The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the new wave of technology. From the very beginning back in the 18th century in European America, all the way to 2021 where the future is now. There is no secret, the world is changing- rapidly. Children get handed devices with source codes older than their own age and are expected to understand how to manage it all - the technology of information. It’s time to teach and spread knowledge about something that is already people’s daily lives. It’s time to bring awareness and education into the future.
What is Information Technology?
Information Technology as a subject itself can and is interpreted differently. It refers to the study, design, development, support, or management of computer-based systems- such as hardware and software. Whenever you hear IT, think of the data (or information) processing; statistics, networks, users, storage, analysis, etc.
The IT support team is almost everywhere in every profession. Schools, hydropower plants, journalist offices, or even kindergartens. This is because technology follows wherever electricity goes, and we need people to understand the systems and to take care of them correctly. The term is a synonym for computers or computer systems but is also considers other devices or technologies such as telephones or television. So, Information Technology itself can be referred to as anything that is a technology and has the capability to hold information- thus the name Information Technology.
What does it hold for the future?
Information Technology is evolving as we speak and keep improving, both by humans and by artificial intelligence that run based on machine learning. As mentioned earlier, we are stepping into the fourth wave of technology, and talking about the “hyper-realistic future of cyber” is in fact the present reality. Below is a degree to which business/governance believe emerging technologies will have an impact in the next 4 years:
1. Machine Learning — Business 92% / Govt. 90%
2. Internet of Things — Business 91% / Govt. 88%
3. BlockChain — Business 90% / Govt. 82%
4. Quantum Computing — Business 85% / Govt. 80%
5. 3D Printing — Business 83% / Govt. 80%
6. Robotics — Business 81% / Govt. 72%
7. Biometrics — Business 80% / Govt. 82%
8. Augmented Reality (AR) — Business 80% / Govt. 77%
9. Artificial Intelligence — Business 79% / Govt. 75%
10. Virtual Intelligence — Business 79% / Govt. 75%
11. Virtual Reality (VR) — Business 76% / Govt. 74%
12. Drones — Business 72% / Govt. 66%
13. Autonomous Vehicles — Business 70% / Govt. 63%
Statistics are taken from https://witanworld.com/blog/2018/04/04/informationtechnology/
The biggest challenge for Information Technology is security. Aside from the electronics and the data that we input and take usage of, we are lacking in focus when it comes to security and threats. This is where Artificial Intelligence with the help of Machine Learning can help reduce incidents with the help of algorithms. Where Blockchain Technology can help us with a safer transaction that is fault-proof and secure. Where Virtual Intelligence and Reality can help us see the insides of a person’s fractured bones with the help of a program and a pair of glasses.
Educating at an early age
“Digital tools help children understand things they can’t see, such as how seeds sprout roots and grow into plants or how a bird constructs a nest.” — Young Children And Tech Brief
Preparing for the future is in our nature, and our kids are a part of the new future. They keep in touch with friends, family, new trends around the world and keep up with the updates that go online. The world is changing, and technology driving most of that change. To be prepared for a world fully immersed in a technical reality, our future- our kids, need to understand the current technologies and have confidence in mastering the tools that will be mainstream in the future. It’s just like when you got a new washing machine, a new sewing method, or a new electric car. It is something that is so needed to understand that some specifics will need learning- like simply how to charge it. By teaching people at an early rate in life, they’ll be put in a better position to tackle the challenges and see all the amazing opportunities they’ll be faced in the upcoming future.
Just recently Facebook introduced Meta, which brings together their own apps and technologies to a single platform. This new idea that is being brought into life will bring a “metaverse” to the world, helping people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. This brings a whole new definition of how we see information technology in all its forms- both for educational purposes, for job opportunities, for areas of security and so much more. This is the fourth industrial revolution in its prime.
So, what really is the big deal anyway?
We’re talking about a global information technology market that is at $8370.95 billion in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The market is expected to reach $11866.34 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 9% with fast-emerging business potential in cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. Besides, aside from the business side of IT, it’s not only serving us the opportunity to create everything we need- such as healthcare systems, complex technologies to help industries succeed, along school and educational tools. But also the opportunity to create anything we really ever wanted — not just music, art, fitness, health, and purpose, but life and identity itself.
Statistics are taken from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210909006056/en/Information-Technology-Global-Market-Report-2021-IT-Services-Computer-Hardware-Telecom-Software-Products---Forecast-to-2025-2030---ResearchAndMarkets.com
Listen to Vitalic — Waiting For The Stars while reading this article:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVIfhjrZT00
