Ubiquitous Technologies and Societies

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering Web 2.0 tools, the digital divide, computer literacy, and ubiquitous technology applications based on the lecture material.

Web 2.0

Technology that allows everyone to become a "creator" and "contributor" of the web, changing how people think, connect, and consume products.

Social Networking

Tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram that allow users to create profiles and connect with others globally.

Microblogging

Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Threads that enable real-time updates and "citizen journalism."

Ushahidi

A famous open-source platform originally built to map reports of violence in Kenya, now used globally for crisis mapping during emergencies.

Waze

A community-based traffic app where users contribute content by reporting accidents or police presence in real-time.

Wikis (Wikipedia)

Collaborative knowledge tools that allow anyone to edit or add information, moving away from static encyclopedias.

GitHub

A platform for "Social Coding" where developers contribute to open-source projects together.

Cognitive Surplus

Describes the free time, energy, and creativity people have that can be used for productive or collaborative consumption activities through digital technologies.

Collaborative Consumption

Implies that people join together as a group to use a specific product more efficiently, such as sharing lawnmowers in a community tool library.

Crowdfunding

Generating capital to start a business or support a dream through platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe.

Crowdsourcing

Checking in with the voice of the crowd to gather ideas or feedback, such as the Lego Ideas platform or Frito-Lay campaigns.

Sharing Economy

An economic model focusing on subscriptions and access instead of outright ownership, exemplified by Citi Bike, Uber, and ZipCar.

Digital Divide

The gap between individuals, households, and geographic areas at different socioeconomic levels regarding opportunities to access and use information and communication technologies.

Access Divide (First-Level)

Disparities in physical access to technology and internet connectivity, often due to infrastructure or cost.

Skills/Usage Divide (Second-Level)

Differences in digital literacy and the ability to effectively use technology, even when access is available.

Geographic Divide

The gap in access and service quality between urban, suburban, and rural locations.

Socioeconomic & Demographic Divide

Inequalities based on income, education, age, gender, and race that influence digital inclusion.

Next Einstein Initiative (NEI)

A program that focuses resources on bright mathematical minds in Africa by gathering them at AIMS centres with support from companies like Google.

Computer Literacy

The ability to use computer and related technology efficiently, safely, and ethically.

Ubiquitous Technology

Technology made to appear anytime or anywhere using a variety of devices, where information processing is linked to each activity or object seamlessly.

AI Tutors

Personalized machine learning teaching assistants used in ubiquitous education.

Virtual Classrooms

Live, immersive digital environments for real-time engagement in education.

VeriMed

A personal ID chip that verifies identity, used in modern biomedical chip research.

Smart Transportation

The application of ubiquitous technology to manage urban transit through connected public transit and smart parking.

Intelligent Traffic Systems

Systems where traffic lights and road sensors communicate to dynamically adjust patterns and mitigate congestion.