• Learning Objectives
Describe the use of telecommunication and information technology in
telephone systems
List this technology and think about whether this technology would be possible
today. What do we have that is similar? Will this be possible in the future?
Does it exist now?
Task One
Using the link on the right hand side and any other resources you can find make
notes on the following questions:
• What is voice mail? How does it work? What facilities does it provide?
• What would voice mail have looked like 20 years ago?
• How does a telephone menu system work?
• What does VoIP stand for? Describe how this might be used.
Voicemail would only have been in the early stages of development 20 years
ago and ICT has advanced since them.
Most companies use an audio menu system for handling incoming calls. This
involves a number of levels where buttons on the keypad need to be pressed
in order for the company to deal with the enquiry. For example, press 1 for
accounts, 2 for customer service and 3 to speak to an operator.
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and is used in interactive
systems. This is able to convert spoken words into binary data (1s and 0s)
and transfer them over the Internet.
Task Two
Draw a telephone menu structure for John Cleveland College that would be
more efficient than the current one. What features will yours provide?
Name
Tutor Group
Why absent?
Name
Department
Why absent?
Exam Certificates
Bulletin Notices
Resources
o Teach ICT - Telecommunications
Telecommunications
o
holographic-monitor1
Learning Objectives
Task One
Choose TWO of the following topics (at the bottom) and research how ICT is
used in these areas. Be ready to feedback what you have found out to the
rest of the class next lesson. Your research should follow the following
pattern:
o A description of the item and the process that you have chosen.
How would it be typically used/done?
o What technology is involved?
o How does ICT help/make it work?
o What would the same process/item be like without ICT?
o What are the implications for the bank and the customer?
o Online banking
o Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
o Electronic Bank Transfer (BACs)
o International Bank Transfers (CHAPS)
o Online Saving
o Automated Cheque Handling
o Debit and Cheque Cards
Task Two
A debit card is where the money is taken out of your account straight-away.
A credit card is where the money is lent to the person and it has to be paid back.
The ink on the cheque is detected by a MICR reader; the value is then detected by the
OCR reader, which is recorded to complete the transaction. They are then grouped by
sort code for transfer.
Use the WWW to research other production control systems. Be prepared to present your
findings.
Resources
o Banking and ICT
o Teach ICT
3 – GPS and Satellite Communications
• Learning Objectives
- Describe how ICT is used in global positioning systems and satellite
communications
Task One
Using the GPS links in resources (on the right hand side) answer these
questions:
- Describe one problem with relying on GPS data to track stolen vehicles.
The signals can be blocked. Relying on GPS data to track stolen vehicles can
cause some problems because the GPS system may not have every single piece
of information required to track the vehicle.
- Explain what 'spoofing' is and how criminals may be able to use this method
Spoofing is where someone has sent a signal that does not seem to be from the
original person. They could use this method to falsely accuse someone else of
signal problems when it was actually them.
• Task Two
• Extension/Homework
Using the documents "Satellite.doc" and "making a phone call via satellite.doc"
summarise the advantages and disadvantages of satellite communication in
150 words.
• Resources
Video
o NASA - GPS.mp4
Satellite Communications
o Making a Phone Call via Satellite.doc
o SATELLITE.doc
4 – Weather Forecasting
• Learning Objectives
- Describe how ICT is used in weather forecasting
Task One
One main use of ICT in weather forecasting is data collection.
1.) How can ICT aid recording the temperature at hundreds of remote locations
around the world at regular intervals?
2.) What is an anemometer? How does it record data? What units would it
measure in?
An anemometer measures the wind speed and pressure for the atmosphere.
3.) Using this website, name three other devices used to measure and record
the weather. Describe what they are, what they record, how the record the
data and what units they measure in
Task Two
Using the link to the met office on the right, which shows the infra-red satellite
image for Europe, describe how satellite images can be used to predict what
the weather will be in the near future.
Task Three
Using the link to the BBC weather forecast for the Hinckley area and any other
resources that you can find, describe how ICT aids in the distribution and
delivery of a weather forecast.
Think about the ICT involved in a TV broadcast and how the public might be
able to get a more localised forecast if they so wished.
• Learning Objectives
Describe how software and ICT can be used in training
Task One
Using the videos (also in RMShared > ICT > Video Library > A2 > e-learning) and
resources on the right or any other resources that you can find answer the following
questions:
2.) E-learning can have different names. What does CBT stand for? Are there any other
names e-learning can have?
E-learning can also be known as CBT. CBT stands for computer based training.
3.) Research and describe what situations CBT and e-learning is best suited to.
Task Two
Research Web 2.0, finding out what it is and write a brief definition for it.
What does Web 2.0 mean for the way e-learning is created and used? Could it function
without it?
Rich Internet Applications – Flash, Ajax – from a text based document to a rich
internet application.
Social Web – Interacting with the end user, is participating in the content (Wiki,
Podcast, Blogging).
Task Three
A large training company is looking at improving its CBT facilities and expand onto the web.
Research 'E-Learning 2.0' and write a short report to the director of software based training
detailing what it is, how it could be used and implemented and what the benefits are.
E-Learning is derived around Web 2.0. E-Learning uses web pages, blog
posts, wiki pages and RSS readers to display and portray information to
people in the most effective way possible so people can understand it. There
were 3 generations of E-Learning, namely E-Learning 1.0, E-Learning 1.3 and
E-Learning 2.0. Characteristics of these are displayed below.
E-Learning 1.0 E-Learning 1.3 E-Learning 2.0
Main • Courseware • Reference hybrids • Wikis
• LMSs • LCMSs • Social networking and
Components bookmarking tools
• Authoring tools • Rapid authoring • Blogs
tools • Add-ins
• Mash-ups
Ownership Top-down, Top-down, collaborative Bottom-up,
one-way learner-driven,
peer learning
Development Time Long Rapid None
E-Learning has undergone a lot of development, from the zero development time to
being able to access this during work hours rather than prior to the working day. This
meant that E-Learning 2.0 can be accessed anywhere, thus making it a much better
package.
Resources
o E-Learning
o Wikipedia
o Introduction to CBT
o E-Learning 2.0
Videos
o What_is_E-Learning.mp4
o Advantages_of_e-Learning.mp4
6 – Distributed Databases
Learning Objectives
Scenario
A large company that has branches all over the UK is looking to move to a system that
makes use of a distributed database for stock control.
The company is also interested in what security risks moving to a system like this may
pose.
As an ICT analyst it is your job to research what a distributed database is, what the
advantages and disadvantages are and how they are typically used and create a report
on your findings to hand to the chief executive.
You have been given the files on the right hand side to help you.
A distributed database is a database that allows part of a single database to be distributed onto
different computers. Distributed database systems are a collection of single databases that are
physically distributed over a network.
Exam Questions
(c) Describe two ways in which the confidentiality of data being transferred between
distributed parts of the database could be ensured [4]
(d) Outline ways in which a distributed database could be implemented by the company
[6]
Resources
o Distributed Databases
o Wikipedia
o 29 Distributed Database Concepts
o Oracle
o Different Types of DD
o Different Types of DD
Distributed Databases
o
distributed_databases
• Learning Objectives
- Describe how different types of distributed database systems are used
- Discuss security issues of distributed databases: interception of data, physical access
to data, consistency and integrity of data and describe methods of overcoming these
issues
Task One - Scenario
A large company that has branches all over the UK is looking to move to a system that
makes use of a distributed database for stock control.
As an ICT analyst it is your job to research what a distributed database is, what the
advantages and disadvantages are and how they are typically used and create a report
on your findings to hand to the chief executive.
You have been given the files on the right hand side to help you.
- interception of data
(c) Describe two ways in which the confidentiality of data being transferred between
distributed parts of the database could be ensured [4]
(d) Outline ways in which a distributed database could be implemented by the company
[6]
Task Four
Complete the following table:
Task Five
1.) Compare the storage implications for partitioned and replicated databases
2.) Compare local and global query processing for partitioned databases
3.) Describe how data can still be accessed by a site using a replicated database when the
communication link for the site is lost
5.) Explain why back-ups are not necessary in a replicated database system
Task Six
1.) Describe three security implications of using distributed databases
4.) Describe hwo the integrity of data could be maintained within a replicated database
system.
Resources
o Distributed Databases
o Wikipedia
o 29 Distributed Database Concepts
o Different Types of DD
o Different Types of DD
o DDBS Security
Distributed Databases
o
distributed_databases
9 – Digital Television Networks
Learning Objectives
Describe the range of services offered by digital television networks.
Questions
1.) List seven services available on digital television
• Gaming
• Pay-per view programmes
• More channels
• Ability to record programmes
2.) Identify two advantages of pay per view to the individual viewer
• More exciting viewing packages that not very many people have
• People can watch a game at home and they do not need to spend more to actually
go to the ground, making it more convenient for them.
3.) Identify two impacts to broadcasters of enabling viewers to choose camera angles
4.) Identify one disadvantage to a television company that provides viewers with the facility
to vote for the favourite performer
• Less money would be made because every programme from the voting day onwards
would be focused on their favourite rather than all of the performers.
Tasks
- What is meant by custom-written software?
- Look through your notes and activities for the System Life Cycle. Note down all
of the stages where the user is involved in the process and what role they
play in that process, including what interactions they have and/or what data
or information they provide.
- In pairs consider the implications of supporting the customer with off the shelf
products when selecting and implementing a solution to an ICT problem. You
should create a Powerpoint and consider the following points.
Advantages
• Tailored to user
• Copyrighted to user
• Exclusive
• More efficient to needs
• Memory usage
Disadvantages
• Minimal support
• Takes time to develop
• Expensive
• Specialist staff needed
• Difficult to update
Advantages
• More widely available
• Cheaper
• More support
• Easy to share or collaborate
• Easier to update
Disadvantages
Definition – Client is involved in writing out the definition for the project and
explaining the brief to the designer.
Design – The client has to witness the design process and make any
recommendations for changes if necessary.
• Learning Objectives
- Explain how the expertise of staff, costs, benefits and current systems
affect decisions about upgrading or installing software and hardware.
Tasks
For this task you may use the Oxford Revision Guide pages 154/155 or any web
resources that you can find
Watch the video clip located in RMShareDocs > ICT > A2 ICT > G063 Theory
> Implementing CBIS
1.) Describe how the expertise of staff affects the decisions about the
upgrading of software.
The more experience technicians and staff have about dealing with a specific
type of problem, the better advice they can give to the people requiring the
upgrade.
2.) Identify two factors affecting decisions which must be made when
upgrading hardware
• The complexity of the system for use – is it easier to use than the
previous system?
• The cost of the new package
Case Study
A small to medium size kitchen fitting business is looking to upgrade the way
they take orders, store jobs, allocate staff and keep track of time sheets. A
senior member of staff has a good amount of experience with ICT system
and is very confident, classing himself as an 'expert'. The rest of the staff has
limited office based ICT skills.
The company has been hit fairly hard by the credit crunch and is looking to
streamline their cash flow in order to save money and keep their heads
above water. The company currently uses a mixture of an off-the-shelf
solution and a paper based system, due to the off-the-shelf product not
being perfectly suited to their needs.
3.) Explain how the expertise of staff, costs, benefits and current systems will
affect the company's decisions about upgrading to a custom-written solution.
There is only one member of staff in the business that claims to be an expert in
ICT systems. This could be a problem if a complicated system is created
because he will be the only one that knows how to use it. To combat this
issue, training could be provided on more advanced ICT skills that could be
utilised in the system so the other employees could get to the same level as
he is at. He could provide the training.
The fact that the company do not like their system means that they are using a
paper-based system, and paper based systems have risks, like the fact that
it needs to be kept very safe in case of fire or accidental disposal. Also, it will
be very difficult to keep track of people because they will need to go into the
master folder and update the data. This brings up another problem. Backing
up and securing the files is much easier with a computer based medium than
with a paper based package, because it can all be done at the click of a
button rather than endless re-copying of files. It can also be done overnight
rather than having to do it in the working day.
• Your Projects
Explain how the expertise of staff, costs, benefits and current systems will
effect the installation and use of your system once you have completed it
and installed it ready to use. Will the user need any new hardware or other
software now, or in the future?
I would say that the user would not need any more hardware or software in
the short-term, but they will need some in the long-term in order to maintain
and update the system and the hardware and software that make it up.
However, if updates were required, the software could not be updated
because the system is tailor made and unique. If the system was off the
shelf, updates could be performed easily through the Internet, however, the
system is tailor-made so updates would need to be created from scratch.
3 – Implementation Methods
• Learning Objectives
Describe a range of methods for installing a new computer-based system:
parallel, phased, direct, pilot.
Tasks
1.) Complete the starter activity that is located here.
2.) Add this information to your notes and using the internet add any other
advantages or disadvantages that were not listed of each different
implementation type.
Parallel Changeover
The old and new systems are run in parallel for a period of time, both processing
current data and enabling cross checking to be made.
Advantages
If a problem is found with the new system it is possible for the organisation to
function as the old system is still in place and can be used.
Disadvantages
Phased Changeover
Phased changeover involves selecting a complete section of the system for a direct
changeover, e.g. in an accounting system the purchase ledger. When this part is
running satisfactorily, another part is switched – until eventually the whole system has
been changed.
Advantages
Problems or bugs are found within small sub systems making it easier to find
the error and correct it.
Disadvantages
Very expensive in terms of staff and time costs. It is slow to commission the
complete system.
Direct Changeover
The old system is completely replaced by the new system in one move.
This may be unavoidable where the two systems are substantially different, or where
the cots of parallel running are too great.
While this method is comparatively cheap it is risky. The new system should be
introduced during a quiet period, for example over a bank holiday weekend or during
an office closure.
Advantages
Problems or bugs could lead to complete loss of data and/or the potential failure
of the organisation.
Pilot Changeover
Pilot operation involves selecting part or parts of an organisation (e.g. a department
or branch) to operate running the new system in parallel with the existing system.
When the branch or department piloting the system is satisfied with the new system,
they cease to use the old system. The new system is then piloted in another area of
the organisation.
Advantages
If a problem or bug is found with the new system, these can be rectified before
implementation is continued.
Disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of the various changeover methods are outlined
below.
Direct Changeover
• Quick
• Minimised cost
• Minimises work load
• Risky
• Could disrupt operations
• If fails, will be costly
Parallel running
Pilot operation
Phased Changeover
Learning Objectives
Explain the role of reviews during the life of a computer based information
system, describing how reviews may be planned for and carried out
effectively
Describe perfective, adaptive and corrective maintenance
Explain the need for maintenance during the life of a computer based
information system.
System Reviews Tasks
1. Read through the section to the right on system reviews and add this
information to your notes.
This is the process of observing how the system is operating and deciding
whether the original performance specification is being met.
A system review will arise either if there are problems with the system or if it
has been pre planned (regular time intervals). The latter is more
advantageous, as improvements can be planned without having an
immediate problem to solve.
At the end of the review an action plan identifying a course of action should
be produced. This will lead to system maintenance or the system life cycle
starting over again. (Extreme case!)
Maintenance Tasks
2. Using the document that is located here write a definition of the term
'software maintenance' and write your own definitions of each different
type of maintenance.
Maintenance can be disruptive. The system might need to be taken off line.
This might not be possible. In this case, there might have to be two separate
computer systems, each capable of handling all operations. If one is taken
off line for a while, the back up can take over all operations for a short time.
This also provides security against the complete failure of one system.
1 – ICT Ethics
• Learning Objectives
Discuss ethics relating to ICT with reference to codes of conduct, for example, the
British Computer Society (BCS) code of conduct and the Association for Computing
Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct;
Task One
An ICT training company has been asked by the British Computer Society to include
a recommendation for membership to the BCS in their training and recruitment
schemes. As a member of the BCS, delegates are required to follow a strict code of
conduct and code of good practise.
These codes are quite long winded and the training company would like a shortened down
summary version to be displayed in their BCS information area. Develop a poster or
leaflet that summarises the key points and ideas of the two codes in an easy to
understand way.
BCS employees should keep to the 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics, quoted below from
http://cpsr.org/issues/ethics/cei/.
People employed at the British Computing Society should treat everyone with respect and
equality. They should be truthful about the computing skills they possess, and only
undertake tasks involving those skills. They should not distract others from their work.
Employees should carry out their work whilst adhering to the guidelines set by the relevant
authorities. They should not give out any information personal to them, or any information
that is not required by the authorities. People should respect different points of view and
only criticise pieces of work where required. Employees should offer encouragement and
support to their colleagues and notify the authorities if their colleagues are doing something
that is not required of them or breaches the code of conduct.
Task Two
Using the link on the right hand side called "BCS Services and Benefits", answer the
following question.
Explain why an ICT professional would choose to be a member of the British Computer
Society and discuss possible benefits to his/her career.
An employee may wish to join the British Computing Society (BCS) because:
Task Three
Using the 'Little Gossip' news story on the right hand side discuss whether you think the
creator of the website violated any of the codes of conducts of either the BCS or the
ACM (if so which ones) or if you feel they violated any of the 'ten commandments' of
ICT ethics.
• Task Four
Investigate and summarise the main principles in the code of ethics and professional
conduct of the Association of Computer Machinery
Resources
o The Ten Commandments of ICT Ethics
o The British Computer Society
o Little Gossip Story
o BCS Code of Conduct
o BCS Code of Good Practise
o ACM Code of Ethics
2 – Managing Change
• Learning Objectives
Discuss the importance of consultation, participation and communication when
managing change
Questions
The new system may not do as much as the old system, or may not be as good as the old
system.
•Describe three aspects of change that people within an organisation should be told
about
Changes to organisational structure, such as employees being promoted to new jobs or
new employees being hired.
Any changes to the computer system, such as any hardware and software replacements.
•Describe two ways in which people within an organisation could participate with the
management of change
They could advise people on the changes necessary to the organisation, if any and the
employees could take a vote on the changes that need to be implemented, where the
majority vote would have the change implemented.
E-mails
Reports
Observations
Questionnaires
•Discuss the importance of consultation when managing change. (11 marks: Jan 2010)
Consultation is important when managing change because employees need to know the
changes that are being implemented so they can keep on top of the news relating to
their company. The employees could suggest changes to the system and then they
could vote on what change would be most important to the company, if any. They could
get involved with any meetings that are taking place within the company.