Since IT has become embedded in our daily lifestyle, we invite you to reflect on the past, in order to really appreciate its importance.
Information Technology is an intricate web. It is made up of countless threads, each with a unique purpose. Whether this be the storage, retrieval, manipulation, or transmission of electronic data, each thread is pivotal in holding the web together. The initial scarce, fine threads with weak connections, have now evolved to a strong, complex structure, capable of supporting modern life as we know it.
Prior to the Internet, if you had a question or a doubt, you’d need to spend hours in a library, looking through multiple books, to find the information you desired. Sometimes, hours of searching would still leave you without an answer. But now, any doubt we have can be clarified within a matter of seconds- all it takes is a simple google search. We have access to all the information we need at our fingertips.
What if you wanted to talk to someone well before texting and emailing became the norm? You’d have to write a letter, send it off and wait for a reply. How difficult would it have been to communicate on matters of urgency? Now, connecting with people has never been easier. Need to make plans? Send someone a text. Need the expertise of your manager? Send them an email. Communication has been revolutionised by IT. It has helped connect people regardless of the physical distance that separates them.
Let’s cast our minds to education and the transformation it has undergone. Before, all knowledge was gained from books and passed down verbally. You had to attend class in person if you wanted to learn. In our modern world, online learning has gained a lot of popularity. Distance education has made it possible for those in remote areas, to gain access to high-quality learning opportunities. Online degrees have allowed those who can’t attend university, to gain the qualifications necessary to pursue their dreams. Online learning platforms have enabled individuals to develop the skills needed to thrive in our current, technologically driven world. The education sector is constantly evolving to meet the demands of the modern population.
Another area that has undergone drastic changes because of IT, is finance. In the past, all transactions would have to be conducted using cash. Money would have to be withdrawn from banks. The process was quite time-consuming. Today, we don’t even need to carry around a wallet. The tap of a mobile phone is enough to complete a purchase. Electronic transfers have made sending and receiving money more efficient and easier. How convenient- all because of the evolution of IT.
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This is just a brief glimpse into how our lives have benefited from Information Technology. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit down and think about the progress and advancement that has been made. Some simple reflection can encourage us to be grateful for the things we often take for granted in our modern world.
Nikitha Rao, Gender Equity Ambassador