ATHE 3.

2 Introduction to Digital
Technologies
Lesson Overview

• To understand Digital technologies and its importance.

• To Explain the range of information and communications
technology (ICT)related jobs available
Introduction
• This course is designed for students to understand,
communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it
impacts their personal life, society, and the business
world.
• Exposure to foundation knowledge in hardware,
software, programming, web design, IT support,
Cloud computing, Artificial intelligence and networks
are all taught.
• Students will not only understand the concepts, but
apply their knowledge to situations and defend their
actions/decisions/choices through the knowledge and
skills acquired in this course.
 Definition
• Digital technology refers to the branch of scientific or engineering
knowledge that deals with the creation and practical use of digital or
computerized devices, methods, systems, etc.
• Any technology controlled using digital instructions, including computer
hardware and software, digital media and media devices, digital toys and
accessories, and contemporary and emerging communication technologies.

• These technologies are based on instructions given, using binary (0 or 1)

code, that invariably mean one or more processors are present to respond to
these instructions.

• Computers, smartphones, digital cameras, printers and robots are all

examples of digital technologies.
How Digital technology works

• When something is digital, it means that data is stored,

manipulated, or transmitted as binary digits (a 0 or 1). A digital
system is any system that creates, processes, or transmits data
in digital form.
• Nearly every intelligent device we interact with is a digital
system or is controlled by one.
• This isn’t just the obvious devices: computers, tablets, and
phones. They control everything – from the small (toys,
household appliances, and medical devices), to the big (cars,
planes, and buildings), and the huge (transport networks,
industrial plants and the internet).
How digital technology transformed our
life
• Digital technologies have transformed our lives because:
• We can store, process and transmit data in digital form faster, and on a
larger scale, than any other technology in human history (speaking,
writing, or printing)
• We can describe a wide range of problems for the data we can collect or
create, solve them by manipulating that data, and (sometimes) actuate
change in the physical world.
• In Digital Technologies, students not only study the use of these digital
technologies (digital literacy), but also the fundamental concepts, skills
and dispositions from computer science and information systems.
• Mastering these ideas gives students the capacity to create and exploit
future digital technologies to their fullest potential, rather than simply
consume them.
Why digital technology is important

• Digital Technologies have completely reshaped how we go about

every aspect of our lives:
• Financial: our jobs, online shopping and banking, automated
trading
• Social: email, mobiles, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram,
Skype, blogs
• Political: electronic voting, grassroots movements (Arab
Spring)
• Recreational: computer games, streaming video and music
• Educational: free access to information, web search (Google),
collaborative resources (Wikipedia), online learning (Ode
Academy) and MOOCs, learning analytics
Future Career in Technology
• Web Developer
• Front end developer
• Back end developer
• Full-stack developer
• Mobile Application Developer
• Software Engineer
• Graphic Designer
• IT Consultant
• IT Security specialist
• Database Administrator
• System Analyst
• Hardware engineer
Range of ICT related jobs

• Software Engineering
• Project Management
• Programming/Coding
• Database Administration
• Data Analysis
• Security
• Hardware Maintenance
Careers in Data Analytics

• Key Roles: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Business

Intelligence Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer.
• -Skills Required: Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI),
statistical analysis, SQL, Python, R.
• Job Functions: Analyzing large datasets, creating predictive
models, identifying trends.
• - Industries: Healthcare, Finance, Marketing, E-commerce.
Careers in Project Management

• - Key Roles: IT Project Manager, Scrum Master, Product

Manager, Agile Coach.
• - Skills Required: Agile, Scrum, stakeholder management,
communication, risk management.
• - Job Functions: Managing software projects, coordinating
teams, ensuring timelines and budgets.
• - Industries: Software Development, IT Services,
Government.
Careers in Programming/Coding

• - Key Roles: Software Developer, Front-End, Back-End, Full-

Stack Developer, Mobile App Developer.
• - Skills Required: Programming languages (JavaScript,
Python, Java, C++, Swift), frameworks.
• - Job Functions: Writing code, debugging, collaborating with
teams on software development.
• - Industries: Technology, E-commerce, Finance, Startups,
Entertainment.
Careers in Cybersecurity

• Key Roles: Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Cybersecurity

Engineer, CISO.
• Skills Required: Firewalls, encryption, penetration testing,
compliance (GDPR, HIPAA).
• Job Functions: Protecting from cyber threats, conducting
security audits, risk management.
• Industries: Finance, Healthcare, Government, E-commerce,
Technology.
Careers in Networking

• Key Roles: Network Administrator, Network Engineer,

Systems Administrator, Cloud Networking Specialist.
• Skills Required: Configuring routers, switches, VPNs, cloud
platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Job Functions: Designing and maintaining network
infrastructure, cloud networks, security.
• Industries: IT Services, Telecommunications, Healthcare,
Government.
Careers in Software Engineering

• Key Roles: Software Engineer, Systems Architect, DevOps

Engineer, Application Developer.
• Skills Required: Software design, system architecture,
coding, DevOps tools (Jenkins, Kubernetes).
• Job Functions: Designing and building software systems,
debugging, testing, ensuring performance.
• Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Automotive, Finance,
Healthcare.
Emerging Fields in Computing

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Data-driven intelligent systems.

Blockchain: Decentralized solutions for finance and logistics.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Building interconnected devices.
• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): 3D
immersive experiences.
Common Skills Across Computing Roles

• Problem-Solving: Critical in every computing role.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Required for most computing
jobs.
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest
trends and tools.
• Communication Skills: Essential for explaining technical
concepts.