G10-REVISION

Unit 6: ICT Applications

• 6.1.1 Communication media

• 6.1.2 Mobile communication

• 6.2.1 Computer modelling

• REVISION – SHORT TEST 1

6.1 Communication

• Several communication systems utilize ICT technology:

  • Newsletter and Posters:

    • Produced by a word processor.

    • Use photos downloaded from the internet or camera images.

  • Websites

  • Multimedia Presentations

  • Media Streaming

  • E-Publications

6.1.1 Websites

Advantages

• Addition of sound, video, and animation.

• Hyperlinks link to other pages/websites.

• Navigation buttons allow easy access to information.

• Global audience can access it.

• ‘Hit counters’ provide owner insights on visitor statistics.

• Easier updates without reprints.

Disadvantages

• Vulnerable to hacking, modification, or virus introduction.

• Requires a computer and internet connection for customers.

• Risk of potential pharming attacks leading to distrust.

• Maintaining the website can be expensive.

• Harder to target specific audiences through website advertising.

• Not as portable as paper systems, though smartphones are changing this.

6.1.2 Multimedia Presentations

Advantages

• Use of sound and animation grabs audience attention.

• Ability to include interactive hyperlinks.

• Presentation can be more flexible and tailored to different audiences.

• Transition effects aid in presenting facts in order.

Disadvantages

• Need for expensive equipment.

• Equipment may fail during presentations.

• May require internet access.

• Focus can shift from message to medium.

• Potential for poor presentations due to excessive use of animations or text.

6.1.3 Media Streaming

• Definition: Users watch movies/videos or listen to music via internet-connected devices.

• Features:

  • Continuous transmission from a remote server.

  • Data transmitted in real time, packed as a series of data packets.

  • Requires stable internet speed for optimal performance and buffering for smooth playback.

E-Publications

• Various formats include e-books, digital magazines, digital newspapers, digital libraries.

6.2 Mobile Communication

• Mobile phones communicate using a network of cellular towers.

• Features include:

  • SMS messaging

  • Phone calls

  • Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

  • Video calling

  • Internet access

  • Connectivity through SIM cards or wireless internet.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Advantages

• Free calls, no matter the location.

• Uses built-in cameras for video calls.

Disadvantages

• Sound quality can vary (echo or distortion issues).

• Potential security concerns.

6.2 Computer Modelling

• Definition: Creating models of real systems to study behavior.

• Uses:

  • Personal finance

  • Bridge/building design

  • Flood management

  • Traffic management

  • Weather forecasting

Using Models

Advantages

• Less expensive than real-world construction (e.g., bridges).

• Safer to model hazardous situations.

• Allows testing of various scenarios.

• Faster results than real-life experimentation.

Disadvantages

• Quality dependent on data and programming accuracy.

• Distrust in simulation results.

• Cost may remain high.

Applications of Computer Modelling

Bridge and Building Design

• Features:

  • Zooming and rotating design images.

  • Identifying flaws before construction.

Flood Water Management

• Predicts water levels and flows using input like:

  • Cross-section of rivers.

  • Dimensions of infrastructure like bridges and sluices.

  • Factors affecting water flow rates.

Flood Defense Systems

Advantages

• Sensors monitor environmental conditions providing rapid data

• Continuous and accurate data collection.

• Enhances model improvement over time.

Traffic Management

• Simulating traffic flow under roadwork scenarios to optimize management.

Weather Forecasting

• Relies on sensors for data on various atmospheric conditions.

• Models predict future weather based on historical data.