IT Semester 1 (Removed Version) PDF

12.1 Electronic currency Electronic/digital currency is a digital payment method (occurs in digital form) 1.​ Digital currency: A method that is similar to coins/banknotes ​ Currency exchanged digitally using computers ​ Eg. ○​...

12.1 Electronic currency Electronic/digital currency is a digital payment method (occurs in digital form) 1.​ Digital currency: A method that is similar to coins/banknotes ​ Currency exchanged digitally using computers ​ Eg. ○​ credit cards ○​ mobile phones and smart watches (electronic wallet) Credit cards: can be read using card payment machines by 1.​ Magnetic strips being swiped 2.​ Card to be inserted and chip to be read. 3.​ Contactless payment: touching the card to the computer (In all methods: data that is stored the card is read by computer) Data stored on the card → bank account info then deducts the correct amount Mobile phones and smart watches: (similar to contactless payment of cards ) ​ Through apps like apple pay & google pay (apps provide data needed) Stored value card: has a set amount of currency stored (given to people from banks due to low credit ratings ) Types of stored value cards: 1.​ Closed-loop card: monetary value can be loaded to it once 2.​ Open-loop card: monetary value can be repeatedly loaded onto the card Advantages Disadvantages No need to carry physical money (can get lost) Monetary limit (contactless payments) If card/mobile device gets lost the user can Could be hacked (as its online) contact bank to suspend transactions Transactions are completed using encrypted Some people believe contactless payments methods (secure) could accidentally make contact Contactless payments speed up payments Losing track of money spent Automatically changing currencies If stolen, easy to use contactless payments before the owner cancels it. No need to remember PINS (contactless) Stored value cards prevent from getting into debt ​ 2.​ Virtual currency: Decentralised system; does not have a central body managing the process (most common managing way is using blockchain) ​ Does not have a physical representation ​ Eg. tokens that can be bought in a game  Advantages Disadvantages Personalising games/applications; It is decentralised (little regulation) entertainment purposes Specific to the context it was created, cannot be spent everywhere. 3.​ Cryptocurrency: ​ Eg Bitcoin and LiteCoin (tracked using systems like blockchain) ​ Peer-to-peer electronic monetary systems (Cancels the need for a central body → financial institution) ​ Can fluctuate a great deal ​ Many use bitcoin to buy/sell products online ​ Cryptocurrencies troubling banks, banks are considering making their own cryptocurrency Advantages Disadvantages Usual charges that apply to bank transactions Level of anonymity making criminal activity are not present difficult to trace Investing in bitcoin and possibly making money Cases → business hacked and bitcoin is stolen if sold at a higher rate (no bank to help resolve this issue) Difficult to create counterfeit (fake) currency for a cryptocurrency (security)  12.2 Data Mining Data mining: ​ Form of data analysis (also AI) ​ Process: searching through and analysing large sets of data to establish patterns and trends. ○​ Computers are used → bcs of the sheer amount of data ​ can be used to help identify future trends that could be very valuable The process of data mining 1.​ Business understanding: where needs of the business are discovered and an in depth analysis takes place (resources available, goals, developing queries) ​ Setting objectives ​ Developing the project plan ​ Establishing the criteria for success 2.​ Data understanding: ​ Collection of data ​ Checking viability (integrity, accuracy, properties) ​ Using queries from step 1 to check completeness 3.​ Data preparation: (largest & most time-consuming) ​ Selection, cleansing, construction, formatting) ​ Identifying patterns and trends relating to business needs 4.​ Data modelling: ​ Generating test scenarios to model data (suitability) 5.​ Evaluation: ​ Evaluating the results are generated by the models (may produce more business needs) 6.​ Deployment: ​ Creating a report/visual material to present findings to stakeholders. ​ Findings can be used to make decisions/ repeat the process Use of data mining ​ National security & surveillance ○​ National security: Analyse intelligence that is gathered to highlight the current activity in a country & predict. (= reducing the risk of attack/dangerous activity in the country) ○​ Data mining: surveillance data (CCTV footage, recorded phone calls) used to predict criminal activity ​ Some people agree (keeps people safer), some people disagree (violation of privacy) ○​ Corporate surveillance: when corporations mine peoples data to be used for marketing purposes or sold to other companies (data profiling: using this information to tailor products ) ​ Business  ○​ Using of data mining ​ Predicting customer spending habits ​ Predicting product trends ​ Hiring staff ○​ If they are able to predict, they can beat their competitor to market and gain a competitive advantage. (= increased sales revenue, profits) ○​ Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Improve customer loyalty and to implement business strategies that are customer focussed. ​ To build customer loyalty, businesses should predict customer needs ​ Research ○​ Helps revolutionise industries (medicine, space exploration, engineering and technology) ○​ Research companies can make use of other research companies’ data using data mining ( = speed up core developments) ○​ Bioinformatics (research in healthcare application): The practice of mining biological data to extract medical patterns and trends. (can be used for gene finding and disease research and diagnosis) ​ Health care ○​ Identifying success practices ○​ Helps reduce costs ○​ Predicting the volume of patients that will visit medical institutions (to prepare appropriate level of staffing) ​ Predicting social & economic trends ○​ Institutions are concerned with stabilisation and growth of the global economic market ○​ Data and intelligence that can predict future events can help important institutions (e.g governments) to prepare for any possible crisis to occur. ○​ They can use this info to make important business decisions (e.g where to expand the business) ​ Ethical & Privacy implications ○​ Targeting with products and advertising ○​ Constant targeting can be harmful (e.g chocolate) ○​ Searching for medical symptoms (privacy concerns ) ○​ Unethical for companies to share the data with other companies Advantages Disadvantages Allows organisation to make decision that will The process of data mining, the software tools help maintain/increase revenue and the skilled staff required are all very expensive. Allows the organisations to understand their Many people see the practice of data mining as customers and create the products they need both unethical and an invasion of their privacy. Allows individuals to see targeted product Storage costs for data are very expensive, advertising based on things they already like therefore this can also increase the cost of the (see new products they might like) process of data mining- Allows important institutions to predict future The masses of data stored prove a great crises that they can then plan strategies and security issue, as hackers will want to gain solutions to help handle or avoid them. access to the data because it has a high value. Allows businesses to save costs either by The outcomes produced by data mining are only understanding how to streamline what they predictions based on patterns and trends in past already do, or by not investing in a future data. They are not an accurate science and it is product that they can now be aware may not be very possible for them to be incorrect. desired. Case study → Facebook-Cambridge Analytica Scandal ​ The way companies collect, use and share other people's data ​ There were no strict laws with the countries concerned that governed this practice ​ Exploiting loopholes in the law to unethically mine data ​ Cambridge Analytica (A political consultancy firm) collected the personal data available from millions of people’s Facebook profiles and analysed it for political advertising purposes (used to influence public opinion) ​ 25 May 2018: New law was implemented to help govern the practice of data mining for EU residents ○​ Any company wanting to gather data of EU residents must seek permission to do so. ○​ Includes detailed clear guidelines and definitions about hope data can be collected and used. ○​ Makes companies question why they need the data, what it'll be used for, and do they have consent to use it.  12.3 Social Networking Social networking: The use of websites and apps that allow users to communicate and interact Types of social networking (social media): 1.​ Forums: Online place where users can post thoughts, ideas and questions. ​ Different from chat facilities → they don’t have the same level of live interaction ​ Users can search for previous forums ​ Moderators: the role of checking the form to make sure users abide by the rules. (they can remove posts/block users) ○​ Some forums don't allow posts unless they are approved by a moderator ​ Structured as threads ​ Normally has a theme (technical support, healthcare, computer games) ​ Business can use them as support facilities ​ Some have professional users that can give advice 2.​ Email(electronic mail): message that can be sent by a user to one or more users. (online version of a letter) ​ Sent using email addresses linked to an email provider ​ If an address has “@” → email followed by a domain name ​ Main method of communication for businesses ​ More direct method than social media platforms ​ More extensive than normal messages 3.​ Blogs (weblog): online journal, blogs are set up by individuals/ group of individuals to report on lives/particular topics ​ Structured in reverse chronological order (most recent appears first) ​ Online blogging softwares: WordPress, Squarespace ​ Can be 1000+ words ​ Businesses can use blogs to provide information, inform about developments ​ Education facilities can use blogs to provide updates ​ Microblogs: similar to blogs, but with much smaller level of content ​ Just a couple sentences/ image ​ Examples: Twitter, Instagram ​ Police: using microblogs to provide regular updates to communicate about issues on a national scale ​ Schools: regular updates ​ News platforms: post a headline with a link to view full article ​ Some people are full time bloggers (advertisements from companies) ​ Vloggers: video blogging Impact of social networking: 1.​ Cognitive issues: created a generation that needs a sense of immediacy, which can lead to cognitive issues that affect concentration levels because they are taking in a constant stream of information. 2.​ Businesses: Can be used as an effective marketing tool, it can be vital to success to have an online presence to increase sales revenue. Some people feel like their effect on social networking for businesses is starting to deteriorate as there are so many adverts. 3.​ Police & government: if there is a natural disaster, they can use social networking to distribute important information on how to stay safe. They can give warning for upcoming  issues (e.g bad weather) + There is a concern that they can censor information about certain issues, distorting people’s opinions. (e.g underplaying a political protest) Advantages Disadvantages Communication → to occur on a global scale Overwhelming → People can feel between Individuals, businesses and overwhelmed by all the information and organisations. communication they encounter. Included → people feel included as they can Excluded → people can feel excluded and feel share thoughts and ideas with those who share that everyone seems to have a better life than similar opinions. they do. Information → Allows organisations to Information → Some organisations could distribute important information to people that falsely represent certain situations and influence could be lifesaving in critical situations. opinions of people that are built on censored information. Influencers → Allows some individuals to make Influencers → can sometimes lead people to a living writing an online blog that others enjoy think or do things that are harmful reading. Advice & Support → on various issues, Advice & Support → can often be made by (technical support,healthcare) → improved people who may not be qualified to give advice level of customer service and care. or support. Entertainment → Provides a stream of Attention span→ decreases ( no longer able to entertainment for people. focus on a single activity for any length of time) News → Can expose people to news stories News → stories can be sensationalised and that they otherwise may not be aware of falsely reported. Anonymity → encourages users to participate in bad/illegal behaviour that they would not otherwise do, if they thought people would know who they are.  12.4 Technology enhanced learning There are many tutorials available online (e.g YouTube, Lynda.com, edx.org) Youtube → no governing body looking at the level of teaching (can be time consuming/incorrect) Types of platforms for technology-enhanced learning: 1.​ Computer-based training: Businesses and organisations can create extensive training programs for staff that can be accessed online. ​ Resources can be a mixture of media (text, sound, video, images) to relay information in the most effective way ​ There can be tests that are automatically marked Advantages Disadvantages Users can learn at their own pace Learners may not have a tutor to answer any questions they have Different media can be used to create an Staff may not be motivated to follow the interesting set of resources computer-based training as they aren’t being watched/driven to do so Staff can improve their own skills and knowledge resulting in a promotion/pay rise 2.​ Online tutorials: ​ Biggest platform → YouTube ​ Normally delivered using different media to help the user achieve a certain goal/outcome ​ Users can watch tutorials repeatedly until they feel like they understand it Advantages Disadvantages Availability → all skills can be found Quality may differ and poor quality, and time consuming to find a good one Users can control time and pace May be incorrect Different media can be used 3.​ Networked learning: Form on online collaborative learning that helps learners interact with other learners & tutors. ​ Helps learners develop relationships with each other and tutors ​ Discussions, feedback, comments,advice from learners ​ Process is facilitated by a tutor Advantages Disadvantages Building relationships with other learners Some learners may find it difficult to contribute as they aren't sure what to give as feedback Gaining and providing feedback builds new Some learners may be overbearing and skills and knowledge and allows the student to dominate all the discussions, not allowing share this knowledge enough contribution to encourage learning from others. Some tutors may find these people difficult to manage Learners may be more motivated to complete Learners may be inclined to only give positive the tasks, as other people are dependent on feedback as they don’t feel comfortable them criticising others If some learners don’t complete tasks/provide feedback, this limits other people’s learning, timescales are more limited 4.​ MOOC (Massive open online courses): ​ They often include filmed lectures and include forums that can be used to interact with other learners/educators ​ People can find out more about their industry from other people ​ Developing career skills ​ Progress through the courses could be assessed using peer review, written assignments or online tests that are automatically marked Advantages Disadvantages Large selection of courses available overwhelmed by the number of courses available Provides competitive advantage → There are large numbers of people demonstrates the motivation to on these courses (not enough learn and improve in their own time to dedicate) time Free of cost Difficult for educators to keep track of each learner’s progress, might not recognize some are struggling Unlimited spaces, no need to wait Struggle with motivation to complete tasks, and might only do ones that will be assessed Users control time and pace (only limited by deadlines) 5.​ Video conferencing: when people communicate using computers, displaying a video stream, using an internet connection. ​ Educators can have a class using video conferencing ​ Quality of the lessons → depends on the communication abilities of the educator and quality of video conferencing Advantages Disadvantages Real-time learning improves learning and Requires high broadband speeds that may understanding not be available in some areas More personal learning experience → small number of learners will be able to be increases motivation and they may find it part of the video-conference. Some people more engaging may wait for a long time for the course Sharing screens could be more useful if a demonstration needs to be given  12.5 Impact of IT 1.​ IT in sport: ​ Aids referees in making important decisions ​ Rugby: Using IT to see if the ball was put over the goal line ​ Women's football world cup 2019 → VAR (video assistant referee) was used a lot ​ Improved refereeing decision making ​ Tennis → allowing players to challenge the decisions of officials judging the match 2.​ IT in manufacturing: ​ Using robotics to create assembly lines for products (e.g cars ) with heavy items ​ Aids in creating a more consistent and accurate product ​ It can run for longer periods of time ​ Some people feel that robotics creates loss jobs ​ Companies with no robotics can be at a competitive disadvantage. 3.​ IT in medicine: ​ Monitoring patients (e.g measuring heart rates, analysing DNA) ​ Training doctors through simulations ​ Artificial limbs (e.g wounded soldiers) ​ Nanotechnology in the use of drugs to treat disease → when technology is used to manipulate individual atoms & molecules. (can be used to deliver drugs a certain way) ​ Reduces damage or unnecessary treatment to healthy cells ​ Smart devices that are designed to be implanted into different parts of the body (e.g brain, heart) and detect issues (e.g parkinson's disease) 4.​ IT in education ​ Interactive whiteboards 5.​ News and media: ​ Allowed people to be amateur journalists (by recording events as they happen) ​ Allows people to see what happens in certain events when the media censors it ○​ Some people, argue it's a bad thing as these things may be seen as harmful ​ Using IT to set up feeds that draw news stories from multiple sources ​ They can also use the interests filter on some news applications 6.​ Family and home: ​ Devices: Alexa, Google home ​ Controlling aspects in the home even from remote locations (e.g lighting,heating) ○​ Can save money ○​ Better for the environment (timer system) ​ Source of entertainment (games, quizzes, music) ​ Provide information about home appliances (washing machines, refrigerators) 7.​ Government and politics: ​ Raising awareness about different political causes and issues ​ Online petitions ​ Allows the government to see which issues people have and which issues should be prioritised ​ Helps people have a voice and forces the government to discuss certain issues  ​ Allowing government services online (e.g taxes, applying for documents, passports, driving licence) ​ Lowers costs of government as there is no need for more staff 8.​ Monitoring and surveillance: ​ Monitoring possible criminal activity ​ Locating criminals that have been committed ​ Combining facial recognition software with CCTV footage (to find criminals/missing people) ​ CCTV in homes, sensors that detect motion ​ Some systems incorporate a speaker into the system ​ Surveillance methods in vehicles (dashcams → dashboard cameras) they record the car journey when the car is switched on ​ This is beneficial for car accidents (insurance) ​ Some police will ask for this dashcam footage if its in an area a crime is committed ​ Monitoring and surveillance is relatively unpoliced →it takes a long time to pass laws and regulations to pass this type of technology. ​ Some people believe it is an invasion of privacy