OCR GCSE Computer Science J277 - 1.6 Impacts of Digital Technology

34 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, legislation, and analysis techniques for OCR GCSE Computer Science J277 - 1.6 Impacts of Digital Technology.

OCR J277 Required Impact Categories

Ethical, legal, cultural, environmental and privacy impacts.

Ethical issue

A question about what is morally right or wrong when technology is designed or used.

Privacy

A person's ability to control access to information about themselves.

Cause of Privacy Concerns

Large amounts of personal data can be collected, stored, analysed, shared or exposed.

Privacy Issue Example

An organisation collecting or sharing personal information without appropriate permission or protection.

Cultural impact

A way digital technology can affect how people communicate, behave, work, learn or participate in society.

Cultural Benefit Example

Online communication can connect people across locations and make information and services easier to access.

Cultural Disadvantage Example

Unequal access to devices or internet services can exclude some people from digital opportunities.

Digital divide

The gap between people who have effective access to digital technology and those who do not.

Environmental impact

An effect that producing, using or disposing of digital technology has on the environment.

Environmental Impact of Manufacturing

It uses energy and raw materials and can create pollution and carbon emissions.

Environmental Impact of Computer System Usage

Devices, networks and data centres consume electricity and can contribute to carbon emissions.

E-waste

Discarded electrical or electronic equipment.

E-waste Environmental Concern

Devices may contain valuable or harmful materials and can cause pollution if they are not reused or recycled responsibly.

Environmental Impact Reduction via Technology

Technology can reduce travel or paper use, improve efficiency and help monitor or control energy and resources.

Balanced Environmental Perspective

Digital technology can create environmental costs while also producing environmental benefits.

Legal issue

A question about whether the use of technology complies with the law.

Data Protection Act 2018

UK legislation governing how organisations handle personal data.

Basic Purpose of Data-Protection Law

To require personal data to be handled lawfully, fairly, securely and for appropriate purposes.

Computer Misuse Act 1990

UK legislation making certain unauthorised access to and interference with computer systems illegal.

Behaviors Covered by Computer Misuse Act

Unauthorised access, unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences, and unauthorised acts that impair computer systems or data.

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

UK legislation protecting creators' rights over copyrighted works, including software and digital content.

Copyright Breach

Copying, distributing or using protected software or digital content without the required permission or licence.

Software licence

The legal permission and conditions under which software may be installed or used.

Open-source software

Software whose source code is available under a licence that allows specified use, study, modification or redistribution.

Proprietary software

Software owned by an individual or organisation and distributed under licence with restrictions on access, modification or redistribution.

Open Source vs. No Copyright

Open-source software is still copyrighted; its licence grants particular permissions.

Stakeholder

A person or group affected by a technology or a decision about technology.

Importance of Stakeholder Consideration

A technology may benefit one group while creating costs, risks or disadvantages for another.

Common Mistake in Impacts Exam Questions

Giving a generic advantage or disadvantage without linking it to the specific scenario or stakeholder.

Developing an Impacts Answer

State the impact, explain how or why it occurs, and link the consequence to the scenario or stakeholder.

Open Conclusions in Impacts Questions

Different conclusions can be reasonable if they are supported by relevant evidence and explanation.

Approach to 'Discuss' Exam Questions

Consider relevant arguments or consequences on more than one side and reach a supported conclusion when appropriate.

Impacts Exam Preparation Strategy

Avoid memorising a fixed essay; learn the concepts and laws, then apply them to the scenario given.