ict application

• Paper-based communication


  Newsletters, brochures, flyers, posters - printed and handed out to provide information
• Advantages of paper-based communication


  • No need for computer or internet connection, physical copy of documents
• Disadvantages of paper-based communication


  • Distribution one-by-one, printing costs, restricted target audience
• Computer-based communication


  Using computers to create documents - insert images, adjust formatting, use templates, apply effects
• Website


  Provides up-to-date information, interactive features like animations, videos, graphics, sound
• Advantages of website


  • No need to print, accessible from anywhere with internet, can be easily updated
• Disadvantages of website


  • Can be hacked and information altered, setting up and maintaining website is expensive and requires special skills
• Multimedia presentation


  Includes animations, sound effects, links to videos - more appealing than just reading printed material
• Multimedia presentation vs website


  Presentation is easier to display and update, but only available at school during school time. Website is more accessible from anywhere at any time.
• Mobile-based communication


  Phone calls, text messages, accessing internet on mobile devices
• Advantages of mobile communication


  • Portable, can use free minutes/texts, always have phone on hand
• Disadvantages of mobile communication


  • Long distance calls can be expensive, signal can be weak/non-existent, may require apps like WhatsApp
• Computer modelling


  Replicating or simulating real-life systems, e.g. flight simulators
• Reasons for using computer models


  • To save cost and time by testing before building, to train in a safe environment, to investigate system capabilities in detail, to make predictions about future operation
• Computer modelling applications


  • Spreadsheets to track profit and loss, simulating building safety tests
• Computer model


  A safe controlled environment to investigate the capabilities of a system in detail by interrogating and manipulating the model, and to make predictions of how the system would operate in the future
• Using a spreadsheet to forecast profits/losses


  1. Enter values into cells

  2. Formulas work out calculations

  3. Change values and formulas automatically update new revenues
• Flight simulator


  Pilots can learn to fly a plane using the same controls and interface as a real plane, different conditions can be tested, and it reduces costs compared to using a real plane
• Building/bridge simulation


  Ensures the potential building could cope with physical demands including earthquakes and storm threats, before the actual building is constructed
• The London Millennium Bridge opened in 2000 but had to close shortly afterwards for repairs due to swaying when people walked across it</b>
• Why use computer models before building a bridge

  • Safer than risking human life
  • Can test different scenarios
  • Saves money on resources
  • Fewer errors in final version
• Why use computer models to simulate a flood defence system

  • Cheaper than building the real thing
  • Quicker to see results
  • Safer than building the real thing
  • Easy to change variables and test different 'what if' scenarios
• Computer controlled robots


  Used in factories/manufacturing to improve productivity, consistency, and reduce costs compared to human workers
• How computer controlled robots work


  • Programmed with a sequence of instructions
  • Stored in memory and can repeat the same sequence
  • Have sensors to detect environment and conditions
• Advantages of computer controlled robots


  • Can work 24/7 with consistency and accuracy
  • More productive than humans
  • Can work in extreme conditions unsuitable for humans
  • No need to pay wages
• Disadvantages of computer controlled robots


  • Cannot easily adapt beyond their programmed instructions
  • Expensive to purchase and maintain
  • Can lead to job losses and deskilling of workers
• Existing robots can be repurposed by replacing sensors, rather than developing a new robot from scratch
• Advantages of repurposing existing robots


  • More likely to be reliable as the device is known to work
  • Cheaper than full development costs for a new robot
  • Quicker to get into operation
  • Lower maintenance costs as faults would be known
  • Lower training costs as staff are already familiar
• School Management Systems


  Systems used in schools by staff to complete a number of tasks on a daily basis
• Using School Management Systems


  1. Teachers click on a class and complete the register

  2. Register is saved and other users can see who is present/absent

  3. Teachers can question if a student is missing from their lesson when they were present earlier
• Benefits of School Management Systems


  • Allows teachers to see who should be attending their lessons
  • Attendance data can be easily analyzed and reports generated
  • Grades, work ethic, predicted grades can be tracked and included in school reports
  • All data is centralized and secure with login credentials
• Benefits to parents


  • Can access student reports online
  • Receive immediate feedback on exam results and student progress
  • No need for printed reports, reducing costs
• Online Booking Systems


  Allow users to make and confirm bookings instantly, preventing double booking
• How Online Booking Systems Work


  1. User selects requirements (e.g. flight details)

  2. System checks availability and provides output (available options or rejection)

  3. User makes booking and payment, confirmation sent
• When Online Booking Systems are Used


  • Booking flights, trains, buses
  • Booking entertainment (theatre, cinema, stadium events)
  • Booking accommodation (hotels, apartments, villas)
• Advantages of Online Booking Systems


  • Users can check availability and compare prices
  • Confirmation sent instantly to prevent double booking
  • Potential to receive special offers
• Disadvantages of Online Booking Systems


  • Difficult to cancel and get refunds
  • Websites can crash due to high traffic
  • Lack of personal advice
  • Require internet access and basic computer skills
• In the UK, booking doctor appointments at 8am is difficult due to high demand
• Advantages of Patients Booking Medical Appointments Online


  • Can book 24/7
  • Can easily check availability
  • Faster to cancel/change bookings
  • Automatic email/text reminders
• Advantages for Medical Staff of Patients Booking Online


  • Spend less time on the phone
  • Bookings can be made from any device