TECHNOLOGY AS AN EMPOWERMENT TOOL

I studied electronics and at that time digital electronics were used as control, switches and later mainframe computer. The development of mini computer
and internet later brought about Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The applications of ICT change the way private and public organizations do business. This revolution is now applied to our life as telephones, World Wide Web (internet) application software, hardware and others.
ICT has empowered me to understand, define and act upon my personal life, family and community needs.
I have used technologies to improve and make my life more efficient, safer, and interesting and to also facilitate any goal. Examples are:
• Used calculators to ensure accuracy and save time.
• Telephone to communicate.
• Television to gather news and relax
• Knowledge of competent internet and technical skill is used to find new information pertinent to my life and communicate with other people about common needs such as
i. Shopping
ii. Going to movies
iii. Up-to-date news
iv. Make and enjoy friendship
v. Engage in discussions about issue
vi. Conduct research in libraries(web mining)
vii. Gather a wide range of information on any interest or need without leaving home
The greatest empowerment my family has benefitted from ICT is being able to build opportunities which has enhanced our understanding of personal needs and prepared us for any upcoming challenges. The new information found has connected every member of the family with ideas, goals, hopes, feelings and values which change our life for better. It has also nourished our imaginations and deepened emotional commitment to visionary ideas.
ICT has empowered me to step out of traditional confines and boundaries to carve out new possibilities providing opportunity to labor, for freedom, to demand of myself and friends, relation openness of mind and heart that allows me to face reality even as we collectively imagine ways to move beyond boundaries to transgress.
Professionally, I taught electronics and applied electronics courses in tertiary institutions for many years before I was invited by an insurance company to set up an Information Technology (IT) department that will make it achieve their organizational goals.
In today’s business, IT is a significant driving force behind organizational change.
The IT implemented for this company improved their business processes, streamlined operations, cut cost and increased profitability. The company was able to restructure the employee skill database, process change, improve product delivery and marketing methodology. This company achieved their operational goals and objectives within a year of applying a working Information Technology.
After completing this assignment, I came back to work in a tertiary institution but now an Open University where IT is used to drive the mode of education. The application, registration, student learning and examination are done online, real time, anywhere and anytime.
I am providing support to the platform and IT infrastructure on which the university runs for effective and smooth operations.