Introducing Information Technology

The introduction aims to show the importance of Information Technology in the modern world, and covers the requirements of the new syllabuses: with a Foreword by Sir John Ashworth, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, 1979. There are many activities and assignments which can be done individually or in a group. Case studies have been included to show how Information Technology is influencing manufacture and service industries. It is a valuable resource for the onset of Computer Technology.

Young people today need to have an appreciation of the usefulness of Information Technology and computerised systems which now form such a vital part of the infrastructure of our society. They will have to be computer literate, know how to use a computer and manipulate data. The spread of IT through the linkage of computerised equipment all over the world, could, in the future, allow for educational possibilities previously un-dreamt of.

An attempt has been made in this book to keep all work realistic, allowing for the fact that most schools and colleges do not have an abundant supply of computers or IT machinery.

Young people can either work individually or in groups, and assignments and activities have been designed to reinforce knowledge and develop awareness. Computer literacy is of course in a constant state of evolution and students and teachers can build up vocabulary as they become more familiar with the subject. All chapters are complete with exciting photographs and diagrams providing an enjoyable and instructive introduction to this new and rapidly developing curriculum area.

Writing in the Foreword in 1986. Sir John Ashworth comments:

Schools and colleges should, of course, help their students develop their own talents but increasingly, they must also ensure that the fundamental technological and cultural bases of our society are understood by those they educate. There is no simple and generally agreed definition of ‘Information Technology’ but there is general agreement that whatever it is, it will underpin the industrial and commercial system within which the talents of today’s students will have to be deployed. Wendy Bardsley’s timely book will help all those, teachers as well as students who are thinking seriously about what a future based on IT will mean for us all.