© Boardworks Ltd 2010 1 of 16 ICT and Modern Living

© Boardworks Ltd 20101 of 16

ICT and Modern Living


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Functional Skills check

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The implications of being a data subject and new methods of researching.

Modern shopping habits and modern healthcare

How ICT may change our lives in the future.

This lesson will cover:


Being a data subject


Vote


Information sources


Match them up


Modern communicating


Modern shopping

Online shopping has become much more common:

Supermarkets (e.g. Tesco)High Street retailers (e.g. Next)Internet only retailers (e.g. Amazon)Online Auction sites (e.g. eBay)Travel companies (e.g. First Choice)Insurance companies (e.g. Direct Line)Government services (e.g. Car Tax)

Why do retailers offer their goods on line?

reach a larger number of customersstore more products in warehousessmaller retailers can compete

lower costsstay open 24hrscustomer tracking


Shopping


Future homes

Modern homes are becoming increasingly computerised. This fridge has a screen forTV and Internet viewing. It can keep track of the goods in your fridge and let you know when you need to order more groceries.

Other applications where computers are becoming increasingly used include:

home securityhome entertainmenthealthcare

Some forecasters think that future smart homes willinclude scanners that will link to healthcare software

and monitor our general wellbeing.


Expert systems are computer systems that try to “think” as a human expert would.

They have a huge database of stored information and a set of rules that apply to it.

By following rules, they can give out the most appropriate advice.

Modern healthcare

Many people use the NHS direct website, which uses expert systems to help diagnose people and save doctors’ time.


Expert systems


Modern surgery concentrates on making the smallest wound possible to reduce damage to the body. This is called microsurgery.

Thin robotic arms are fitted with surgical instruments. They reduce hand tremors and allow tiny incisions, which speeds up healing.

Surgery


Telesurgery

In 2001, a surgeon in the USA operated on a patient in France – the first telesurgery.

Special controllers provided sensory feedback as the patient was operated upon, and the use of dual cameras provided the surgeon with a 3D view. At all times the surgeon in the USA and the team in Paris kept in close contact with audio and video links.


3D imaging

Doctors can use 3D images of their patients to see the shapes of tumours and to practise in advance of surgery.

Before this technology was available, doctors could only rely on x-rays, which did not always provide enough information.

By using a number of different types of scans and building up a 3D model, doctors can pinpoint the exact areas where surgery is needed. This increases the chances of a successful operation.


And beyond…?

Technology is increasing at such a rapid rate that it is hard topredict what the future will look like. However, some trendsare already appearing:

Conversion of functions into single devices (e.g. the TV, computer, recorder, music centre and games console are replaced by one single device)Faster data transfer and more data storage (allowing for cheap video calls and more powerful online services)More time spent online and the potential of truly virtual worlds with accessible virtual reality technologyIncreased processor power and more complex programming resulting in faster, ‘smarter’ computers.

Some futurists suggest one day there will be artificial intelligence or even a technological singularity.

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© Boardworks Ltd 2010 1 of 16 ICT and Modern Living