Unit 1.5 Contemporary Technology Grade 10

 

1.5 Contemporary Technology

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is the use of hardware and software to deliver a service over a network (typically the Internet). With cloud computing, users can access files and use applications from any device that can access the Internet.

Examples of Cloud Computing

a) Drop box, Face book, Gmail
b) Google Drive, Apple iCloud
c) Google Photos, Online Photoshop
d) Word, Excel, PowerPoint
e) Online gaming
f) YouTube

Applications of Cloud Computing.

a) Store, backup and recovers data
b) Host websites and blogs
c) Make communication and send emails
d) Deliver on demand software services
e) Upload/download audio / video

Advantages of Cloud Computing

The four advantages of cloud computing are:

a) Excellent accessibility.
b) Backup and Restore Data

c) Low Maintenance Cost

d) Mobility - Cloud computing allows us to easily access all cloud data via mobile.
e) Server are controlled and manage by company itself

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

a) Required good Internet Connectivity  

b) Security concerns.
c) Downtime of cloud service

d) Lack of Support

e) Vendor lock-in

f) depends on service provider

Artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and reacts like humans.

John McCarthy coined the term Artificial Intelligence in the year 1955.

Applications of AI.

a) Gaming - AI plays crucial role in strategic games such as chess, poker, tic-tac-toe, etc., where machine can think of large number of possible positions.
b) Natural Language Processing - It is possible to interact with the computer that understands natural language spoken by humans.
c) Expert Systems - There are some applications which integrate machine, software, and special information to impart reasoning and advising. They provide explanation and advice to the users. (for example, some expert systems help doctors diagnose diseases based on symptoms)
d) Vision Systems - These systems understand the visual input on the computer. For example, Police use computer software that can recognize the face of criminal with the stored portrait made by forensic artist.
e) Intelligent Robots - Robots are able to perform the tasks given by a human. They have sensors to detect physical data from the real world such as light, heat, temperature, movement, sound, bump, and pressure. They are capable of learning from their mistakes, and they can adapt to the new environment.

Examples of AI.

Some of the examples of AI are:
a) Siri / Alexa- both use AI to help you complete tasks or answer questions on your mobile devices.
b) Netflix / YouTube - uses advanced predictive technology to suggest shows based on your viewing preferences or rating.
c) Facebook Feed - filter content that is most likely to be of interest to the particular Facebook user and predict what they will want to see.

d) self driven car\

e) AI in education: Some examples are: ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, tiny wow, Duolingo, Grammarly etc

What is Virtual Reality

An artificial environment created with computer hardware and software and presented to the user in such a way that it appears and feels like a real environment.

How it works?

To "enter" a virtual reality, a user wears special gloves, earphones, and goggles, all of which receive their input from the computer system.
In this way, at least three of the five senses are controlled by the computer.
In addition to feeding sensory input to the user, the devices also monitor the user's actions.
The goggles, for example, track how the eyes move and respond accordingly by sending new video input.

Application areas of VR

a) It can be used in medical studies to enable students to know the human body structure.
b) It can be used in scientific research laboratories so that scientist can easily research on a specific topic.
c) It can be used in entertainment like in games and movies to make the gaming experience more real and to allow individual to experience adventures under extreme conditions.
d) It can be used in driving schools as it give a real look of roads and traffic.
e) It can be used in military training for the soldiers to get familiar with different areas in the battlefield.

E-Governance

The use of ICT and its application by the government for the provision of information and public services to the people.

It is the use of electronic means, to promote good governance.  An ordinary citizen gets the government facility through the internet

Basic purpose of e-governance.

The basic purpose of e-governance is to simplify processes for all, i.e. government, citizens, businesses, etc. at National, State and local levels

Write the different models of E-Governance

a) Government-to-Citizen(G2C)
b) Government-to-business (G2B)
c) Government-to-Government (G2G)
d) Government-to-Employee (G2E)

Government-to-Citizen(G2C)

a) G2C-is transaction between the government to citizens.
b) It helps the ordinary people to reduce the time and cost to conduct a transaction.
c) A citizen can have access to the services anytime from anywhere.
d) It includes online registration of birth/ death/marriage certificates, filling of income taxes, electricity bills, license renewals etc.

Government-to-business (G2B)

a) G2B it is the transaction between government to business.
b) It is efficient for both government and business organizations.
c) It enhances the efficiency and quality of communication and transparency of government projects.
d) It includes online application forms, renewing licenses, registration etc.

Government-to-Government (G2G)

a) G2G it is the transaction between government to government.
b) Government agencies can share the same database using online communication.
c) It can communicate with global government and local government as well.
d) It provides safe and secure inter-relationship between domestic or foreign government.

Government-to-Employee (G2E)

a) G2E it is the transaction between government to employee.
b) G2E aims to bring employees together and improvise knowledge sharing.
c) G2E provides online facilities to the employees like applying for leave, reviewing salary payment record and checking the balance of holiday.
d) G2E is also the relationship between employees, government institutions, and their management.

Advantages of E-Governance

The advantages of E-governance are:
a) Increased efficiency and speed

b) Enhanced public participation

c) Accountability and transparency
d) Reduction in Cost

e) Provide improved and better accessibility of services

Disadvantages of E-Governance?

a) Loss of Interpersonal Communication
b) High Setup Cost and Technical Difficulties

c) Technological literacy and digital divide.

d) Privacy concerns
e) Cybersecurity risks

Mobile Computing

Mobile computing is a technology that allows transmission of data, voice and video via a computer or any other wireless enabled device without having to be connected to a fixed physical link.
A variety of devices that allow people to access data and information from wherever they are.

Main concept involves in mobile computing.

— The main concept involves -
a) Mobile communication - protocols, services, bandwidth, and portals necessary to facilitate and support the stated services.
b) Mobile hardware - portable laptops, smart phones, tablet Pc's, Personal Digital Assistants.
c) Mobile software - actual program that runs on the mobile hardware. E.g. Operating System

Benefits of Mobile Computing

a) Connectivity: You can stay connected to all sources at all times.
b) Social Engagement: You can interact with a variety of users via the Internet.
c) Personalization: You can modify your mobile computing to your individual needs.

Features of Mobile Computing

a) Easy to handle and carry these small devices.
b) Ability to share data and collaboration between users.
c) Data can be transferred easily between users.
d) People can work from the comfort of any location they wish to as long as the connection and the security concerns are properly factored.
e) The presence of high speed connections has also promoted the use of mobile computing.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IOT is a technology that connects all electronic devices together and prompts them to exchange information without any human intervention.
OR

 It is the system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

The term "The Internet of Things" was coined by Kevin Ashton in a presentation to Proctor & Gamble in 1999.

Components of IoT

    a) Sensors/Devices - Sensors/Devices collect data from their environment. e.g. Our phone is a device that has multiple sensors like GPS, camera, Motion etc. where data is being collected based on surroundings
b) Connectivity to Cloud - The sensors/devices can be connected to the cloud and store, through a variety of methods including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular etc.
c) Data Processing - Software perform data processing on cloud data to get a analyzed or computed data. e.g., Computing the temperature within an acceptable range.
d) User Interface - The analyzed or computed data is made useful to the end user via and alert (email, text, notification). e.g., an alert message when temperature is beyond the acceptable range.

Applications of Internet of Things (IoT)

    a) Smart home - Smart home encapsulates the connectivity inside your homes. It includes smoke detectors, home appliances, light bulbs, windows, door locks, etc.
b) Smart City - Smart city offers all types of use cases which include traffic management to water distribution, waste management, etc.
c) Parking Sensors - IOT technology helps users to identify the real-time availability of parking spaces on their phone.
d) Connected Cars - IOT helps automobile companies handle billing, parking, insurance, and other related stuff automatically.
e) Activity Trackers - Helps you to capture heart rate pattern, calorie expenditure, activity levels, and skin temperature on your wrist.

Advantage of IOT

a.       Increased efficiency and automation.

b.     Real-time control of devices over long distances.

c.      Transparent and easier communication between connected devices.

d.     Efficient data transfer reduces both time and costs.

e.      Automation with IoT reduces human intervention and enhances service efficiency.

Disadvantage of IOT

 Cybersecurity risks

 Data privacy concerns.

  Complexity and compatibility issues.

  High initial and ongoing costs.

  Dependence on reliable internet connectivity.

  Ethical and legal concerns

  Environmental impact from e-waste and energy consumption.

E-learning

E-learning is a new concept of delivering digital contents in learner-oriented environment using information and communication technology (ICT). Delivery of the digital content is the main characteristic of e-learning.

Advantages of e-learning:

  flexibility: Learn anytime, anywhere.

  Cost-Effective: Lowers travel and material costs.

  Wide Access: Global reach, breaking geographical barriers.

  Personalized Learning: Tailored to individual needs.

  Variety of Resources: Access to multimedia content.

  Immediate Feedback: Instant results from quizzes and assessments.

 Disadvantages of e-learning:

  Lack of Interaction: Limited face-to-face engagement.

  Self-Motivation Required: Needs strong discipline and time management.

  Technology Issues: Requires reliable internet and up-to-date devices.

  Limited Practical Experience: Difficult for hands-on subjects.

  Isolation: Can lead to feelings of loneliness.

  Cheating Concerns: Harder to monitor academic honesty.

  Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology.

  Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Disrupted learning without internet.

E-Banking

E-banking is the use of digital platforms to conduct banking transactions and manage accounts..

Features of E-Banking?

The Key features include:

• Online Banking: Access via bank websites.
• Mobile Banking: Use of banking apps.
• ATM Services: Cash withdrawals and deposits.
• Electronic Transfers: Sending and receiving money online.
• Bill Payments: Paying bills through digital channels.
• Account Management: Checking balances and transaction histories.
• Investment Services: Managing investments online.
• Customer Support: Access to support via digital channels.
• Security Features: Advanced security measures for protection.

 Internet Banking?

Internet banking is a facility offered by banks and financial institutions that allow customers to use banking services over the internet.
Customers need not visit their bank’s branch office to avail every small service.
Use PC or laptop and internet connection to use this facility.
Kumari Bank was the initiator of internet banking in Nepal. It started its e-banking services in 2002.
What are the features of Internet banking?

Features of Internet Banking

 Account Access: Check balances and transaction history.

  Funds Transfer: Transfer money between accounts.

  Bill Payments: Pay bills online.

  Deposit Services: Deposit checks electronically.

  Loan Management: Apply for and manage loans.

  Investment Management: Manage investments.

  Customer Service: Access support online.

Advantages of Internet Banking

  24/7 access from anywhere.

  Quick transactions and account management.

  Cost-Effective: Reduces branch visit fees.

  Instant Transactions: Immediate processing.

  Global Access: Manage accounts worldwide.

  Paperless Statements

  Enhanced Services: Additional tools and features.

Disadvantages of Internet Banking

  Security Risks: Vulnerable to hacking and fraud.

  Technical Issues: Requires internet and can face technical problems.

  Lack of Personal Interaction: Limited face-to-face contact.

  Digital Divide: Not accessible to everyone.

  Privacy Concerns: Risks of data breaches.

  Complexity: Can be challenging for some users.

  Fraud Risks: Potential for online scams.

What is Mobile Banking? Write its features.
 Mobile banking is the act of making financial transactions on a mobile device (cell phone, tablet, etc.).

Features of Mobile Banking

•   Inquiry based transactions such as balance inquiry, transaction history, and transaction alert.
•    Request for banking services such as cheque book request, statement request, cheque stop request.
•   Other transactions such as fund transfer, utility payment, merchant payment, third party payment