Information Technology is about the component parts of a system, Hardware/Software/Network, and other relevant parts that are needed to formulate a solution to a particular application or solution. The complete sum of all of the elements, including the necessary Human Resources, is an Information System. An example of such a system could be a retail solution for an organisation like Tesco. It includes a central server at HQ for all of its branches that manages all of the data, including inventory management, managing in-store promotions and resource management. It can also manage the daily accounting collecting data from the individual outlets and consolidating the results for the whole organisation. It may also include the various networks (WAN from Service provider and local LAN in each facility) as well as POS terminals in each branch and the operators of each point of information input. Other more create systems include solutions like Projection Mapping (see video).
The complete solution is an Information System that provides a particular solution or application focussed on the need or needs of the organisation using it. Ultimately one needs to look at the system needs first and then decide on what technology you need to fulfil the needs.
The above diagram illustrates an Information System made up of several sub-systems. The Artist creates a concept/idea and engages with others to create to content, images, and audio to present the idea/story Audio Visually. The content is then processed on a central server that creates the story for output (on any device). In the case of projection mapping the output is onto a building or object that require other systems to process and present the content. People play an important role in the output of those images for the entertainment or transfer of information to the consumers.
My goal in extending my knowledge of Information systems is primarily to understand more how to apply these applications to my organisation and to improve our efficiency, creativity and ultimately profitability.
Computer Literacy is about knowing how to use a computer and some of the basic applications like word-processing, Spreadsheets, basic web-browsing functions as well as connectivity (IP/ LAN etc).
Information Literacy on the other hand is about being able to use a computer and its applications to find and evaluate data. It can also include the ability to use the technology to communicate or collaborate (i.e. using Zoom as a learning tool and taking this further to exchange data or information collaboratively).
Digital Literacy is more about creativity, i.e. being able to use the technology to write effectively with tools such as grammar/ spell check etc. or further with creating music, film or even art using computer technology. The Technology and applications available enable one to create artistic content. According to Buckingham (2003, p.59) “it allows imaginative self-expression”, and Gilster (1997) referring to web usage, “the ability to stretch and explore the potential of interactive medium”.
The above video is a great example of Digital Literacy. Tenfeet mapped images, videos, animations and information onto the Amsterdam Rai Elycium building
References
David Buckingham, Defining Digital Literacy, Vs Verlag/GWV Verlag, 2010, Springer Link, Link.springer.com 21.03.2021
Paul Gilster, Digital Literacy. www.cloudfront.net 21.03.2021 (Wiley, 1997)
ISE/ Tenfeet, Video “How projection mapping has bought the RAI’s Elicium complex to life” InAVate TV for ISE, 13th Feb 2020.
ISE/Tenfeet ” Vision Impossible” . Integrated Systems Events, 14th Feb 2020