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Chapter 18 Technology in the Workplace Section 18.1 Information Technology

Read to Learn Describe the role of information technology in business. Identify ways that technology has changed in the workplace.

The Main Idea People want instant access to information. At home and at work, they use hardware and software to create, store, and communicate information. Information technology allows people to access information from anywhere.

Key Concepts The Role of Information Technology How Technology Has Changed the Workplace

Key Terms information technology (IT) technology that uses computing, electronics, and telecommunications to process and distribute information in digital and other forms

Key Terms telecommunications the transmission of information over communication lines

Key Terms telecommuting an arrangement that allows employees to work at home while communicating with the workplace by phone, fax, or modem

Key Terms wearable computers computer-aided design (CAD) a small portable computer designed to be used while it is worn on the body software for designing products with a computer

Key Terms virtual reality an artificial, three-dimensional visual world created by a computer

The Role of Information Technology Computers are an important part of information technology (IT). information technology (IT) technology that uses computing, electronics, and telecommunications to process and distribute information in digital and other forms

Graphic Organizer Information Technology (IT) Computers Telephones Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) Fax Machines Wireless Technology (WiFi) MP3 Players

The Role of Information Technology People depend on telecommunications for getting information quickly and easily. telecommunications the transmission of information over communication lines

How Technology Has Changed the Workplace In the past, computers were too big and heavy to take from the office. Today, mobile computers are light enough to take anywhere.

Graphic Organizer Technology On the Go Portable Computers Wearable Computers Wireless Phones Broadband Access Specialized Software

Open-Source Systems An operating system is the basic set of programs and utilities that makes your computer run. Users can modify and redistribute open-source operating systems such as Linux ®.

Telecommuting Telecommuting requires that employees have their own computers and other equipment to do their work. telecommuting an arrangement that allows employees to work at home while communicating with the workplace by phone, fax, or modem

Graphic Organizer Advantages of Telecommuting Decreased traffic Flexible work hours Improved quality of work Fewer absent days

Graphic Organizer Disadvantages of Telecommuting Less contact with other workers Distractions of home Supervisors find it more difficult to supervise workers Equipment expenses

Figure 18.1 Computer Users by Age Group

Wearable Computers A portable music player that can also record speech is an example of a wearable computer. wearable computer a small portable computer designed to be used while it is worn on the body

Technology in Manufacturing By using computer- aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs, companies can custom design and make products. computer-aided design (CAD) software for designing products with a computer

Technology in Manufacturing In manufacturing plants, robots and computer-controlled machines do much of the work. Workers direct the robots and machine tools instead of doing hard or monotonous jobs.

Electronic Information Transfer Using an automated teller machine (ATM) to transfer funds from one bank account to another is an example of an electronic funds transfer.

Electronic Information Transfer Many companies electronically transfer paychecks to employees’ bank accounts.

Virtual Training Virtual training allows people to simulate a real situation using a computer. Computer-run flight simulation programs allow pilots to learn how to fly aircraft.

Virtual Training Virtual reality is used in training. virtual reality an artificial, three- dimensional world created by a computer In a virtual world, the computer recreates places and actions that seem real.

Virtual Training Special goggles and data gloves give users the illusion of real object or places. In medical training, computers allow surgeons to practice proceedures without real patients.

1.What are some forms of information technology? computers, telephones, PDAs

2.How has technology, especially mobile technology, changed the workplace? making it possible to work outside the office, especially from home

3.What are some of the pros and cons of telecommuting? pros: work at home, work without physical supervision, less travel time, flexible work hours; cons: lack of contact with co-workers, distractions, problems in supervision, cost of equipment