expected to becomethe centre of excellence in the field of health services in this country. This hospitalwas built with the main purpose of providing the best clinical expertise in allfields of medicine. It also offers the most modern technology in the use of medical instruments, information technology, building facilities as well asinfrastructure (see Figure 1.4).

1.4




Figure 1.4 : Putrajaya Hospital

This hospital is further equipped with Total Hospital Information System.Among the medical services provided by Putrajaya Hospital are GeneralMedication, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Obstetrics,Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Dentistry, Traumathology,Radiology and Pathology.

ACTIVITY 1.6

You are encouraged to visit the Putrajaya Hospital website athttp:www.hpj.gov.my to get an idea on how IT is intensively appliedin tele-medicine in Malaysia.

Maybe you can surf the websites of other hospitals around the worldand give suggestions to further enhance use of IT in tele- medicine.




Information technology (IT) has contributed enormously to us

When information technology is applied in any field, it will bring a lot of benefitsif it is used in the right way.

Information technology is widely used in various fields, such as business andmanagement, education, entertainment, health, industrial manufacturing andengineering

IT allows us to perform any task efficiently and increases the quality of our work

Work management can be carried out more smoothly with the use of IT

Users are sure to be satisfied as information technology-based services can assistand ease their work.

Computer Aided Learning (CAL)

e-Commerce

Edutainment

Information Technology (IT)

Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC)

Smart School

Tele-medicine

SELF-CHECK 1.1

(a) Smart School and Tele-Medicine are two MSC flagshipapplications. Name 5 other MSC flagship applications that you areaware of and to what extent they have employed IT there.

(b) State two benefits of tele-medicine.

(b) Apart from the hospital and clinic at Putrajaya, name two otherhospitals or clinics involved in the tele-medicine project.

Documents

21154300 Topic 1 Application of It