GEC-523
Applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Credits: 03
DESCRIPTION
This course is designed (o provide students with an exploration of the practical applications of Information and
Con11nunication Technologies (ICT) and software tools in various domains. Students will gain hands-on
experience with a range of software applications, learning how to leverage ICT to solve daily life problems,
enhance productivity and innovate in different fields. Through individual and interactive exercises and
discussions, students will develop proficiency in utilizing software for communication, creativity, and more.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
l . Explain the fundamental concepts, components, and scope of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT)
2. Identify uses of various ICT platforms and tools for different purposes.
3. Apply ICT platforms and tools for different purposes to address basic needs in different domains of daily,
academic, and professional life.
4. Understand the ethical and legal considerations in use of ICT platforms and tools.
SYLLABUS
1. Introduction to Information and Communication Technologies:
• Components of Information and Communication Technologies (basics of hardware, software, ICT
platforms, networks, local and cloud data storage etc.).
Scope of Information and Communication Technologies (use of ICT in education, business,
governance, healthcare, digital media and entertainment, etc.)
Emerging technologies and future trends.
2. Basic ICT Productivity Tools:
Effective use of popular search engines (e.g., Google, Bing, etc.) to explore World Wide
Web.
Formal communication tools and etiquettes (Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, etc.).
Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides).
Dropbox (Cloud storage and file sharing), Google Drive (Cloud storage with Google Docs
integration) and Microsoft OneDrive (Cloud storage with Microsoft Office integration). Evernote
(Note-taking and organization applications) and OneNote (Microsoft's digital notebook for
capturing and organizing ideas).
Video conferencing (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.).
Social media applications (Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
3. ICT in Education:
Working with learning management systems (Moodle, Canvas, Google Classrooms, etc.).
• Sources of online education courses (Coursera, edX, Udemy, Khan Academy, etc.).
• Interactive multimedia and virtual classrooms.
4. ICT in Health and Well-being:
Health and fitness tracking devices and applications (Google Fit, Samsung Health, Apple
Health, Xiaomi Mi Band, Runkeeper, etc.).
Telemedicine and online health consultations (OLADOC, SehatKahani, Marham, etc.).
5. ICT in Personal Finance and Shopping:
• Online banking and financial management tools (JazzCash, Easypaisa, ZongPayMax,
1-LINK and MNET, Keenu Wallet, etc.).
E-commerce platforms (Daraz.pk, Telemart, Shophive, etc.) Citizenship
and Online Ettiquette:
• Digital identity and online reputation.
Netiquette and respectful online communication.
Cyberbullying and online harassment.
7. Ethical Considerations in Use of ICT Platforms and Tools:
• Intellectual property and copyright issues.
Ensuring originality in content creation by avoiding plagiarism and unauthorized use of in
fornication sources.
Content accuracy and integrity (ensuring that the content shared through ICT platforms is
free from misinformation, fake news, and manipulation).
PRACTICAL•REQUIREMENTS
As part of the overall learning requirements, the course will include:
l . Guided tutorials and exercises to ensure that students are proficient in commonly used software
applications such as word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word), presentation software
(e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint), spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) among such other
tools. Students may be assigned practical tasks that require them to create documents,
presentations, and spreadsheets etc.
2. Assigning of tasks that involve creating, managing, and organizing files and folders on
both local and cloud storage systems. Students will practice file naming conventions, creating
directories, and using cloud storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive).
3. The use of online learning management systems (LMS) where students can access
course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussion forums, and take quizzes or
tests. This will provide students with the practical experience with online platforms commonly
used in education and the workplace.
SUGGESTEDINSTRUCTIONAL+READING MATERIALS
l . "Discovering Computers" by Vermaat, Shaffer, and Freund.
2. "GO! with Microsoft Office" Series by Gaskin, Vargas, and McLellan.
3. "Exploring Microsoft Office" Series by Grauer and Poatsy.
4. "Cojnputing Essentials" by Morley and Parker.
5. "Technology in Action" by Evans, Martin, and Poatsy.
