Impact of Digital Technology – Lecture Review

This set of flashcards covers key definitions, historical milestones, societal impacts, personal uses, professional applications, and potential drawbacks of digital technology as presented in the lecture notes. They are designed to help you review foundational facts and concepts for Topic 1: Impact of Digital Technology.

What is meant by “digital technology”?

The use of digital tools, systems, and processes to create, store, process, and communicate information.

Which two digits form the basis of the binary system used by digital technology?

0 and 1

Name four broad categories that digital technology encompasses.

Computers & devices, software & applications, internet & networking, and digital media (others include communication tools, data storage/processing, emerging tech).

Give two examples of emerging digital technologies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Which characteristic of digital technology allows devices to share data in real time?

Connectivity

What year was the first commercially available computer, UNIVAC I, released?

1951

Which invention in 1947 replaced vacuum tubes and made computers smaller and faster?

The transistor

What landmark network created in 1969 is considered the precursor to the Internet?

ARPANET

Name the first microprocessor and its release year.

Intel 4004, released in 1971

Which 1977 computer became one of the first highly successful mass-produced personal computers?

Apple II

What major advancement did the Apple Macintosh introduce in 1984?

The graphical user interface (GUI).

Who created the World Wide Web and in what year?

Tim Berners-Lee, 1989

Which two web browsers popularized internet access in the mid-1990s?

Netscape Navigator (1994) and Internet Explorer (1995).

Which 2007 device integrated powerful computing with mobile communication to spark the smartphone era?

Apple iPhone

Define ‘technology determinism.’

A phenomenon in which individuals and societies become heavily dependent on technology for various aspects of life.

List three positive impacts of society’s reliance on technology.

Increased efficiency, enhanced communication, and improved quality of life.

Name two negative impacts associated with heavy technology reliance.

Privacy concerns and mental health issues (others: digital divide, overreliance).

What is a ‘digital citizen’?

Someone who knows how to use technology responsibly to be an informed and productive member of the digital world.

Which key area of reliance involves tools like email, instant messaging, and video conferencing?

Communication

Give two technologies that enable remote work.

VPNs and cloud collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Workspace).

What do E-learning platforms and virtual classrooms primarily enable?

Access to education regardless of geographical location.

Give an example of a digital payment method that has transformed commerce.

Mobile banking, online payments, or cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin).

Which navigation technology assists drivers in route planning?

GPS

What wearable devices monitor fitness metrics like heart rate and steps?

Fitness trackers (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Watch).

Name one productivity app used for task management.

Trello, Asana, or Todoist.

Which type of app helps users track expenses and set budgets?

Budgeting apps (e.g., Mint or YNAB).

What does a password manager do?

Securely stores and manages a user’s passwords.

Which home automation device line is made by Amazon?

Amazon Echo

Why are cloud services such as AWS significant?

They provide scalable, on-demand computing resources (cloud computing).

What is telemedicine?

The use of telecommunications technology to diagnose and treat patients remotely.

Name two popular video-conferencing tools that support virtual meetings.

Zoom and Microsoft Teams (others include Google Meet).

Which technology allows self-driving capabilities in vehicles?

Autonomous vehicle technology

What is Precision Farming?

The use of data and technology to optimize crop yields and resource use.

Give one example of a cybersecurity measure.

Firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication, or intrusion detection systems.

How does automation of routine tasks benefit the professional workplace?

It frees employees to focus on complex, value-added activities, boosting productivity.

What does CAM stand for in manufacturing?

Computer-Aided Manufacturing

State one way 3-D printers are used in healthcare.

Producing prosthetics, casts, or even skin grafts for burn patients.

What role do collaboration platforms play in professional environments?

They enhance communication and teamwork by enabling real-time document sharing and editing.

Which technology trend refers to healthcare professionals accessing records on mobile devices?

mHealth (mobile health)

What percentage of people were using the internet around 1990?

Approximately 0.05%.

Which decade saw the rise of big data analytics and widespread AI applications?

2010s

Define ‘quantum computing.’

An emerging technology that uses quantum bits to perform calculations much faster than classical computers for certain problems.

What network technology began rolling out in the 2020s, promising faster mobile speeds?

5G

Name two forms of video on demand (VoD) business models.

Subscription VoD (SVOD), Transactional VoD (TVOD), and Advertising VoD (AVOD).

Which learning management system (LMS) feature allows students to check course progress online?

Web-based training sites or dashboards within the LMS.

How do smart transportation systems reduce congestion?

By utilizing technology to optimize traffic management and improve public transit operations.

Identify one health issue linked to prolonged technology use.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, or sleep disorders.

What psychological effect is linked to excessive social media use?

Addiction, stress, anxiety, or depression.

Why is continuous skill upgrading important in the age of automation and AI?

To remain employable as routine jobs become automated and new competencies are required.

What does IoT stand for and what is its basic idea?

Internet of Things – connecting everyday objects to the internet for data exchange and smart functionality.

Which device category includes smartwatches and smart clothing?

Wearable technology

Explain the purpose of a VPN.

It creates an encrypted, secure connection over a network, protecting privacy and enabling secure remote access.

Give an example of a digital creativity tool for graphic design.

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.

What major societal change did broadband introduction bring in the early 2000s?

Much faster internet access, enabling richer online experiences.

How do ride-sharing apps like Uber leverage digital technology?

By using GPS, mobile payments, and real-time data to connect drivers and riders.

Which two major social media platforms launched in 2003 and 2004 respectively?

MySpace (2003) and Facebook (2004).

What is the main goal of digital transformation in government services?

To deliver ‘digital-by-default’ public services that improve efficiency and citizen engagement.

List one principle of being a good digital citizen.

Protect private information, respect others, manage digital footprint, stand up to cyberbullying, etc.

Why do businesses use data analysis and business intelligence tools?

To convert raw data into actionable insights for better decision-making.

What is cloud storage and give one example.

Online space to store and access files from anywhere; examples include Google Drive or Dropbox.

In the technology adoption curve, what name is given to the last group to embrace new tech?

Laggards

Which protocol pair, developed in the 1980s, underpins internet communication today?

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)