Digital Technology Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts from the WJEC GCE Digital Technology Unit 1 Guidance for Teaching.

What is the function of a switch?

A switch analyses each packet of data and sends it to the computer it was intended for.

What is the function of a hub?

A hub copies all packets of data to all devices on the network.

What is the function of a router?

A router stores the addresses of computers on the network and transfers data between devices.

What is the function of a gateway?

A gateway joins together two networks that use different base protocols, e.g., links a LAN to WAN.

What is the function of a bridge?

A bridge joins together two networks that use the same base protocols, e.g., links LAN to LAN.

What is the function of a Wireless Access Point?

A device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a network.

What is Ethernet?

Generally used as the name for the standard IEEE 802.3 for addressing and media access control at the data link layer which sits on the underlying Ethernet physical layer used by UTP, STP and fibre connectivity.

What is Wi-Fi?

A generic name for standard protocols based on the 802.11 family and Used for wireless connectivity on LAN and internet access.

What is Bluetooth?

Short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances.

What is TCP/IP?

Stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices.

Name the four phases in the evolution of the Internet.

Connectivity, Networked Economy, Collaborative Experiences, Internet of Everything (IoE).

What is the 'Internet of Things (IoT)'?

A network of physical objects, with a unique identifier, combined with an embedded system of sensors, software and communication technologies

Give examples of domestic setting for smart devices.

Smart speakers, TVs, fridges, watches

Give examples of smart devices in a built environment.

Heating, lighting, parking

Give examples of smart devices in manufacturing.

Industry 4.0, scanners, smart glasses

What are the positive impacts of underlying technologies?

Increased Automation, High Productivity & Efficiency, More Cost-Savings, Increased Direct Communication, Instant Data Access

What are the negative impacts of underlying technologies?

Less Privacy and Security, Device Compatibility Issues, Increase in Network Complexity, Technologically Dependent Life

What are the positive impacts of the IoT?

Effective communication and Instant messaging services, increase business interactions, save vital time, less complicated banking, transactions, and shopping access the latest news from anywhere in the world.

What are the negative impacts of the IoT?

Easy availability of age unsuitable content materials and information, social networks disturb life personally and professionally, stealing data or hacking into IoT devices is easy.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems and encompasses the development of these systems that are then able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence

What is Narrow AI?

AI focused on a specific, singular or limited task

What is General AI?

Seeks machines that can handle a range of cognitive tasks with little oversight. No self-awareness, consciousness, ability to think. Single, general intelligence that possesses common sense and creativity and expresses emotions.

What is the Turing test?

A test proposed by Alan Turing in 1950 to determine whether a computer can think, also known as the imitation game. A remote human interrogator, within a fixed time frame, must distinguish between a computer and a human subject based on their replies to various questions posed by the interrogator.

What is Wozniak/Goertzel’s Coffee test?

The AI application has to go to a house and make coffee. The programme has to go to any kitchen and find the ingredients required and then perform the task of making a coffee.

What is Nilsson’s Employment test?

The AI program should be able to perform jobs that are performed by humans, and AGI can be evaluated on the basis of measuring the fraction of these jobs that are acceptably performed by the AI.

What is Goertzel’s Robot College Student test?

An AI being enrolled in a college and getting a degree using the same resources as other students enrolled for the same degree.

What is Huang’s Law?

The performance of GPUs will more than double every two years. This is because of a synergy between hardware, software and AI.

What is Machine Learning (ML)?

A specific subset of AI that trains a machine how to learn. A method of data analysis that automates analytical model building.

What is Supervised Learning?

Provide a data set that has pictures of apples. Then another data set that lets the model know that those are pictures of apples. Finally a new set of data that only contains pictures of apples. At this point the system can recognise what the fruit is and will remember it.

What is Unsupervised learning?

Provide a collection of pictures of different kinds of fruit. The model analyses this to try and recognise any patterns. The machine categorises the picture into different types based on their similarities. One of these categories would be mostly apples.

What is Semi-supervised learning?

Provide the machine with a data set of images and ask it to identify a fruit. The machine picks an image of an apple and tells you it is an orange. You feedback to the system that it is actually an apple. The machine remembers that and picks again you then feedback.

What is a robot?

A machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.

What are the categories of types of programming used for robots?

Online and Offline

Methods of programming used for robots.

Teach Pendant Programming (Drive Through), Teach by Example (Lead Through), Graphical-offline programming (simulation)

What are Is Asimov’s Laws?

First Law - A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. Second Law - A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. Third Law - A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Describe the S-curve model stages.

Research and development, ascent, maturity, decline

What are the classifications of users that take up new technologies?

Innovators, Early adopters, Early Majority, Late majority, Laggards

What are the phases within the development of digital technologies?

Feasibility study, requirements analysis, design, software development, testing, release

What are the types of development methodologies?

Waterfall, Rapid Application Development (RAD), Agile, Big Bang, Spiral

What are the methods of changeover?

Parallel, phased, pilot, direct

What are the types of maintenance that may be required?

Preventive, corrective, adaptive, perfective

What is human-computer interaction?

A multidisciplinary field of study focusing on the design of computer technology and, in particular, the interaction between humans and computers.

What is User-Centred Design (UCD)?

An iterative process where designers focus on the users and their needs in each phase of the design process

What are the five principles within UCD?

A clear understanding of user and task requirements, incorporation of user feedback, active involvement of the user to evaluate the design of a product, integrating UCD with other development activities, an iterative design process

What are the four phases within the UCD process?

Specifying the context of use, specifying requirements, creating design solutions, evaluating designs

What tools are used in UCD?

Personas, scenarios, use cases

What are the main considerations of UCD?

Visibility, accessibility, legibility, language

What is Digital User Experience (DUX)?

Design, navigability, performance, efficiency, cross-platform compatibility

Give examples of testing and evaluating DUX.

Aesthetics of design, information architecture, accessibility, human computer interaction, ergonomics, utility, performance

Metrics used to test and evaluate.

Task success rate, task completion time, retention rate, conversion rate, error rate, satisfaction, heuristic evaluation.

What is usability testing?

The evaluation of a product by testing it on users.

What are heuristics in usability?

Rule of thumb or broad principles intended to provide direction rather than definitive answers, in the context of usability evaluation.

Define 'task success rate' in DUX.

Percentage of users who correctly complete a specific task.

Define 'task completion time' in DUX.

The average time it takes for users to complete a task.

Define 'retention rate' in DUX.

Percentage of users who return to use the product after a certain period.

Define 'conversion rate' in DUX.

Percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase.

Define 'error rate' in DUX.

The number of errors users make while completing a task.

Define 'satisfaction' in DUX.

A measure of how pleased users are with the product, often measured through surveys.

What is 'heuristic evaluation' in DUX?

A usability inspection method where one or more evaluators assess a product against a set of usability principles (heuristics).

What is involved in 'Accessibility' regarding DUX?

Refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. Usability standards can be found in WCAG.

Explain the concept of 'Visibility' in UCD.

Ensuring that users can easily see and understand the interface elements and system status. Key for intuitive interaction.

What does 'Legibility' mean in the context of UCD?

Refers to the clarity and readability of text. Font size, type, and contrast are crucial for effective communication.

Define 'Accessibility' in the context of UCD.

Designing products and services that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities, including those with disabilities. Follows standards like WCAG.

How is 'Language' important in UCD?

Using clear, simple, and user-friendly language. Avoids jargon and technical terms to ensure understanding by all users.

What is involved in the design aspect of DUX?

Involves aesthetics, layout, and visual appeal to create an engaging and pleasing experience for the user.

What is the importance of navigability in DUX?

Ensuring that users can easily find their way around a digital product or service. Clear navigation improves user satisfaction.

How does performance impact DUX?

Fast loading times and smooth operation are vital for a positive user experience. Slow performance frustrates users and can lead to abandonment.

Why is efficiency important in DUX?

Designing interfaces and processes that minimize the number of steps required to achieve a goal. Efficient systems save users time and effort.

What does cross-platform compatibility involve in DUX?

Ensuring that a product or service works well on different devices and operating systems. Consistent experience across platforms is crucial.

Explain the 'Aesthetics of design' in DUX testing.

Evaluating the visual appeal and overall look and feel of a digital product to ensure it aligns with user preferences and brand identity.

What is the role of 'Information architecture' in DUX?

Organizing and structuring content in a clear and logical way to help users find information easily. Good information architecture enhances usability.

Why is 'Human Computer interaction' important in DUX evalutation?

Ensuring that the interaction between users and computers is intuitive and efficient. Focuses on ease of use and user satisfaction.

Define 'Ergonomics' in DUX evaluation.

Considering the physical comfort and safety of users when interacting with a digital product. Good ergonomics reduces strain and discomfort.

What is the role of 'Utility' in DUX evaluation?

Assessing whether a product or service meets the users' needs and provides value. Useful systems solve problems and fulfill user requirements.