Module 1
ICT and the Growth of the Information Sector

Scope of Module1

This course is the first in the eLearning programme in ICT Policy and Regulation. It is imperative that students should understand the context of which telecommunications, and ICTs in general, function. Consequently, the scope within this part is basically to introduce students to rudimentary issues in ICT and acquaint them with theoretical paradigms in which ICTs are located. This part covers concepts such as the 'information revolution', the information society and a basic appraisal of the meaning and scope of ICTs. Telecommunications operate within these contexts, and it is imperative that students should be familiar with these issues. This part also provides an introduction to the nature and scope of the telecommunications sector, and pays particular attention to the factors that contribute to the growth and the 'revolution' taken place in this sector. The aim of this part of the module is to provide a theoretical grounding for the students before they encounter complex issues in telecommunications.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

• Apply a conceptual framework to the functioning of telecommunications within the milieu of communication and information technologies
• Identify factors that contribute to the growth of the information sector
• Discuss the concept of the 'information society' and its implications