ICT Summit
What is ICT?

Who is Visiting Your Website?

データベーステンプレートIf you own a blog or a company website then you will want to see who is visiting your site, how long they are spending on your site, and what they are looking at when they visit your little space on the big internet. There are things that can follow a simple issue tracker to see where people are going after they leave your web page. You will not get personal information about your visitors, but you will be able to see what is trending on their computers and where they are going on the internet. You can certainly get this information to use to your advantage. By understanding where your visitors are going after they leave your web site, you will be able to gear your web site more towards your visitors.

People are often surprised by the changes that their favorite web pages make simply by following their web site usage. Read more…

Posted by author - March 23, 2013 at 4:34 pm

Categories: Computers   Tags:

The Aims & Objectives of ICT in Education

Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, computers, phones and tablets are networking sites that make up the term ICT. Information Communications and Technology (ICT) is a term that refers to all the hardware and software that people use to send and receive information. The ICT sector over the past few years  has grown substantially with a lot of new companies releasing new gadgets to improve how we communicate.

To help students to adjust to inevitable future changes, one of the main aims of ICT is to help them to become competent and confident users. ICT would be able to help students use the basic knowledge and skills acquired and to assist them in their daily lives. It is also supposed to prepare students for the world of tomorrow. It aims to help learners to have an open and flexible mind.

ICT empowers students who are unable to use this technology outside the school premises by ensuring sufficient access to those students. It aims to equip learners with the appropriate social skills required to cooperate with fellow ICT learners for a more productive learning experience. It will also ensure equity among all learners, as they will all have the same opportunities to use the ICT facilities in school. Another social objective of ICT is to facilitate good communication between the students that will promote better social understanding.

Appreciating the beauty and diversity of culture is also an aim of ICT. It will help students become well-cultured citizens of the modern world. It achieves this as it facilitates the discovery and appreciation of various cultural heritages of different countries around the world.

Distance-learning programs are now provided by most colleges and universities. Many people are using these programs to get degrees that they would not have been able to receive without ICT. It also aims to allow the public to easily access the necessary information over the Internet.

ICT is changing the lives of everyone. We are able to prepare our children to participate in a rapidly changing world through teaching ICT. Work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology. We enable them to find, explore, analyze, exchange and present information. We also focus on developing the skills necessary for children to be able to use information in a discriminating and effective way. ICT skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners.

The aims of ICT are to enable children:

  • to develop ICT capability in finding, selecting and using information;
  • to use ICT for effective and appropriate communication;
  • to monitor and control events both real and imaginary;
  • to apply hardware and software to creative and appropriate uses of information;
  • to apply their ICT skills and knowledge to their learning in other areas;
  • to use their ICT skills to develop their language and communication skills;
  • to explore their attitudes towards ICT and its value to them and society in general. For example, to learn about issues of security, confidentiality and accuracy.
  • using classroom assistants to support the work of individual children or groups of children.

 

Posted by Taylor White - February 17, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Categories: News   Tags: , ,

A Quick Overview About DSL Services & Prices

high speed dsl serviceTypically, the best dsl providers are the ones that offer their customer’s a wide variety of service packages and price options. This includes cable TV and computer internet services.

Ever since the internet and cable markets started getting so competitive several years ago, most major dsl and cable companies started offering customers more channel options and price reductions. Over at AT&T for example, customers can now select from a wider range of television packages. This includes packages that provide access to a large number of sports networks, along with packages that offer access to over fifty movie channels. The sports network package typically includes popular channels like Fox Sports South and ESPN. While the special movie packages generally contain popular film networks like HBO, Encore, Sundance Film Festival, and Showtime. Read more…

Posted by author - January 31, 2013 at 5:34 am

Categories: Computers   Tags: , , ,

Utilizing Scraped Data from Varied Sources

Utilizing Scraped Data from Varied SourcesWriting has evolved through the years to fit the varied technological innovations that have been invented. The Internet has given the art of writing a new niche, a face-lift of sorts, because the manner that it is used on the web is varied and flexible. Because consumer attention has shifted to the Web, it has created a whole different environment for the business world. It has given consumers more accessibility to goods which starts with the click of a mouse and ends with a product delivery right at their doorstep.

Entrepreneurs stood at attention and saw a great shot at expanding their enterprise. But to get to that point, they need to start with the creation of a website. A website serves as the showroom for your business. It is where you introduce yourself to potential clients, present your products and services, orient them with purchasing methods, and provide servicing channels that they can access. In short, it’s what will define your business to clients so you need to invest a substantial amount of work on it.

You can use different kinds of information on your site and relate them to the product you are selling. That way, you capture the user’s attention and potentially draw them out to check your site. Thinking about all these stuff, of course, is quite exhausting and you may not have enough time to sort through the lot of them. It’s a good thing that the Internet comes equipped with plenty of resources to meet different needs.

For instance, looking for additional information to augment what’s on your site is easier done through web scraping, which is a specialty of many in SEO New York. While there are figures, formulas and equations that you can check out, they often come in formats that are difficult to understand, much less analyze. Scraping, which is basic to computer science and information systems procedures, provides you with data that you can sort, analyze and review, commonly in database form or spreadsheets.

The process involves specialized training so it’s unlikely that you can learn it in an hour. It also requires a good deal of programming but you can try out a simplified version. There are basic elements that you need to be familiar with and HTML is the most basic one. It is what gives structure to web pages and supports the process of data scraping. Using an interactive editor will allow you to manage hyperlinks and tags. Your aim is to know how the content is structured so you can define the parameters to suit your need. There are online tutorials to guide you through the process but if you consider it too much to handle, you can definitely pass on the work to technical experts.

Posted by Taylor White - March 2, 2013 at 3:46 am

Categories: News   Tags:

How Internet Redundancy can Save your Business Money

Network failure can cause big business to suffer at big cost. Internet redundancy helps to prevent internet failure and the costs that are associated with it. These connections are exactly what they sound like; a redundant connection that, should an internet service fail at any time, reroutes the connection to a second line that has been set up to handle the traffic.

To Generate or not to Generate

Revenue! That’s what business is all about. If a company is not generating revenue, then there isn’t much point in showing up for work. Internet connections are the lifeblood of many companies in the 21st century, and when these connections fail, revenue comes to a screeching halt.

Customer Communication

Most businesses need to communicate with potential customers in order to operate, so when a company’s internet has failed, this communication comes to an end and the potential for sales comes to a dead stop. Even if the front line customer agents can still communicate with the customer, their abilities to process sales may be limited. By installing a redundant internet connection, the speed of business isn’t forced to change.

Any business that has a website will know how much it can cost to have a website down while the IT roots around to find the problem.  Internet redundancy keeps a website up and running.

Credibility

The image of a business counts. Whenever a business experiences a hiccup, like an inability to process a sale, it allows a customer to question the credibility of the business. Being prepared with a redundant connection creates a seamless experience for all members of the public.

Time is Money

Internet failure means that each employee that requires an intranet connection can’t continue work, since an intranet system can’t function without that connection. A redundant internet connection kicks into gear as soon as a primary internet service has stopped, allowing all employees to continue working as normal.

The Power of Choice

So, exactly how does one ensure they are saving the most amount of money when they invest in a redundant internet connection? It is important to match the needs of the business to the needs of the internet.

First, most wired internet connections are built as underground fiber-optic cables, and if these cables are compromised in any way, a connection can fail. The only way to ensure that a connection will remain secure in the event of any physically damaged lines is to invest in a wireless connection for a redundant connection.

Second, if a redundant connection is too small or too large for a business’ needs, it will result in wasted money. Obviously, a connection that is too small will not have the capability to run a business if and when the primary connection fails. A connection that is too large will have unused portions, effectively burning through money that could be put to better use.

Posted by mike - February 18, 2013 at 9:23 pm

Categories: News   Tags: , ,

Get Files Backed Up Now Before It is Too Late

Replix - Han Solo in Carbonite Silikon Form / Backform - großI found a carbonite offer code to use when I signed up for a year of service. I saved on the best online backup software available. Now I do not have to worry about losing any of my important files, and I did it at a savings over the full retail cost of the annual service. I like it that Carbonite works in the background. I do not need to do any manual backups of the files that I consider are irreplaceable. Carbonite does it for me automatically.

When my laptop computer was stolen, I lost all of my personal and work files. The data was encrypted and protected with passwords, but that does not help me get anything back. It protects me from the thief using what was on the computer, but I still am out all of my hard work.

Posted by author - January 12, 2013 at 9:35 am

Categories: Computers   Tags: , ,

Internet Service for My New Business

Clear Wireless Internet in HonoluluI have just started my own interior design business and it has been going great. I really think that a lot of the success that I am having has to do with the fact that I have such a great internet provider keeping me connected to all of my clients while I am in and out of the office. I found http://clearwirelessinternetdeals.com with the help of one of my friends. I was unsure about what provider to go with for my internet service because I knew that I had to keep it affordable, but I also had to have a reliable connection.

I spend a lot of my time traveling from place to place shopping for the things that I need to complete the jobs that I have been hired for or else I am out bidding on new jobs.

Posted by author - December 26, 2012 at 5:33 pm

Categories: Computers   Tags: ,

Computer Room Safety Precautions

There are safety rules in computer rooms at the office that need to be addressed. They are not potentially hazardous as a construction site but health problems can occur with the overuse of a computer. Hazards might be presented without most people being aware. There are some actions to take to reduce the possible risk of injury.

Wires are a requirement for any computer room manager to take into consideration. There are a multitude of wires required to operate computers, printers and so forth. Wires should be kept as much as possible out of foot paths or anywhere people might get caught up in wires in some form. Most wires can be bundled together behind computers. If wires must stretch across the floor, there are rubber mats that can be purchased where the wires are put underneath, and the gradual rise in the mats are less likely to trip someone.

All electrical usage must conform to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, rules for electricity usage. This would require that no more plugs can be in a socket than it can withstand without causing shortages or fire. Ask an electrician how much you can plug into your wall sockets. It is a good idea to unplug all equipment at the end of the day, as this eliminated the possibility of electrical surges while people are not in the office.

One of the most common problems in an office environment is health related injuries due to overwork and stress. Employers are encouraged to allow employees to take time away from the computer.  Just five to 10 minutes of rest about every hour of work is enough. Employers can also purchase equipment that makes usage of a keyboard and mouse much easier. Employees should also rest their eyes after looking at computer screens for long periods of time.

According to Princeton University it’s best to position a keyboard so that the forearm and wrist are level with the keyboard. Avoid having to reach up or down to use the keyboard. Use a padded wrist rest to relieve strain from your wrists and forearms.

Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard, and use a small ergonomic pad to place your wrist on while using the mouse.

Place your monitor far enough away from your eyes so that you can see it without straining. Prevent glare on the screen by either eliminating the light source from behind the monitor or by installing a glare screen over your monitor.

Set your computer up so that a password is required to get out of the screen saver mode. This will prevent anyone from looking at your computer information when you are away from your desk for an extended period of time.

At least twice an hour stand up and stretch your back, forearms and wrists to prevent chronic problems in the future. Also, rest your eyes from the computer screen occasionally by looking away from the monitor or by closing your eyes for a moment.

Related Resources:
Invest in a Computer Warranty for Your Desktop or Notebook Computer
www.geekmap.co.uk

Posted by Taylor White - August 17, 2012 at 1:48 pm

Categories: News   Tags: , , , ,

Effects of ICT on Education

There is a significant Information Communication Technology  (ICT) industry built around supplying hardware and software for education.Technology can provide the necessary tools for improving the teaching and learning processes. It has  a wider effect on parents, future employers of students, and those who supply Internet services. It can open new opportunities and avenues to students.

The positive effects of ICT use in education:

  1. distance learning, where students can access teaching materials from all over the world,
  2. the ability to perform ‘impossible’ experiments’ by using simulations,
  3. the possibility for students to have individual learning programs within a topic, rather than everybody having to do the same thing at the same time at the same pace. More able students can be given more challenging work, less able students can access remedial lessons.

The negative effects are:

  1. there are large costs involved and poorer students / educational establishments can end up being disadvantaged. This is often referred to as being a factor in the digital divide
  2. students, and sometimes teachers, can get hooked on the technology aspect, rather than the subject content. Just because a topic can be taught via ICT, does not mean that it is taught most effectively via ICT.

There are a lot of studies done to assess the effectiveness of ICT when used in education. And the results are mixed. Much simplified, it would appear that:

  1. there is some initial impact of using ICT in that students get a wider range of resources and experience some extra motivation.
  2. the motivation effect soon fades as using ICT becomes the new normal
  3. the wider resource range remains a positive factor
  4. there are some well documented positive effects in specific cases. e.g. simulation and modelling is effective in improving science standards, use of word processing and communication software is effective in developing language skills, but there is concern that large areas of the curriculum are not benefiting.

If the teacher does not adapt their methods in order to make best use of ICT, the students do not gain from that use. The manner in which the subject is taught probably has a larger effect than the mere use of ICT.

The people running the educational institutions  may not have the knowledge and experience, or often the money, to enable widespread and effective use of ICT in their schools. The attitude of the educational establishment also seems to have a greater effect.

Countries where the government encourages ICT usage and where the majority of the people use ICT on a daily basis are likely to make better use of ICT in education as well as in the larger society. The attitude of the society or government can have a large impact of how ICT is perceived and thus how effectively it is used.

In other countries, the use of ICT may be prohibited or may be restricted  because of political or religious reasons. The use of ICT in education becomes less effective in this environment and may even be seen as a threat to those in power and thus actively discouraged.

Posted by Taylor White - August 15, 2012 at 2:31 am

Categories: News   Tags: , , , ,

Health and Safety in ICT

We should all be concerned about the health and safety measures in Information Communication Technology (ICT). You may not realize it, but spending more than 6 hours at a desk watching or working on a computer related hardware can cut lifespan by a massive amount.

With the increase in computer use, a number of health and safety concerns related to vision and body aches and pains have risen. Adopting simple corrective action can be done to resolve many problems in connection with computer use. Most problems related to computer use are completely preventable. It  is very important to seek prompt medical attention if you do experience symptoms including:

  • continual or recurring discomfort
  • aches and pains
  • throbbing
  • tingling
  • numbness
  • burning sensation
  • or stiffness

Laptop computers can present particular problems due to small screens, keyboards and inbuilt pointing devices (e.g. a small portable mouse or touchpad). Prolonged use of laptops should be avoided. If using a laptop as a main computer (i.e. use as a normal desktop computer in addition to use as a portable), it is advisable to use the laptop with a docking station. This allows an ordinary mouse, keyboard and monitor to be used with the laptop. The main risks associated with using computers include:

  1. Musculoskeletal problems
  2. Eye strain and a greater awareness of existing eye problems
  3. Rashes and other skin complaints have also been reported

Musculoskeletal problems  can range from general aches and pains to more serious problems and may include:

  • Upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Back and neck pain and discomfort
  • Tension stress headaches and related ailments

These types of problem can be caused by:

  • Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer
  • Inadequate lower back support
  • Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time
  • An ergonomically poor workstation set up

Some precautions to avoid Musculoskeletal Problems:

  • Taking regular breaks from working at your computer
  • Alternating work tasks
  • Regular stretching to relax your body
  • Using equipment such as footrests, wrist rests and document holders if you need to
  • Keeping your mouse and keyboard at the same level
  • It is also important to have your workstation set up correctly.

Eye problems are usually the result of visual fatigue or glare from bright windows or strong light sources, light reflecting off the display screen or poor display screen contrast. Computer work hasn’t been proven to cause permanent eye damage, but the temporary discomfort that may occur can reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job satisfaction.

Symptoms that computer users can experience:

  • Visual fatigue
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Burning and watering eyes
  • Headaches and frequent changes in prescription glasses

Precautions avoid eyestrain include:

  • Exercising the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances
  • Blinking regularly
  • Adjusting the screen height / seating so that when sitting comfortably your eyes are in line with the top of the monitor screen
  • Adjusting the brightness control on your monitor for comfort
  • Adjusting the contrast on your monitor to make the characters distinct from the background
  • Adjusting the refresh rate of your monitor to stop it flickering
  • Positioning monitors to avoid glare (e.g. not directly in front of windows)

Posted by Taylor White - August 15, 2012 at 2:18 am

Categories: News   Tags: , ,