Convergence as it applies to ICT

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) consists of the hardware, software, networks, and media for the collection, storage, processing, transmission and presentation of information (voice, data, text, images), as well as related services (Worldbank,n.d.). Convergence takes place when these multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of the individual technologies. The mobile phone which provide text, graphic and voice is an example of technological convergence (Information and Communication Technologies in Education - Unit 1, n.d.) page 4.

The linking of computers and telecommunications made possible the Internet (Wilson & Corey, 2011). The addition of the remote storage media to the internet has birthed the concept of cloud computing. Cloud computing allows people to store their data (online documents, music, etc.) on the Internet, it is an example of how convergence applies to ICT. Cloud computing allows me to store documents in a remote location that I can access from anywhere. It also allows me to collaborate on assignments with my colleagues at the same time while we are all in different geographic locations.

One factor that impedes the wide spread implementation of cloud-based resources is that of security and privacy of data. We all know of the threat of cybersecurity and we have all heard of places that have suffered security breaches. Although these threats are real, we must understand the risks involved and do our due diligence before implementing.

Convergence in ICT has brought many benefits to us, but like any technology we must understand that there are advantages and disadvantages. Once we understand the risks involved, we will be better informed to implement.

------------------------

References

1. WorldBank. (n.d.) ICT Glossary Guide. http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTINFORMATIONANDCOMMUNICATIONANDTECHNOLOGIES/0,,contentMDK:21035032~menuPK:282850~pagePK:210058~piPK:210062~theSitePK:282823,00.html#I

2. (n.d.). Information and Communication Technologies in Education, p 4.

3. Wilson, M. I., & Corey, K. E. (2011). Approaching Ubiquity: Global Trends and Issues in ICT Access and Use. Journal Of Urban Technology, 18(1), 7-20. doi:10.1080/10630732.2011.578405

#ICT #ICT4ED #Convergence #ICT4Education