Digital Technology Foundations and Professional Impact

Core Concepts and Digital Literacy

  • Digital literacy, or computer literacy, is the current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies.
  • A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it into information, and stores it for future use.
  • Data consists of raw facts such as text or numbers, while information is data that has been processed to become meaningful.
  • Hardware includes physical components like wires, cases, and circuits; software consists of the programs and apps that instruct hardware to perform tasks.

Historical Milestones in Computing

  • Computing has evolved from tools like the abacus to vacuum tubes in the first generation of computers, such as the ENIAC and UNIVAC.
  • The second generation of computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, which were smaller, cheaper, and more reliable.
  • Integrated circuits developed in the 19601960s condensed thousands of components into a small silicon chip.
  • In 19711971, Ted Hoff and engineers at Intel and IBM introduced the microprocessor.
  • In 19781978, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak of Apple Computer Corporation released the Apple II, featuring spreadsheet software called VisiCalc.
  • IBM introduced its personal computer (PC) in 19811981.
  • Modern computing power is exemplified by the fact that a smartphone typically exceeds the computing power used for the U.S. Apollo mission in 19691969.

Internet of Things and Embedded Systems

  • The Internet of Things (IoT) is an environment where processors embedded in products communicate via wireless networks or the Internet.
  • Smart devices utilize IoT to communicate, locate, and predict; examples include thermostats, fitness trackers, and automated teller machines (ATMs).
  • An embedded computer serves a specific purpose as one component in a larger product, such as monitoring ink in a printer or providing electronic stability control in vehicles.
  • Communication technologies enabling IoT include Bluetooth, RFID tags, near-field communications (NFC), and various sensors.
  • Cloud computing provides Internet-based delivery of services, including data storage and applications.

Social Responsibility and Accessibility

  • The digital divide is the gap in access to technology caused by socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic factors.
  • Accessibility practices involve removing barriers through law and technology to aid users with disabilities.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires companies with 1515 or more employees to accommodate workers with disabilities.
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to provide adaptive technologies.
  • Assistive technologies include screen readers using alt text, Braille printers, captioning software, and specialized input devices for mobility issues.
  • Green computing involves reducing electrical consumption and environmental waste, often through the ENERGY STAR program developed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Professional Environments and Careers

  • Enterprise computing refers to the use of technology by a large company's employees to meet business needs across departments like Human Resources, Accounting, and Information Technology (IT).
  • Intelligent workplaces utilize productivity software, web conferencing, and BYOD (bring your own device) policies.
  • Career areas in technology include software development, IT consulting, digital forensics, and search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Professional platforms like LinkedIn are essential for networking, while certifications demonstrate proficiency in areas like cybersecurity or data analytics.
  • Industry-specific applications include Learning Management Systems (LMS) in education, mHealth (mobile health) in healthcare, and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) using robots in industry.

Questions & Discussion

  • Review Questions

    • Data is defined as raw facts, such as text or numbers.
    • The second generation of computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors.
    • The Internet of Things allows objects to be tagged, tracked, and monitored across networks.
    • The digital divide describes the gap in technology access.
    • Alternative (alt) text is descriptive text added to an object for accessibility.
    • Green computing involves reducing electricity and waste (True).
    • The operations department in IT oversees centralized equipment and network administration.
    • Enterprise computing meets the needs of large businesses.
    • BYOD stands for bring your own device.
    • An LMS (learning management system) is a web-based training site for students.
    • Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications allow computers to monitor assembly lines.
    • Professional online presence requires avoiding humorous or informal account names (True).

  • Discussion and Critical Thinking

    • How have embedded computers and IoT impacted daily life, and what are the security risks?
    • How do kiosks, enterprise computing, and green computing contribute to digital citizenship?
    • In what ways does technology impact careers in finance, government, and agriculture?
    • What strategies are recommended for a professional online presence, such as uploading a resume and enabling privacy settings?
    • What is the role of a company in narrowing the digital divide for students?
    • Why should green computing be added to personal environmental efforts?
    • Compare the achievements and impacts of the IDEA and the ADA in schools and workplaces.

  • Apply Your Skills: Shea Foley Case Study

    • How have past developments provided the basis for a career in social media marketing?
    • Which three ways will Shea Foley use technology for daily tasks, and which will be most effective?
    • What other departments might a marketing professional interact with at work?