What Is Information Technology?
When we use an automated teller to withdraw
cash, when we buy groceries, when we drive our cars, and of course, when
we surf the INTERNET, information technology is in the background, enabling
life as we know it in the 20th century. Information technology describes
the computer-based collection, exchange, and storage of information and
knowledge. The Information technology industry is transforming the work
environment. For every computer appliance that does something for us, there
are individuals like our role model, Cynthia Dorrington, who designs and
uses them. As a result, the need for workers has shifted to a knowledge-intensive
industry.
For example, Cynthia has the knowledge
and experience to work at MT&T as an Information Technologist Specialist.
At the moment she is responsible for installing
a brand new system and then training service representatives to go into
this system and program people's telephone lines on the digital switch.
She is also responsible for maintaining
the Octel Voice Messaging System or voice mail for Nova Scotia and Prince
Edward Island. Two types of network systems are involved:
The LANsystem or local area network system
allows a lot of personal computers to talk to one another. The WANsystem
or wide area network system allows different communities to talk to one
another.
Cynthia told us that becoming an information
technologist does not mean working for a telephone company only:
"In this particular job I work with the
phone company but I can go anywhere as long as they need the information
and background I have. I can go almost anywhere with my knowledge
of the ORACLE DATA BASE. A lot of people are using it in conjunction
with applications....I don't just have to work with a phone company."
Information Technologists work in nearly every industry sector. This includes Broadcast and Television, Medical Electronics, Computer Electronics, Aerospace Electronics, Business Machines, Automation, Installation and Service, Distribution, Communications, Defense Electronics, Industrial Electronics, Engineering CAD/CAM, Component Production CAD/CAM, Avionics and Research.
