ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and Communication Technology.

Information is refers to knowledge obtained from reading, investigating, study and research.

Communication is an act of transmitting message.

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purpose especially in industry.

ICT can therefore be defined as the use of diverse set of technological tools and resources to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information. ICT also refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications.

There are two types of communication strategies in ICT:

1. Synchronous communication

This is a communication strategy where all parties involved in the communication involved are present and available at the same time. E.g. online chat, video conferencing, etc.

2. Asynchronous communication

Asynchronous communication does not require that all parties involved need to be present and available at the same time. E.g. Discussion forum, Blogs e-group, etc.

The following are types of ICT:

1. Broadcasting

2. Telecommunication

3. Data network

4. Information system

5. Satellite communication

Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communication medium. Types of broadcasting include Radio broadcasting, Television broadcasting, Satellite TV system broadcasting and Webcasting.

Telecommunication is the transmission of information over significant distance, for the purpose of communication. A basic telecommunication system consist of three primary units; a transmitter, transmitting medium and the receiver. Types of telecommunication system include:

o Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – land line.

o Mobile phone (GSM)

o Circuit Switched Packet Telephone (CSPT)

o Satellite Telephone

o Fixed wireless Telephone

Data network is an electronic communication process that allows for orderly transmission and receptive of data only.

Types of data networks network include:

· Personal Area Network (PAN). It refers to interconnection of information technology devices or gadgets within the environment of an individual user (typically within 10 meters). PAN may be wired with computer such as USB and Fire wire. A wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) can be made possible with network technology such as infrared Data Association (irDA) and Bluetooth.

· Local Area Network (LAN): A local area network is a computer network covering a small local area, like a home, office, or school.

· Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MANs are large computer network usually spanning a large campus.

· Wide Area Network (WAN): WAN is a computer network covering a broad geographical area.

· Internet. The internet is a worldwide network of computers that share information.