Digital Citizenship and Ethics Quiz

Technology Study Guide

• This guide provides study material for technology systems
• Students should document answers on separate paper or a word document
• Once complete, send answers back to the teacher
• Contact the teacher with any questions during the study or if ready for a review

Section 1: Introduction to Technology Systems

• Technology systems combine tools, equipment, processes, people, and rules to solve problems
• These systems encompass software, networks, machines, and people working together
• Systems have components that facilitate input, process, output, feedback, and control mechanisms

Input

• Data, instructions, or resources entering the system
• Examples include typing on a keyboard, scanning a barcode, or operating a remote
• In real-world examples, typing commands in a programming app or coding

Process

• Operations performed to produce an outcome
• Examples are calculations, coding, mechanical operations, or processing commands
• In real-world examples, a factory robot assembling parts or a video game loading game data

Output

• The final result after processing input
• Examples include a printed document, sound from a phone, or a computer screen output
• In real-world examples, an accounting report generated by software or a speaker outputting sound

Feedback

• System response, helping improve future outcomes
• Examples include a fitness tracker providing feedback on heart rate, or programmer receiving feedback for their apps
• In real-world examples, a thermostat adjusting heating based on room temperature

Control Mechanisms

• Ensure the system operates according to its plan
• Examples are a thermostat adjusting heating or a car's brake system reacting to an accident
• In real-world examples, control systems in cars automatically adjust brakes to prevent accidents

Examples of Technology Systems

• Transportation Systems: GPS, navigation software, traffic updates.
• Communication Systems: Microphone, audio processing software, voice messaging, user reviews.
• Healthcare Systems: Patient data, diagnostic software, medical reports, patient feedback.

Section 2: Technology and Society

• Technology is central to society, influencing communication, the economy, education, healthcare, and social life
• This section explores the effects of technology on various aspects of life

Communication

• Global communication via social media, messaging apps, and video calls
• Changes to relationships and the spread of information

Economy

• Impact of AI and automation on jobs and industry growth
• Economic growth and challenges like job displacement

Education

• Personalized learning, remote classes, and digital access to information
• Screen time management and digital learning issues

Healthcare

• Improvements in patient care (telemedicine and wearable devices)
• Ethical issues surrounding privacy and data use

Social Life

• Reshaping social interactions
• Concerns regarding online privacy, misinformation, and mental health

Ethics and Society

• Ethical challenges of cybersecurity, data privacy, and technology addiction
• Responsible innovation to maximize benefits while reducing risks in a technology-driven world

Section 3: Design Thinking & Innovation

• Design Thinking is a creative problem-solving approach focusing on understanding user needs, generating innovative solutions, and testing them to refine and improve 

Empathize

• Understanding the people technology is being designed for
• Observing and interviewing users to understand their needs and challenges

Define

• Clearly identifying the problem to be solved
• Based on insights gathered during the empathize stage

Ideate

• Generating a broad range of ideas and solutions
• Encouraging creativity and “thinking outside of the box”

Prototype

• Creating tangible versions of ideas to test with users
• Can be paper sketches, functional models, or digital mock-ups

Test

• Testing the prototype with real users to gather feedback
• Observing how users interact with it and ask for user feedback
• Identifying what works and what doesn't

Prototyping Solutions

• Prototyping is a crucial part of Design Thinking; it converts abstract ideas into tangible forms (sketches, models, etc.)
• It aids in evaluating designs in practice before investing in a full solution

Types of Prototypes

• Low-Fidelity:  Simple representations (sketches, basic models) used for early feedback and quick iteration.
• High-Fidelity:  More detailed prototypes, often resembling the final product, allowing for more realistic user testing.

Section 4: Algorithmic Thinking and Problem-Solving

• Algorithmic thinking is a step-by-step process of problem-solving
• Breaking down problems into smaller, manageable tasks
• Following these tasks methodically helps reach efficient solutions efficiently

Key concepts of Algorithmic Thinking

• Decomposition: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts
• Pattern Recognition: Identifying recurring patterns within a process to make solutions reusable
• Sequencing: Identifying steps in a specific order
• Conditional Logic: Establishing decision points that affect future actions based on certain conditions
• Optimization: Finding the most efficient way to achieve the outcome

Section 5: Critical Analysis of Technology Trends

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Allows machines to perform tasks requiring human intelligence. Used in many areas like virtual assistants, self-driving cars, etc.
• Blockchain: A digital ledger that records transactions. Secure and transparent. Used in cryptocurrencies and other industries.
• 3D Printing: Creates 3D objects layer by layer from a digital design.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Connects everyday objects to the internet to allow them to share and receive data.
• Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR): Immersive or enhanced experiences using headsets or other devices.

Section 6: Ethics and Societies

• Ethical considerations regarding various technologies (AI, biotech, privacy)
• Impacts on society and future considerations of safety, privacy, and responsibility, while maximizing benefits