Information Communication Technology in the developing countries Essay

Information Communication Technology in the developing countries - Essay Example This paper will discuss countries labeled "developing countries" in selected areas of the world, such as Ghana in Africa, Vietnam in Asia, Afghanistan in the Middle East, and Ecuador in Latin America and the way in which these countries are trying to develop their technology, economy, and society to meet the demands of a fast-growing global population. In trying to determine how to define a "developing" as opposed to a "developed" country, it is necessary to look at a country's economy and to research how that economy works. Most developing countries have always been dependent on agriculture, but the boundaries between developed and developing countries are apt to blur at present as a growing middle class in some developing countries have a life-style similar to the more wealthy countries. In the 21st century, information technology and the Internet have created a global economy that has spread throughout the world. In countries dependent on a local economy with exporting of goods their main source of income, it is evident that they are becoming more dependent on imports as the population moves away from agriculture. With more education and implementation of electronics and computers offering increased communication for the poorer countries, their economy is improving. However, the bottom line is rising prices in an improved econo my. and poverty remains for a percentage of the population who cannot afford the rising prices. This paper will study four different areas of the world in which a changing culture is very much affecting their economy-Ghana in Africa, Vietnam in Asia, Afghanistan in the Middle East, and Ecuador in Latin America. In addition, countries moving into a "developed" category, such as China and Mexico, will be evaluated, with a further discussion of previously labeled developing countries such as India, Philippines, Czech Republic, and Ireland, and finally the present economic difficulties being faced in developed or wealthy nations, such as the United States. By researching the technological, economical and social development of developing countries in terms of the improvements that are being brought about through ICT, the effectiveness of the electronic age for these areas can be determined. In addition, the effort to alleviate poverty, as the line between the wealthy and the poor widens, must be addressed. VIETNAM The latest "buzz word" to describe the goal of developing countries is "knowledge society." According to Nguyen & Johanson (2007, pp. 1-2): A knowledge society is assumed to have at least two important features: information and communications technologies (ICTs) and a critical mass of knowledge which forms the basis of a significant portion of a national society. Vietnam, presently labeled a developing country, could in time become a knowledge society, but changing traditional values have brought about tension and adjustment problems in this ancient culture. In a knowledge society, economic, social and cultural activities combine with government to foster learning. As noted by Nguyen and Johanson,