- Emerging Technologies -
Key Vocabulary:
Heuristic: Discovering knowledge through experience
Biometrics: The measurements of a person's physical characteristics
Cloud Computing: Using remote servers hosted on the internet to store data
Encryption: Converting data into a scrambled code
Key: A sequence or algorithm used to encrypt or decrypt data
3D Printing:
★ : An object is created based upon a blueprint made with modeling software
How it works:
1. Taking thousands upon thousands of cross-section layers of the model, from the
bottom to the top to create the object
2. It uses heated plastic to print a single layer at a time
Uses of 3D Printing:
● In Medicine
o create casts for broken bones
o prosthetics, replacement organs
o Artificial blood vessels
● Building houses using large scale printers
● NASA uses 3D printers to print Tools and automobile parts, and spare parts for
vehicles in space
3D Printing
Positive Impact Negative Impact
● Natural disasters ● 3D can be used to create a gun
In the event of a natural disaster, which left
many civilians homeless, the affected ● 3D printers use plastic to create
people could quickly be rehoused. objects that are printed, and plastic
can be a large environmental
● Medicine : concern as it is not biodegradable
No long waiting lists for organs, as they can -however, some 3D printers use
be printed on demand “bio-plastics”(plastics made from
renewable source)
● Space:
If part of the spacecraft is broken, the team
can print out a spare one
4G and 5G cellular communications:
★ : The aim of different generation development is to improve the speed and capacity of the
wireless connection.
Uses of 4G and 5G cellular communications:
● Greater speed in internet access
● faster loading speeds of applications, such as maps
● The ability to have multiple people in video conferencing calls
● More effective location services to allow for real-time updates, such as traffic and
weather
● The ability to stream high-definition
4G and 5G Cellular Communications
Positive Impact
● Organizations
Can make use of mobile technologies in their business (video conferences,
navigation etc)
● Mobile devices can be used as a navigation device to aid their travel
● Medicine
Specialist doctors around the world to watch and advise in an operation on a
patient located in a completely different place
Advantages Disadvantages
● Bandwidth for All Users ● An increased bandwidth will mean less
coverage
● More Bandwidth Means Faster Speed.
● The Radio Frequency May Become a
Problem
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
★ : A computer is able to make decisions based upon stimuli, much as a human would. AI
systems are made by programming rules to be obeyed.
- Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines
- True AI can be learnt from actions taken and modifying behavior based on them. This
can give the illusion that a computer can think, but in fact it is still responding to
programmed elements.
Examples Of AI
- Self-driving cars
- Siri, Alexa and other smart assistants
- Robo-advisors
- Conversational bots
- Email spam filters
- Netflix's recommendations
AI
Positive Impact Negative Impact
People with disabilities can : Self driving car:
- Use voice-activated systems to communicate In the event of a car accident, is it the
(send messages, search the web, call friends user’s fault or the company that made the
and family etc)
car, the person who is going to make the
-Using self-driving cars can travel independently
payment is unknown.(Car company or
and makes the car driving safer by removing the User)
element of human error
The level of entertainment provided by games is Voice activated system:
much greater A lot of input errors. If AI is dependent on a
a voice-activated system, it will be limited
-AI can be used to create expert systems to by the ability of this system
help with diagnosis or problem solving of issues
that require expert knowledge.
If there are errors in the program, then it will
not operate correctly.
Biometrics:
★ : The use of technology that tracks user values. This could be as simple as their heart
rate with fitness devices, or it could be voice recognition software, fingerprint and iris
recognition or even recognition of DNA patterns.
How it works:
1. Taking several examples to get an average measurement - e.g. for a voice command
user has to say “Hello” five times for the computer to get an average measurement.
2. Then the data is saved and attached to the user account, just like the username and
password.
3. The user gives the same command “Hello” and this compared with the values stored
to determine if there is a match.
4. If the vocal pattern matches closely enough to the original value taken, the user will
be able to access their account
Biometrics uses:
- Mobile devices - laptop : fingerprint/face recognition
- Iris and hand scanners to measure the size, shape and fingerprints of the user’s
hand
- Airports - able to read biometric passports -person’s biometric data, their iris and
facial image is attached to their passport
Biometrics
Positive Impact (Not in TB) Negative Impact
● High security and assurance – ● Very personal details are stored
Biometric identification provides the about users. This could be used
answers to “something a person has against them if someone hack into
and is” and helps verify identity. the database where data is stored
● User Experience – Convenient and fast.
● There isn’t anything stopping a user
● Non-transferrable – Everyone has from presenting fake biometric
access to a unique set of biometrics. material, such as a fake fingerprint
or a recording of a voice command
● Some people feel that their human
rights are being violated and huge
invasion of their privacy through the
collection of their biological data for
security reasons
Cloud Computing:
★ : A collections of servers are used to store or process data instead of doing this on your
own computer
● Online services provide cloud computing services for uploading and managing your
files Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive etc).
o You can be away from your computer and still have access to your files
● Data can be uploaded onto the cloud from numerous mobile devices. Data can be
accessed by each device that has access to the cloud.
o Files can be shared between different devices
● Processing data – outsource the calculations needed
o A reasonable computer/console can be used alongside cloud computing to
perform tasks far beyond the capabilities of the computer on its own.
Cloud Computing
Advantages (Not in TB) Disadvantages
● Back-up and restore data ● Security - Hacking leads to reveal
● Excellent accessibility personal details that could be used for
● Mobility identity thefts
● Services in the pay-per-use model ● Need of constant internet connection
● Unlimited storage capacity (important to regularly synchronize the
files from the cloud with the files on the
computer)
Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)
★ : CAT tools work by gigging the software either a document or a string of text. The
software then removes anything that is not text, such as pictures or tables and simply takes
what is left over and translate it into the language of choice
Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)
Advantages Disadvantages
● Tools like Google translate are
● Improve the communication : while designed to give direct translation
traveling in a foreign country and not the meaning behind the
(connection to the internet is words
required) you can easily translate Example - A “blue car” in french
words or phrases might get translated as a “car blue”
into english, which can break the
● Translate whole documents and grammar
websites quickly in a language of ● Being able to restructure grammar
choice across translations, picking the
correct meaning of a word that has
multiple uses and handling issues
where there is no actual translation
for the word
Robotics:
★ : The creation of computers that perform tasks like humans cannot or are less efficient at
performing
Uses :
Manufacturing - e.g to move heavy items
Robotics
Advantages Disadvantages
● Many people get angry when
● Complete mundane and repetitive humans are replaced by robots,
tasks, removing the need for the since they can create job losses.
human to do them
● Many people get scared by the
● Tasks that may possibly be ability of robots, especially when
dangerous to humans or require they are equipped with Artificial
presence in a dangerous Intelligence
atmosphere (for example : chemical
factory) ● Robots cannot respond with any
kind of emotions and can only carry
● Entertainment out tasks that they are programmed
to do.
● Everyday tasks
Augmented Reality:
★ :Where technology overlays computer-generated images onto the real world.
Examples :
- Google Glass : users can wear a pair of glasses that overlay information about the
world around them
- Part of computer games
Augmented Reality
Advantages Disadvantages
● Using products like Google Glass
● Interactive and digital manipulated means your vision is impeded. At
the same time, there are security
● makes games more interesting and issues when streaming data as
“real” environment bluetooth connection is used
● Can discover information about ● Issues with object recognition due to
world (streets, buildings, shops etc) lighting or angle of the camera
Quick Response (QR) Codes:
★ : Type of barcode that is made up of black and white squares. It is scanned using a
camera which forwards users to the relevant page of information
QR Codes Uses:
● Gym equipment provide details on how to operate them and which muscles are used
● Food or products that share company information and additional details about items.
● Printed posters or magazines, which allow users to see more details about marketing
material.
QR
Advantages Disadvantages
● Require adequate light for code to
● Information is instantly available to be fully recognised
customers
● Advertiser can decide the action the ● Codes might be distorted when they
consumer takes when code is are resized to fit product or might
scanned not even fit on package due to
● A proven (ISO) standard to be space
accessible to all
● Available information can be easily ● They need space so as not to
updated interfere with the recognition of the
● Use of QR is measurable and can code
be analyzed
● Requires internet connection to
access the information
Wearable Computing:
★ : Technology that can be either clothing or accessories which include a computer based
component
Fitness devices: worn on wrist to keep measurements of activity (steps takes, calories burnt,
sleeping activity, heart rate etc)
Examples:
- Smartwatches : paring with smartphones, where user can receive calls, read
messages, etc)
- Smart T-shirts : display message or a gif image
Wearable Computing
Advantages (Not In TB) Disadvantages
● Easily subject to moisture which
● Increased Productivity. could affect the operation of the
● Discreet technology
● Convenient ● Devices might break if they are not
● Wearable Tech is Useful protected
● Could be life saving (when used on ● More expensive to purchase due to
patients) embedded technology
● Devices use wireless transmission
of data, which could be subject to
fraud
Quantum Cryptography:
★ : The process of encryption is carried out in a similar way to mathematical algorithms, in
that it uses a key. This key is generated using photons, which are tiny packets of light. The
key scrambles the data.
- One of the safest ways to encrypt data
- Most encryption methods: mathematics and algorithms
- Quantum : physics
Use of fiber optic cable
The key is made up of streams of light particles that individually vibrate in all different
directions. (Polarising :creating different light vibrations )
Once transmitted, the light particles will then be passed through a liter that will reverse the
polarization and unscramble the data.
At present quantum cryptography has been successful over short distances data
transmissions (60 Km), yet to prove it can be used over long distances without errors.
Quantum Cryptography
Advantages Disadvantages
● The most secure method of encryption. ● The light transferred in short distances
only limited the security for longer
distances.
Holographic Imaging:
★ : The ability to make holograms, 3D images that are created with photographic projectors.
A hologram is a free-standing 3D image that you can see around, and doesn't need to mimic
depth (like 3d Image or virtual reality).
Virtual Reality:
★ : Computer generated 3D space, where humans can interact within its environment using
specialized equipment
- Wearable technology (headsets, glovers with sensors etc) can consistently monitor
and calibrate mimicking the real environment.
- The headset uses 2 cameras , one for the left eye and one for the right.
- The user can walk around the room and possibly interact with it.
Virtual Reality Uses:
● Games
● Medical procedures allow doctors to practice surgeries and gain confidence and
experience
● Training programmes:
○ Flight simulation helps pilots to learn how to fly planes
○ Car simulation allows people to learn how to drive
○ Military to train soldiers in shooting enemies
VR
Positive Impact Disadvantages
● Flight simulation helps pilots to learn ● Achieving calibration between
how to fly planes camera and user is not 100%
accurate matching real-time (in
● Car simulation allows people to learn some cases can cause motion
how to drive sickness )
● Injury caused by hitting on objects in
● Military to train soldiers in shooting
a small room and hurting
enemies
themselves. Since their vision is
partially or fully blocked from
glasses/helmets
● In some cases users experienced
seizures due to epileptic condition
Holographic and Fourth generation optical data storage:
★ : Refers to the next generation of optical storage, records information throughout the
volume of the medium and is capable of recording multiple images in the same area utilizing.
Holographic Data storage
Advantages Disadvantages
● High Capacity It can store at least 1 ● It has a higher production cost
TB of data per square inch of compared to 2D projection.
storage medium. ● It is not easily seen in the presence
● Long Durability The Holographic of fluorescent lighting.
data storage disk can last for at ● Use of applying the concept of
least 50 years. holographic projection in the design
● Fast random access to data of products are costly.
compared to magnetic drives which ● It is time-consuming to construct
take minutes to access data. images using 3D holograms.
- 3rd Generation allowed HD video and had the ability to store up to 400GB
- 4th generation will have the potential to store up to 1TB on optical media
- Holographic data can be stored in bits
Vision Enhancement:
★ : Gives the ability to restore or enhance vision of people, so they are aware of their
surroundings
- It allows fully or partially impaired individuals including color blind people to view the
same way as others
- With the use of customized glasses or lenses they help to stimulus the eyes and
filters/enhances the vision
Technology-enhanced learning
Method Description Benefits Drawbacks
MOOC a course of study made - Turning higher education - Can't provide personalized
available over the internet into a public good, by courseware and attention from a
without charge to a very allowing anyone to enroll tutor.
large number of people. in the courses. - It is difficult to keep track of
- Give an opportunity to students' assignments and
connect openly on a involvement.
global scale, with global - Learners with disabilities and a
learners. poor Internet connection can't use
- Offer a variety of subjects MOOCs.
- Lets individuals test out - Language can be a barrier while
majors before committing offering MOOCs.
Computer-based e-learning is education - Large-scale delivery of - Too much sitting causes health
training that is primarily tests. problems
administered using - Adjustable and - Carpal tunnel and eye strain.
computers rather than an personalized tests. - Short attention span and too much
in-person instructor. - Grading System. multitasking.
- Well-organized and - Potential of loss of privacy.
smooth process. ... - Can limit learning and create a
- Taking care of candidates dependency.
with special needs. - Time sink and lots of distractions.
- Exams conducted with - Can reduce jobs.
integrity. ...
- Remote test feature
Online tutorials a self-study activity - Added Flexibility and - Online Learning Requires
designed to teach a Self-Paced Learning. Self-Discipline.
specific learning outcome. - Better Time - Online Learning Requires
They are usually Management. Additional Training for Instructors.
delivered via Blackboard - Demonstrated - Online Classes Are Prone to
but can also be made Self-Motivation. Technical Issues.
available via the Internet - Improved Virtual - Online Learning means more
or on a DVD. Interactive Communication and screen-time
tutorials are a structured Collaboration.
collection of navigable - A Broader, Global
web pages. Perspective.
- Refined Critical-thinking
Skills.
- New Technical Skills.
Video Allows people at two or - t's More Engaging than - Less personal contact and
conferencing more locations to see and Audio Conferencing. understanding.
hear each other at the - It's Efficient. - Network instability and time lag.
same time, using a - It Saves on Travel - Technical issues and employee
computer and Money. training.
communications - It Improves - More stress and less organization.
technology. Communication.
- It Connects Teams.
- It Improves Productivity.
- It Improves Attendance.
- It Provides More
Structure for Meetings.
