By Morgen Chirongoma
We all can agree the 21st century is that of INFORMATION and TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY. Most organisations specialise in one field of computer technology or another as it is the most common and thriving industry of our time estimated to be worth a few trillion $$$$$. Couple of decades ago, Humans could not imagine a computer can fit into one”s palm – I say this because our mobile phones today supports a lot more features than the first computers.
Today, many western countries are switched to the so called “Information Society”, some are still in transition as a result of dynamic factors affecting a particular population. Little or no attention is given to printed publications. According to a recent journal, it is noted that in 30years , Newspapers, magazines and books will disappear from shops and shelfs unlike what we see today.
So, on one hand, the electronic age is good, it is easier to store large amount of information, less harmful to our fragile planet and information has become much easier to process electronically. On the other hand, Humans are becoming more technology dependent. Many of us cannot bare the thought of loosing our mobile phones – it amounts to tragedy! Today, we replace live face to face communication with gestures and smiles, for us who spend a lot of time NETWORKING, set of letters and emails. It is comprehensible for those who live far away from one another or perhaps for some other reasons are physically unable to see, this is a brilliant innovation and all round applauded. But sadly, I believe we are abusing the great benefits of these innovations if we live close-by in a community and we choose to solely and continuously communicate through these networks and devices. PEOPLE DO NOT STOP OVER FOR A CUPPA ANYMORE.
Although I agree with the notion that Information Technology today has changed most things as we know or understood previously, creating programs helping banking professionals, economist, accountants, designers, space exploration to mention a few, innovations we only could have dreamed of a few decades ago. Information technology has won its way into our society so much so that one of the standard requirements for most employment is some form of computer literacy.
The effect of Information Technology can be seen in our educational system. Today, some schools make electronic diaries of pupils which provides information to parents/guardians on the progress of their child/children. It is common knowledge today that in our higher institutions, lecturers have a practice of dumping lectures on electronic media and practising self-study topic, reducing the need of visiting lecture room. Coursework, thesis and reviews could all be handed in via electronic mail. I believe this has created a productive work and study solution because lecturers can check student’s work at convenience and send students guidance for improvement. In principle, the difference between full time and correspondence form of training or education is minimised and in other cases, student independently study the topic. I cannot omit the very absolute importance of distance learning for those with disabilities or some form of mobility impairment because they have the opportunity today to get education and develop mentally.
The strong influence of information technology in the quality of crime investigation cannot be ignored either. Today, our security services possess the technology to investigate crimes of every nature, from minor violations to serious offences amongst which is a lie detector, programs that can detect locations and allow a variety of examinations. At our airports, we have all kind of scanners and metal detectors thereby minimising percentage in error in the conduct of investigations.
Percentage in error reduction as a result of information technology can also be seen in our medical industries and hospitals both whom have greatly benefitted from its constantly evolving innovations. Today, our medical experts are able to carry out extensive researches, possess much factual knowledge and even carry out major operations on vital organs of the human body.
In conclusion, I would like to highlight one important criterion that plays a vital role in our lives: Our Hands! How we will be dependent on computers will be defined by ourselves. Man himself decides how to spend time and how to live life. If we use technology and its benefits only for useful purpose, life will become so much easier and enjoyable with greater and better fellowship of man not only for us, but for future generations aswel because they will not have to suffer from our carelessness and laziness.
© OlaoluwaDavies 2019 (All rights reserved).
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