I.C.T Applications

• what are the differences and similarities between web and video conferencing?

  web and video conferencing both require similar hardware (monitors, speakers, microphone etc)

  both make it easier for individuals to interact with one another, regardless of location

  However video conferencing has a focus on face to face communication whereas web conferencing has a focus on interaction and collaboration such as document sharing, whiteboards etc
• audio conferencing differences

  less social

  requires less bandwidth

  no visual engagement

  no option of non-verbal cues

  fewer resources
• video/web conferencing differences

  requires more bandwidth

  more social

  visual engagement

  use of nonverbal cues

  more resources
• what is computer modelling?

  the use of computer programs and algorithms to stimulate and analyze complex systems or processes. The accuracy and reliability of computer models depend on the quality of input data and algorithms used
• what are examples of computer modelling

  personal finance (budgeting, investment planning, and financial forecasting)

  bridge and building design (structural analysis and simulations to test designs; ensuring safety and stability of structures before construction)

  flood water management (predicting and analysing flood risks and mitigation strategies which supports planning and decision-making for disaster management)

  traffic management (analysing traffic patterns and optimising transportation systems) aids in reducing congestion and improving traffic low

  weather forecasting
• advantages of computer modeling

  faster calculations and processing

  reduced human error and bias

  ability to stimulate multiple scenarios and test different variables

  better visualisation of complex data and systems
• disadvantages of computer modelling

  dependence on accurate input data and assumptions

  limited by the quality and complexity of the algorithms used

  may overlook unique or unpredictable situations not covered by the model

  can be expensive and time-consuming to develop, maintain, and update models
• what are computer-controlled systems

  Computer-controlled systems use computers and software to control, monitor, and manage processes, machines, or devices. The effectiveness of computer-controlled systems depends on the quality of software, hardware, and input data.
• examples of computer controlled systems

  robotics in manufacture: automation of production processes using robots improving efficiency, precision, and productivity

  production line control: supervising and managing assembly lines with computer systems ensures quality control and reduces human error

  autonomous vehicles: self-driving cars and drones guided by computer algorithms enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion, and increase fuel efficiency.
• advantages of computer controlled systems


  increased efficiency and productivity (due to working 24/7)

  greater precision and accuracy

  ability to operate in hazardous environments

  reduced human error and fatigue

  can work with large or delicate items
• disadvantages of computer controlled systems

  high initial investment and maintenance costs

  job displacement for human workers

  dependency on reliable software and hardware

  lack of flexibility and adaptability to unexpected situations

  requires costly backup systems

  
  

  Remember that some of the advantages/disadvantages depend on the scenario so choose the ones appropriate for the scenario in the question
• Method 1 for school management systems:

  • Issue each student with an ID card
  • The student signs the card and writes their unique student ID on the back
  • The magnetic stripe contains the school name, student's date of birth, and unique ID number
  • Each time a student leaves or enters the premises, they swipe their ID card through a magnetic card reader
  • Data read is stored in a database, providing a comprehensive record of student attendance and hours attended
• Method 2 (school management systems)

  Each student would have their fingerprints recorded, and their personal data (as in Method 1) plus fingerprints would be stored in a database. When students enter the school premises, they are asked to put their hands on a scanner which would read their fingerprints and because each student has unique fingerprints, this system would be very secure.
• Advantages of biometrics compared to the use of magnetic ID cards

  Fingerprints are unique

  ID cards could easily be lost and be affected by magnetic fields which would stop them from working properly

  it is much easier to 'clone' ID cards than it would be to copy fingerprints
• disadvantages of biometrics compared to the use of magnetic ID cards

  it would take a long time to collect the fingerprints for every student in the school

  the equipment needed to take and read fingerprints is more expensive than magnetic stripe reading equipment

  if a student cuts a finger or their finger is dirty, the fingerprint may not be identified by the system (which would prevent entry to the school)

  there are invasion-of-privacy issues and a number of students and parents may object to having fingerprints stored on a database
• recording learner performance (school management systems)

  monitoring and analyzing student grades, test scores, and overall performance with the use of spreadsheets. This allows teachers to easily see how they were performing against other students in the same subject while also making it easy to import data into a report (ex: summarizing a student's performance over the academic year).
• School management systems are used for:

  • Recording students' exam and test results in all subjects studied over the term/year
  • Managing behavioural data such as attendance records or the number of times a student was in detention
  • Storing CAT scores (standardisation test results to enable each student to be measured against a standard)
• These systems record the performance of students, including academic achievement and behavior
• To produce an end-of-term/year report, the system needs access to data on students' academic achievement and behavior
• After processing the data, the system can generate:

  • Average grades for all students in a class
  • Class and year group reports showing academic and behavioral performance
• Computer-aided learning (school management systems)


  CAL is the use of computer-based systems to assist in the academic teaching of students. They are designed to enhance, not replace, traditional classroom teaching
• Advantages of Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL):

  • Students can learn when they want to and at their own pace (they can stop at any point and return later to continue where they left off)
  • It is possible to re-take tests until the student reaches the required skills level
  • CAL allows VR learning to be used, where the student is fully immersed into the learning environment
  • CAL makes use of various multimedia (e.g., short video clips, animation, music, and interactive learning methods)
  • CAL can make use of MCQs which can be marked immediately by the computer system, giving instantaneous feedback to the student; other assessment methods can be used (e.g., fill in the missing words, crossword puzzles, linking correct terms to descriptions, and gaming)
  • CAL can deliver micro-learning; where a topic is broken down into small modules which are easy to learn, and is when CAL is most effective
• Disadvantages of using Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL):

  • Cannot give students the experience of handling laboratory equipment as experiments shown in CAL are virtual
  • It is expensive and time-consuming to integrate CAL properly into the learning environment
  • Students can easily be distracted while online (e.g., going onto social media sites, visiting websites, or playing online games)
  • Can lead to the isolation of a student because they are spending their time on their own in front of a computer screen; this needs to be carefully managed
  • CAL cannot answer unusual questions, and the student will need to seek out guidance from a teacher
• online booking systems


  web-based platforms and applications that allow users to reserve and purchase tickets or services for various events and industries

  travel industry: booking flights, hotels, and holiday packages

  concerts: reserving tickets for live music events

  cinemas: booking movie tickets in advance to avoid queues

  sporting events: offers sports enthusiasts an easy way to attend their favourite events
• advantages of online booking systems

  convenience and accessibility (24/7 booking)

  instant confirmation and ticketing

  ability to compare prices and options

  promotions and personalised offers

  faster to change/cancel

  automated reminders via email/text

  repeated bookings can easily be made

  staff are freed up to do other things
• disadvantages of online booking systems

  potential for technical issues and downtime

  possible security and privacy concerns

  transaction and booking fees

  impersonal and less tailored customer service

  internet connected devices required

  staff may lose their job
• Characteristics and uses of ATMs

  an electronic banking terminal that provides customers with access to financial transactions

  withdrawing cash

  depositing cash or cheques

  checking account balance

  mini statements (summary of recent transactions)

  bill paying

  money transfers
• pros and cons of ATMs

  
  

  Cons

  • risk of theft or fraud
  • limited services compared to bank branches
  • technical issues and machine downtime
  • fees for transactions at non-network ATMs

  Pros

  • convenient access to banking service
  • available 24/7
  • reduced waiting time
  • global access to funds
• Characteristics of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

  • transfer funds between bank accounts electronically
  • utilized for bill payments, salary deposits, and online purchases
  • utilises NFC in contactless payments
• Process of EFT

  1. The data is read from the chip (using RFID/NFC if it's a contactless payment)
  2. The business bank's computer contacts the customer's bank's computer
  3. the card is checked to see if it is valid (if the card is valid the transaction continues if not it is terminated)
  4. An authorization code is sent to the business
  5. the price of the item is deducted from the customer's account and this money is added to the business' account
• Pros of EFT

  • fast and efficient
  • reduces paperwork
  • lower transaction costs

  Cons

  • risk of online fraud
  • technical issues
  • requires internet connection
• Exam Tip

  • Make sure you read the question to see if it's a contactless payment or involves Chip & PIN and reference this in your answer
  • Don't forget that money isn't stored on the card, and that it provides a link to the bank account it's linked to
• characteristics and uses of credit/debit card transactions:

  • payment or withdrawal using a bank card
  • accepted by most merchants and service providers

  Pros:

  • convenient and easy to use
  • widely accepted
  • secure with fraud protection

  Cons:

  • risk of theft or loss
  • potential for overspending
  • transaction fees
• characteristics and uses of cheques:

  • a written order to a bank to pay a specified amount to a designated person or entity
  • can be used for various payments, including bills, services, and personal transactions
• How to deposit a cheque at an ATM


  1. Customer enters debit card

  2. Card details searched in bank database and checked

  3. Customer enters PIN and compared to stored PIN

  4. Cheque deposited and checked for validity

  5. Cheque scanned and amount checked

  6. Image of scan saved

  7. Customer selects account to deposit money

  8. Money deducted from the bank of the cheque and added to payee account

  9. Receipt sent to ATM printer
• Advantages and disadvantages of cheques


  Pros

  • secure and traceable
  • no need for physical cash
  • useful for large transactions

  Cons

  • slow processing time
  • not widely accepted
  • risk of cheque bouncing
• Characteristics and uses of Internet banking


  online access to banking services via a secure website or app

  allows for transfers, bill payments, account management, and more
• Advantages and disadvantages of Internet banking


  Pros

  • convenince and 24/7 access
  • Easy account management
  • Interest rates may be better
  • Easier to shop around for the best account
  • Reduced need for branch visits (saving time and money)

  Cons

  • Security of transactions
  • Requires a reliable internet connection
  • More risk of fraud
  • Easier to make errors (typing in the wrong information)
  • Physical cash can't be deposited/withdrawn
• characteristics and uses of patient records


  digital records of a patient's medical history

  contains personal information, diagnoses, treatments, and test results

  used by healthcare professionals for making informed decisions about patient care
• Characteristics and uses of pharmacy records


  records of medication dispensed by a pharmacy

  Contains patient information, medication details, dosages, and the prescribing doctor

  Used by pharmacists to track medication history and ensure safe dispensing

  • Healthcare settings may also use online booking systems for appointments
  • Healthcare professionals may also utilise expert systems to assist with a diagnosis