The Strength and Weaknesses of New Information and Communication Technology

INTRODUCTION Communication plays a very important role in our lives as the main tool of interaction between people. Communication is a very important aspect which helps people to send both verbal and nonverbal messages including facial expression, behavior and physical setting. In the Information Age communication patterns have been changed because of changing nature of interaction between people. Although, communication still performs the major function: the means whereby people exchange information. It is the interchange of ideas, facts, and emotions by two or more persons by the use of word, letters and symbols. IT (Information Technology) covers new communication tools such as computers, telecommunications and electronics and there is little doubt that IT is having a profound influence on all aspects of life. This new intensity of information makes possible far more precise planning and faster communication at low cost. By distributing information through electronic networks, a person can effectively communicate with thousands of people around the world and solve problems and tasks which would be impossible in face-to-face traditional communication. There is widespread research interest in information and communication technologies (ICTs). ICTs are crucially important for office management. Notes that for the past two decades most offices or establishments have witnessed significant changes that can be traced to ICTs. These multi-dimensional changes have been observed in almost all aspects of life: economics, education, communication, and travel. In a technology-driven society, getting information quickly is important for both sender and receiver. ICTs have made it possible to quickly find and distribute information. The technological changes that have influenced office work in recent years, information technology (IT) has had the greatest impact in the growth of businesses.

CHAPTER ONE
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

1. INTRODUCTION

References: Adesanya, O. (2002). The impact of information technology on information dissemination. In Madu, E.C. and Dirisu, M.B. (Eds.).Information science and technology for library schools in Africa, Ibadan : Evi-Coleman. Pp.10-24. African Information Society Initiative (2005). AISI Connect Online Database. Available:www.paradigm.snapc.org.africa/index.htm Akpore, A Annan, K. (2002). Information and communication development: Information society surmit. P.7. Anyakoha, M.W. (1991). Basic librarianship: Modern technologies in information work. Owerri: Totan publisher, Pp. 106-108. Bruce, O. (1995). Internet with a difference: Getting people hooked up. Available:www.zwren.org.zw/publications/information Crede, A., & Mansell, R Federal republic of Nigeria (2001). Nigeria national policy for information technology (IT). Available:www.nitda.gov.ng/nigeriapolicy.pdf.Madu2000andFapothunda1999 Hawkridge, D Martin, J.W. (1988). The information society . London: Aslib, P.179. Martin, J.W. (1995).The global information society. England : Aslib, P.3. O 'Brien, J.A. (1996). Management information systems: Managing information technology in the networked enterprise. Boston: McGraw Hill, Pp.282-285.