Chapter 4 - Applications of ICT

Chapter 4 - Applications of ICT

1. Computer Based Training

   • Advantages - being able to complete pre-assessments, plan targets for the work they want to achieve, gain feedback on the work they've done, complete work wherever rather than in a classroom.
   • Disadvantages - the user needs self-motivation to actually do the work, there isn't always access to the tutor for help, there are time limits on work therefore if the student is rushed then they may inefficiently do the work.

2. Online Tutorials

   • Advantages - use of multimedia (images, sound etc) which is good for auditory/visual learners, the ability to work flexibly wherever/whenever you want, the ability to work at your own pace.
   • Disadvantages - user needs the self motivation to complete the work, there isn't constant access to a tutor for help if the user was to become stuck, there are time limits on work therefore the student may be rushed.

3. Video Conferencing

   • Advantages - trainees have access to experts in their specialist field, you are able to get help with studying without having to travel to get the help, wide access to different resources
   • Disadvantages - cost of the equipment required (which can also be prone to errors), the need for a high bandwidth.

4. What is an expert system?

   • Includes the knowledge base (facts gathered from the experts), an interface engine (the software which makes the decision and gives the question) and the user interface (which asks the user the questions and gives the diagnosis).
   • Advantages - always having access to expert knowledge, ease of use through the natural language interface, no need for additional staff.
   • Disadvantages - takes a lot of time and effort to make a good expert system, only covers a narrow range of knowledge, cannot deal with ambiguous questions.

5. What is a Management Information System (MIS)?

   • Organises information so that the management can make strategic decisions. It organises and makes links between data and produces reports.
   • Advantages - ability to collate and summarise information, access to information to make strategic decisions and the ability to create reports for managers to use.
   • Disadvantages - takes time to develop and use the system accurately, the cost to produce and provide support for a MIS is extensive, not all information is available such as information about external influences.

6. Reasons to network computers...

   • Share peripherals and resources, you can log onto any workstation and access your files (as long as you have a username/password), centralised maintenance such as backups and anti virus, software can be installed onto one server and then deployed onto all.

7. Mobile communications services include: video calls, voice calls, Internet, SMS/MMS, caller display, caller waiting, voicemail and push email.

8. Service provided by digital TV companies include: game show participation, pay per view, voting, choosing camera angles, interactive pause/recording, feedback comments to the studio and 3D/Smart TV.

   • IMPACTS - 3D TV
     • Individual - richer viewing experience/expensive to buy the equipment (cost vs. content?)
     • TV Companies - 3D cameras are expensive and the editing process is long and difficult.
     • Broadcasters - need to have good bandwidth, needs to provide 3D set top boxes.
   • IMPACTS - FEEDBACK TO THE STUDIO
     • Individual - have to pay a premium to communicate to the studio however they do get to express their opinions.
     • TV Companies - have to look through 1000s of messages, make money from the messages, need to monitor the messages.
     • Broadcasters - set up is costly.

9. Internal resources of an organisation includes human, technological and premises.

   • Human resources are the people that use/maintain the system.
   • Technological resources are the equipment/machines with moving parts in the organisation.
   • Premises are the property owned by the organisation e.g. car parks, offices.