"Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is a broad subject concerned with (information and communication) technology and other aspects of managing and processing information, especially in large organizations." 1 For a more detailed definition of ICT, read the OECD Information Technology Outlook, Chapter 6, ICT Skills and Employment (see page 219 -- page 3 of the PDF).
The following items support the value of the ICT minor for University of Wisconsin-Stout students:
- As computers and the internet have continued to transform the economy
and society, the role of information and communications technologies
(ICTs) in fostering development has become more generally
recognized. In August of 2000, leaders of the G8 countries requested
a Digital Opportunities Task Force (DOT) to develop new,
innovative strategies for using information and communication technologies
to spur social, economic and civic development. In its report the
task force stated: "Creating digital opportunities is not something
that happens after addressing the "core" development challenges;
it is a key component of addressing those challenges in the 21st century." 2
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with computer
skills (ICT) are in demand. "Of the top 10 fastest growing
occupations, the top five are computer related." 3
- The ICT minor is a natural fit with UW-Stout's e-Scholar program.
Goals of the e-Scholar program "…include utilizing technology
to create a student-centered environment where active learning is
the core approach to acquiring concepts, processes and attitudes that
become lifelong habits in each student's life. Through the e-Scholar
program, UW-Stout plans to continue to improve the quality and promote
excellence of teaching and learning at undergraduate and graduate
levels." 4
1 Definition of "Information and Communication Technologies"
(ICT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology
2 "Using Information and Communication Technology to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals" prepared for by United Nations ICT Task Force, 2003.
3 Working in the 21st Century. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/opub/working/page8b.htm
4 Goals of the e-Scholar Program: http://www.uwstout.edu/es/goals.shtml