SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

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LEARNING MODULE
FOR
GEE3: Living in the IT Era
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Week2
 Week2
History of Computer

With the evolution of technology, computers have taken a major role in the last three
decades. This is due to the fact that people have become increasingly dependent on
computers to do their daily tasks in school, at work, or in their routines. What started off
as simply for research purposes, computers are now designed to be more compact,
more mobile, and more integrated in people’s daily Activities?

Computers have evolved based on the type of components used in the design. At
present, scientists and researchers have identified five generations based on design,
suitability, and reliability. These generations of computers are briefly defined below
(Pepito, 2002).

Figure 1.9 Smart wearables

a. Smartwatch

b. Virtual reality

c. Consumer health trackers

First generation Computer (1945-1959)

The first electronic computer was developed in 1946. Designed by J. Presper Eckert
and Jhon W. Mauchly from the University of Pennsylvania and financed by the United
States Army, the Electronic Numeric Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) is
considered to be the first- generation computer. ENIAC was a modular computer,
composed of several panels capable of performing different functions. However, it could
store only

Figure 1.12 ENIAC showing the vacuum tubes

Limited or small amount of information and only do arithmetic operations such as

addition and subtraction of up to 10 digits. The computer was roughly 167 square
meters in size, and weighed 27 tons.

Figure 1. 13 Transistors
Second- generation Computer (1959-1965)

In this second generation, the transistor was used as the interior sections of the
computer. Transistors were much smaller, faster, and more dependable than the
vacuum tubes of the first- generation computer. They generated less heat and
consumed less electricity but were still very costly.

Third-generation Computer (1965-1971)

In 1965, Jack kilby invented the integrated circuit (IC) that we used instead of transistors
as the interior resistors, and capacitors that even the full circuit board of a transistor can
be replaced entirely with one chip. This chip made the computers smaller, unfailing, and
effective. In this third generation, remote processing, time-sharing, and
multiprogramming operating system were used.

Figure 1. 14 Third-generation computer using integrated circuit

Fourth-generation Computer (1971-1980)

From 1971 to 1980, very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits were used to build
computers. These circuits have about 5,000 transistors and other circuit elements with
their connected circuits
 Figure 1. 15 Fourth-generation computer using a microprocessor

On a single chip known as the microprocessor. These fourth-generation computers such

as personal computers became more powerful, dense, reliable, and inexpensive. The
other application of this microprocessor technology can be used and applied for pocket
calculators, television sets, automotive devices, and audio and video applianc

Figure 1. 16 Fifth-generation computer

Fifth-generation Computer (1980- onwards)

In this fifth generation, the VLSI technology has evolved into what is called ultra large-
scale integration (ULSI) technology, with the manufacture of microprocessor chips
having 10 million electronic components. This generation involves computer intelligence
which associated with artificial intelligence (AI), natural language, and expert systems
that interpret the means and practices of producing computers that think like human
beings.

Components of a Computer

What makes a computer work? By definition, a computer is an electronic device that

manipulates information or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. It
contains both hardware components and software applications.

The hardware pertains to the computer’s physical devices. It is any part of the
computer that can be seen and touched. A computer’s hardware consists of interrelated
electronic devices that are used to manipulate the computer’s operation, input devices,
and output devices.

Input Devices

Working with a computer would be ineffective if one does not intermingle with it because
the machine cannot accept and receive instructions and/or deliver an output on its own.
Input devices enter or send data and instructions from the user or from another
computer system on the internet while output devices send back the administered data
to the user or to another computer system.

The following are some of the most common and important input devices of a computer.

Keyboard- is the common input device that accepts letters, numbers, and commands
from the user.
Mouse- lets one select options from on-screen menus. A mouse is used by moving it on
a flat surface, pressing its two buttons (left and right), and scrolling the wheel that is
located between the buttons.

There are also alternatives to using a mouse. A trackball has a ball that can rotate
using a finer or the palm of a hand to move the pointer. A touchpad also called a
trackpad is touch-sensitive pad that lets the user move the pointer by touching and
dragging his or her finger on the pad. Touchpads are commonly built-in on laptop
computers.
Microphones- allows a user to speak into the computer to input data and instructions.
While there are available stand-alone microphones for computers, most of the time,
users by a headset-a combination of microphone and earphones-for the sake of
practicality.
Scanner- converts printed materials (such as text and pictures) into a form the
computer can use. There are different types of scanners available; the most common is
the flatbed scanner. Scanners look like miniature printers with a flip-up cover
protecting the glass platen. They are often built into multi-function printers (MFPs).
Another type becoming common nowadays is that hand-held or portable scanners.
Portable scanners are just a bit a document line by line. They do not give high-
resolution scans and are more expensive than flatbed scanners.
Digital camera- allows one to take pictures then transfer the photographed images to
the computer or printer instead of storing the images on a traditional film.
PC video camera- is a digital video camera that enables users to create a movie or
take still photographs electronically. With the PC video camera attached to the
computer, users can see each other as they communicate via the computer.

Outputs Devices

An output device is any hardware component that transmits information to one or more
people. The three commonly used output devices are as follows:
Printer- produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper. The two
types of printers are the Impact printer and the non-impact printer. An impact printer
makes contact with the paper by pressing an inked ribbon against the paper using a
hammer or pins. An example of an impact printer is the dot-matrix printer. A non-impact
printer does not use a striking device to produce characters on the paper, and because
it does not hammer against the paper, the printer produces less noise.

Example of non-impact printers are inkjet printers and laser printers.

Monitor- display text, graphics, and videos on a screen. Many monitors look similar to a
television. The three types of monitor available in the market are the following.

A. Cathode ray tube (CRT) is a vacuum tube containing an electron gun at one end and a
fluorescent screen at another end. From this electron gun, a process called thermionic
emission generates = strong beam of electrons. These electrons travel through a narrow
path within the tube with high speed using various electromagnetic devices and finally
strike the phosphor points present on the fluorescent screen, thus creating an image.
Monitors employ the CRT technology used most commonly in the manufacturing of
television screens. A stream of intense high-energy electrons is used to form images on
a fluorescent screen.
 B. Liquid crystal display (LCD) is a flat-panel display that consists of a layer of color or
monochrome pixels arranged schemically between a couple of transparent electrodes
and two polarizing the light in
varied amounts and making it pass through the liquid crystal layer.

C. Figure 1.17
Different types of monitor

a. CRT Monitor. b. Liquid crystal display C. light-emitting

D. Light-emitting diode (LED) is a flat-panel display that uses light-emitting diodes for
backlighting. The display is of LCD only but the backlighting is done by LEDs. LED
monitors are said to use much lesser power than CRT and LCD. Thus, they are also
considered environment-friendly.

 Speaker- allows one to hear music, voice, and other sounds. The signal used to
produce the sound that comes from a computer speakers is created by the
computer’s sound card.

System Unit

The system units is the enclosure composed of the main elements of a computer that are
used to administer data. This can be referred to as a computer case or tower. The circuitry of
the system unit containing the primary components of a computer with connectors into other
circuit boards can
be positioned is recognized as motherboard.

Storage Devices

A computer can be utilized with only processing, memory, input, and output devices. To make it
very valuable, however, a computer also needs a place to hold program files and all related files
when they are not in use. The goal of using a storage is to keep data permanently.
There are many types of storage devices which include the flash disk drive, a small portable
storage device often referred to as a pen drives, thumb drives, or jump drives. It has a memory
capacity of 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB,1 28GB, 1TB, and now up to 2TB. Another
type of storage is the hard disk drive. Most personal computers have at least one non-
removable hard disk that is regarded as a non-volatile memory which permanently, stores and
retrieves data.

Another storage device is the compact disc. It is a flat, round and portable metal disc. One type
of compact disc is a CD-ROM, which can be accessed using most CD and DVD drives. Another
type of compact disc is a DVD-ROM, which has enough storage capacity to store a full-length
movie.

Figure 1.17 Storage devices- flash drive, hard drive,

and compact discs

Why Computers are Powerful

Computers are powerful for a variety of reasons. They work with remarkable speed, reliability,
and accuracy. Computers can store large amounts of data and information. Also, computers
allow users to communicate with other users or computers. A user is anyone who
communicates and interacts with a computer or makes use of the information it generates.

Speed
In the system unit, operations get done through electronic circuits. When data, instructions,
and information drift along these circuits, the travel at incredibly fast speeds. Most computers
bring out billions of operations in a single second. The world’s fastest computer can perform
trillions of operations in one second.

Reliability and consistency

The electronic components in modern computers are dependable because they have a low
rate. The high reliability of components enables the computer to produced consistent results
Accuracy
Computers process large amounts of data and generate error-free results, provide the data
is inputted correctly and the instructions work properly. If data is inaccurate, the resulting output
is also incorrect. A computing phrase known as garbage in, garbage out points out the accuracy
of a computer’s output depends on the accuracy of the input.

Communication
It is unbearable to go through a day without communication. Communication happens
between two or more people sending and receiving messages from one another. The one
sending the message is referred to as the sender while the one receiving the information is
known as the receiver. The message being transmitted can contain facts, thoughts, perceptions,
judgements
Beliefs, attitudes, commands, and even reactions. For example, two computers connected by a
communications device, such as a modem, can share stored data, instructions, and information.
These two computers can be located in the same room or thousands of miles away from each in
two different countries.

Classifying Computers

The general classifications of computers are as follow:

 Personal computer- is a small, single-user computer based on a

microprocessor. In addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a
keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage
device for saving data.
 Workstation- is a powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a
personal computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-
quality monitor.
 Minicomputer- is a multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to
hundreds of users simultaneously.
 Mainframe- is a powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting hundreds or
thousands of users simultaneously.
 Supercomputer- is an extremely fast computer that can perform millions of
instructions per second. Below is a picture of NSASA’s Pleiades supercomputer
that has 245,536 CPU cores and total memory of 935 TB.
 Figure 1.19 NASA’s Pleiades supercomputers

To compare, a computer with an Intel Core i3 processor, has only two cores for running its
programs and applications. Core i5 and i7 models usually have only four cores; however, most
applications cannot use all the cores to full advantage. Thus, they do not operate at full capacity.
Imagine having more than 245,000 cores. How many applications and programs can your
computer run in a second?

Computers are also categorized into several types due to the introduction of mobile devices and
the proliferation of internet capable devices. Specialized computers are now classified according
to specific uses. The different types of computers are as follows:

 Desktop computers- are computers designed to be placed on a desk, and are

normally made up of a few different parts, including the computer case, central
processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
 Laptop computers- are battery-powered computer devices whose probability make
them possible to use almost anytime, anywhere.
 Tablet

computers- are hand-held computers with touch-sensitive screen for typing and
navigation.
 Smartphones- are hand-held telephones which can do things that computers can do,
including browsing and searching the internet and even playing console games.
 Wearables- include fitness trackers and smartwatches that can be worn throughout the
day.
 Smart TVs- are the latest television sets that include applications present in computers.
For example, videos can be streamed from the internet directly onto the TV. The TV can
also use as a computer monitor and gaming monitor.
 Digital Age, Information, Age, and Computer Age

Digital age, information age, and computer age, used interchangeably, capture the
ubiquitous nature of the computing and the prolific use of technology in almost all aspects of
human activity such that the digital interaction is a defining characteristics of human activity.

It is a period in human history characterized by the shift from traditional industry to

information technology-based economy brought by industrialization during the Industrial
Revolution. The definition of what digital means (or what information means) continues to
change over time as new technologies, uses devices, and methods of interaction with other
people and devices enter the domain of research, development, and market launch.

This period is also characterized by the digital industry creating a knowledge-based society
surrounded by a high-tech global economy that exerts its influence on how the
manufacturing process and the service sector work in an efficient and convenient way.

Media in the Digital Age

Media normally refers to the means of communication that uses unique tools to interconnect
among people. The forms of the media include television, radio, cellular phones, and internet
(which involves the access and use of various social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and YouTube, among others). In the digital age, however, media can be considered
as the message,
the medium, and the messenger.

The message

Media is considered to be the message itself for those who created and own the rights of
content. The forms of content can be user-generated of professional produced. User-generated
content (UCG) is a form of content created and owned by the users of a system. UCG has
grown exponentially especially with the wide internet coverage or easy WiFi access, increased
social media participation, and affordable smart devices.
 Figure
1.21 Media as creative content

Below is one of the many examples of media tools used especially by millennials to generate
content.

Blog

Keeping a diary or a journal is a traditional method of the recording one’s thoughts or

expressing one’s emotions through writing. With the advent of the internet, expressing one’s
feelings and thoughts was given a new concept through online writing or blogging. A blog is a
combination of two words web and log. It works the same ways a pen and paper would but
privacy becomes irrelevant given that a blog post can be seen by anyone online. A person who
writes blogs is called a blogger.
 Figure 1.22 The artist Main “Yaya
Dub” Mendoza as a blogger

The Medium

The medium used refers to the tool or tools used in sending a message from the source to the
destination. Traditionally, for example, professionals send messages to the audience, such as a
news anchor delivering the news on TV and/or radio. However, with the latest technologies, the
so-called social media has become an avenue for information even thinking over news sites in
bringing the latest or up-to-date content. One such example is Twitter. Users of this application
can constantly updated other Twitter users about a certain topic. In this platform, Twitter users
can also share other users’ content (in the form of retweeting) and discuss any topic with one
another. Thus the media, instead of just being an avenue for delivering messages, is becoming
increasingly social- with the audience themselves creating their own content and interacting with
one another.

Evolution of Media

The media has transformed itself based on two things- (1) how information is presented; and (2)
how the connection is established. Woodcut printing on cloth or on paper was used in the early
15th century.
 Figure 1.23 Printing press

Figue 1.24 Telegraph in the 1800s Figure 1.25 A screenshot from the 1902 French

It was in 1436 when Johannes Gutenberg started working on a printing press which used relief
printing and a molding system. Now, the modern printing press delivers messages in print, such
as newspapers, textbooks, and magazines.

In the 1800s, the telegraph was developed followed by the telephone which made the two-way
communication possible. Message sending and receiving can now be done both ways
simultaneously.

Overview of Current Trends

A trend refers to something hip or popular at a certain point in time. It can be a particular style in
fashion, devices, or entertainment. A new trend may always come along to replace the old one.

Technology trends tend to change as time goes by. Following Moore’s Law, technology is bound
to upgrade itself every two years. In 1965, Gordon Moore predicted that the computing power
would dramatically increase over time.

In an article from Forbes.com, DeMers (2016) identified seven major trends in 2017.

1. Iot and smart home technology

The so-called Internet of things (IoT) has been trending since 2016. The vision of IoT
has evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, including pervasive
wireless communication, data analytics, machine learning, and use of hardware
technology such as sensors, microprocessors, and microcontrollers.
2. Augmented reality and virtual reality
 In 2016, the release of games such as Pokémon Go and the anticipated VR headset,
Oculus Rift, served as a turning point for AR and VR technology.

3. Machine learning

Also called artificial intelligence, having machine decide for you seems to be a
daunting task would and would probably make you think of robots and talking
computers, similar to Iron Man’s Jarvis. However, with the recent release of Apple’s
iPhone X, it was not just the design that improved. The iOS’ intelligent personal
assistant, Siri, has also been upgraded with enhance learning making the use of iPhone
more efficient. Its latest features include the following:

 Face ID
The owner’s face is the new password. It is a more secure way to unlock the
phone and keep the data safe.
 A11 Bionic
A11 Bionic is claimed to be the “most powerful and smartest chip ever in a
smartphone,” with a neural engine capable of up to 600 billion operations per
second. A neural engine, a type of artificial intelligence, enables computers to
learn from observations.

 Wireless charging
A cable is not needed to charge the device.

 iOS 1

In its operating system, one can scan documents in the notes app, edit live photos, and in the
U.S, even pay friends in Messages. Siri can also translate languages.
 Augmented Reality
AR is not just design for fun. It is also meant for productivity and efficiency. It
allows one to navigate without looking at a map, visualize industrial equipment,
and many others.

4. Automation

Through advance technology, it is now possible to automate previously human-exclusive

tasks. This is very much evident through wearable devices such as step counters and
heart rate monitors used by health-conscious individuals.

5. Big data

Big data is a term that describes large and complex volumes of data. But it is not how
much data an organization has it is what they do with it that matters. Big data can be
 analysed for insights which can help management make better decisions and come up
with more effective strategic plans.

6. Physical-digital integration

Majority of organizations nowadays are moving towards system automation. As such,

they identify their physical elements and create digital data for more efficient operation
and back-up.

7. Everything on demand

Due to the prevalence of network connectivity, it is possible to have information on

demand. Music, movies, and even drivers (e.g., Grab) are made available through the
apps in a smartphone.

Impact of ICT on Individuals, Organizations, and Society

ICT brings both positive and negative effects of individuals, organizations, and society. It
improves education, access to information, and security. However, it limits personal interaction
and physical activity and poses problems in employment and security.

Positive Effecs

 Improved access to education

There were new ways of learning such as the use of learning management
system (LMS) which implements educational enhancements such as distance
learning and online tutorials, virtual reality, and interactive multimedia.

 Access to information and communication

The internet is widely used in communication. Access to it is getting better as it

has become available in almost all places such as commercial establishments
and public spaces. New tools have been promoted such as VoIP phone, Instant
Messaging (IM), chat (e.g., FB Messenger, Google Hangouts, Yahoo!
Messenger, etc.),

 Security

With the advancement that ICT brings, individuals and organization can solve
any security problems. Examples of security measures on applications are: (1)
the use of encryption methods to keep and protect data from any malicious
 software; (2) the use of password/s for personal information protection; and (3)
the development of physical security system such as biometrics in a form of
fingerprint, facial recognition, and voice recognition.

Negative Effects

 Reduce personal interaction and physical activity

Because of virtual communication, ironically, people are less likely to talk to or

meet each other in person. And because of the comfort of working from home
and the entertainment that the internet offers (i.e., streaming movies, playing
online games, etc.), physical activity is reduced leading to health issues such as
obesity and heart disease

 Job loss or increase in unemployment

This can be considered as one of the worst effects of ICT.

 Multiple workers being replaced and reduced by a smaller number of
employees capable of doing the same volume of task.
 Shipping or freight services in which a certain amount added to the
operating costs for the physical process of transporting commodities or
good.

 Automation through robots or machine replacing the people in the

assembly line.

 Security

ICT brings not only improvement but also threat to security. Data or files must
always be kept secure and safe. The internet connection must always be
safeguard from different attacks such as data modification, identity/IP address
spoofing, password-based attacks, denial-of-service, etc.

Ethical Issues in ICT

1. Plagiarism
It is an act of theft in which a person copies another person’s ideas, words, or writings,
etc. and pass them off as his or her own. Those who committed such action may lead to
serious legal and ethical defilements
2. Exploitation
 It is an action in which one deals with a person dishonestly, unethically, and
dishonourably, in order to take advantage of the latter’s works and/or resources. This
leads to unlawful actions.
3. Libel
It can be either be an insult, slur, or slander. Either written or spoken or even through
actions, it may lead to libel if the accusation is not true and without any piece of
evidence.
 ACTIVITY #2
(To be submitted next week)

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Activity: Reflection Paper

Direction: Give your insight on the impact of ICT in Individuals, Organizations, and Society
(Positive and negative effect) as well as the Ethical Issues in ICT (Plagiarism, Exploitation,
Libel). Write your answer on a clean sheet of paper. (Yellow Paper)

Rubric:

FOCUS(20) CONTENT(30) ORGANIZATIO(25) CONVENTION(25)

The single controlling The presence of ideas The order developed and Grammar, mechanics,
point made with an developed through facts, sustained within and spelling, usage and
awareness of the task examples, anecdotes, across paragraph using sentence formation.
about a specific topic. details, opinions, transitional devices and
statistics, reasons, and or including introduction and
explanations. conclusion.

Sharps, distinct, Substantial, specific, Sophisticated Evident control of

controlling point made and/or illustrative content arrangement of content grammar, mechanics,
about a single topic with demonstrating strong with evident and/or subtle spelling, usage and
evident awareness of development and transitions. sentence formation.
task. sophisticated ideas.

Apparent point made Sufficiently developed Functional arrangement of Sufficient control of

about a single topic with content with adequate content that sustains a grammar, mechanics,
sufficient awareness of elaboration or explanation. logical order with some spelling, usage and
task. evidence of transitions. sentence formation.

End of Second week

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