Emerging Technology and Applications

Imagine a world where everything works faster and more efficiently—thanks to technology! In this section, you will discover how technology will help you learn better in school using cool online tools and apps. You will also explore how doctors use technology to provide healthcare services remotely through telemedicine and manage health records easily. Ever wonder how factories produce goods so quickly? Machines and robots make it happen! Even government services are now easier to access, all thanks to technology.

But that is not all. You will learn how ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is transforming the way we bank, enjoy entertainment like movies and music, get around with apps like Uber, and shop online. Whether you are using tech for fun at home or running a small business, technology plays a role in making everyday life more convenient. Get ready to dive into how tech is changing the world around you!

KEY IDEAS

• Technology - This refers to tools, machines, systems, and devices that help us solve problems or make tasks easier

• Technology in Business: The use of technology in businesses to increase productivity and reach more customers

• Technology in Communication: The use of technology to communicate (exchange information) with people anywhere in the world

• Technology in Education: The use of technology in schools to improve teaching and learning.

• Technology in Healthcare: The use of technology to improved healthcare by allowing medical practitioners to diagnose and treat diseases more effectively

Activity 2.1 Technologies and their benefits This activity will help you understand the positive impacts of technology in different areas. Your teacher will divide you into groups of not more than five for this activity.

Instructions:

1. Name three technologies you use every day (like phones, computers, apps).

2. Using the internet, research on the impact of the technologies you named on education, health, and manufacturing in everyday life in conducting your research, think about questions such as:

a. How does technology make learning easier?

b. What are some tools used in hospitals?

c. How has technology changed how things are made?

4. Create a poster that lists the benefits you found from your research. Use simple words and colourful drawings or images to explain your ideas.

5. Present your poster to the class and explain one or two key benefits in your own words to the class.

Education and Technology

Technology enhances education by providing access to information, making learning interactive, fostering collaboration among learners and improving communication between teachers and learners. By embracing these technologies, learners can improve their learning experiences and outcomes.

Figure 2.1: Smart Classroom

Using digital tools like videos, pictures and quizzes can make learning more interesting.

Platforms like Google Classroom help teachers share lessons, give assignments, and engage learners online.

Benefits in using technology in education ₁. Access to Information: Students can easily find information online, making it easier to research topics and learn at their own pace.

2. Interactive Learning: Tools like videos, games, and simulations make learning more engaging and fun, helping students understand difficult concepts better.

3. Collaboration: Technology allows students to work together from different locations. They can share ideas and projects using online platforms.

4. Personalised Learning: With technology, teachers can tailor lessons to meet the needs of each student, helping them learn in a way that suits them best.

5. Flexibility: Online classes and resources mean that learning can happen anytime and anywhere, making education more accessible.

6. Skill Development: Using technology helps students build important skills for the future, like problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital literacy.

7. Efficiency: Technology can help streamline tasks like grading and organising materials, giving teachers more time to focus on teaching.

Video – How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education | Sal Khan | TED Healthcare and Technology Technology in healthcare makes it easier for patients to receive care, helps doctors make informed decisions, and improves overall health services. Tools like smart beds and infusion pumps help track patient movements and administer medication.

Telemedicine allows doctors to treat patients remotely and wearable devices track health data. Electronic Health Records store patient data online, making it easier to access and big data speeds up medical research and drug development.

Telemedicine: This is the use of digital technology to provide medical care and consultation remotely. It allows healthcare professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients without the need for in-person visits, often using tools like video conferencing, mobile health apps, and remote monitoring devices.

Figure 2.2: Smart Hospital Bed

Benefits of Technology in Health

1. Improved Access to Care: Telemedicine and mobile health applications allow patients in remote or underserved areas to connect with healthcare providers, improving access to quality care.

2. Enhanced Patient Engagement: Digital health apps and wearable devices empower patients to monitor their own health metrics, helping them engage more actively in their wellness and treatment plans.

3. Efficient Record-Keeping and Data Management: Electronic Health Records (EHRs) streamline patient data, reducing errors, improving data accessibility for providers, and enhancing continuity of care.

4. Better Diagnostic Accuracy: AI-based tools assist in analysing medical imaging and diagnosing conditions more accurately and quickly, reducing human error and helping detect issues early.

5. Remote Patient Monitoring: IoT devices enable real-time monitoring of patients’ vital signs from their homes, allowing for proactive care and reducing hospital readmissions.

6. Cost Reduction: Automation, data management, and remote care reduce hospital costs and travel expenses, making healthcare more affordable for patients and providers.

7. Medical Research and Personalised Medicine: Big data analytics and AI allow researchers to analyse vast amounts of data, advancing personalised treatment plans based on individual genetics and health history.

Video - Hearing Aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 | Apple (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dOuNLS1elWs) Video - Man praises Apple Watch for life-saving alert after suffering medical emergency (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TiDUvzE7IU) Manufacturing and Technology Technology plays a big role in making manufacturing better. It helps companies work efficiently, safely, faster, use fewer workers to create higher-quality products, etc. For

example, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) helps track products as they move through the factory, while the Internet of Things (IoT) connects machines so they can share information. 3D printing allows businesses to make parts quickly and accurately and blockchain technology helps manage the supply chain by keeping track of products at every step.

Understanding these technologies can give you insights into how products are made and how industries operate in Ghana and around the world.

Figure 2.3: Robotic Manufacturing Arm

Video - They Turned off this GPU Factory For Me! PowerColor Factory Tour (https://www.youtube.

com/watch?v=GS35VHEfFDU) Government and Technology Information and Communication Technology (ICT) helps governmental bodies work better, be more accessible, and stay open with the public. Technology makes it easier for leaders to make decisions, create new policies, and manage government tasks efficiently. Example is the Parliamentary Watch App for monitoring activities of parliament of Ghana.

Figure 2.4: Parliamentary Watch App

Table 2.1: Use of Technology in various sectors Sector Use of Technology Examples Education • Online learning platforms

• Interactive educational software

• Digital classrooms

• Google Classroom

• Khan Academy

• E-books Healthcare • Electronic health records

• Telemedicine

• Health monitoring devices

• Online doctor consultations

• Health apps for tracking fitness and diet Manufacturing • Automation of production processes

• Use of robotics

• Inventory management systems

• Robots assembling products

• Use of software for tracking stock Government • E-governance (online services for citizens)

• Data management systems

• Public information websites

• Online tax filing

• Government service portals (e.g., NIB, Passport Office)

Activity 2.2 Technology Application in various sectors

1. In groups of not more than five, pick one sector (education, health, manufacturing, governance) and research on how technology is applied in each case.

2. Create a presentation to be delivered to the whole class elaborating the benefits of technology on your chosen sector with evidence.

3. Deliver your presentation to the whole class. Allow other groups to ask questions and make contributions.

Activity 2.3 Problem- Solving

1. In groups of not more than five, identify at least 3 local problems in your community that you think technology can solve.

2. Propose a technology-based solution, considering the resources available in your community, to solve the identified problem. Your proposal could touch on the following;

a. Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, often used in manufacturing.

b. Telemedicine: The use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, allowing patients to consult with doctors via video calls.

c. Digital Government: The use of digital technology by government agencies to improve services and engage with citizens

4. Present your proposed solution to the class for feedback and discussion.

Now, let us look at other fields that technology has become very impactful. In today’s world of technological advancement, you cannot talk about technology without mentioning areas such as: finance, entertainment, transport, and business Finance Technology in finance makes it easier for individuals and businesses to manage their money, make payments and invest. It provides convenience, saves time and allows more people to participate in the financial system.

Figure 2.5: Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Entertainment Industry

Technology has transformed entertainment by making it more convenient and diverse.

With just a few clicks, we can enjoy a variety of content and connect with others, enhancing our overall entertainment experience. Video games now have advanced graphics, allow players to compete with others online and can be played on mobile phones.

Figure 2.6: technology in Entertainment

Activity 2.4 Benefits of technology in Finance and Entertainment Complete Table 2.2 with the benefits of technology in finance and entertainment.

Read the content of your table to peers for review.

Table 2.2: Benefits of technology in Finance and Entertainment Field Importance of Technology integration Finance Entertainment Sports Transport Technology plays a significant role in improving transport systems in Ghana. It makes it more efficient, safer and easier for everyone. It helps people get to their destinations quickly and can reduce stress when traveling. Here are some ways technology is used in transport: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Autonomous Vehicles (Self-Driving Cars), Ride-Sharing Platforms etc.

Figure 2.7: Autonomous Vehicles (Self-Driving Cars)

Video - Cybercab | The Future is Autonomous Benefits of Technology in Transportation ₁. Increased Safety: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), like collision detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking, help reduce accidents. Technologies like autonomous vehicles and vehicle-to- everything (V2X) communication also contribute to safer roads.

2. Improved Efficiency and Reduced Congestion: GPS navigation, real-time traffic data, and smart traffic management systems help drivers avoid congested areas, reducing travel time and fuel consumption. Smart traffic lights also adjust in real-time to ease traffic flow.

3. Environmental Sustainability: Electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuel technologies reduce carbon emissions and pollution. Ride-sharing apps and vehicle-sharing systems encourage fewer vehicles on the road, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

4. Enhanced Passenger Convenience: Mobile apps for ride-hailing, ticket booking, and real-time tracking make commuting more convenient. Digital ticketing and contactless payment options streamline public transport use, improving the overall travel experience.

Business ICT (Information and Communication Technology) helps businesses create new products and improve their services. It helps businesses operate more efficiently, reach more customers, and improve communication. By so doing, businesses can grow and adapt to the changing market. For example, a company can use technology to design a new phone app that helps people manage their schedules better. It can also help in making production processes faster and more efficient. Many internet users advertise and sell their product remotely on their WhatsApp status, Facebook, etc. which does not require huge sum of money to secure a physical shop.

Figure 2.8: e-Commers for Business Benefits of Technology in Business

1. Enhanced Transparency and Record-Keeping: Digital transactions create automatic records, making it easier to track, verify, and manage financial data, improving transparency and simplifying audits.

2. Global Reach and Accessibility: E-commerce platforms and digital currencies enable businesses to conduct transactions across borders seamlessly, expanding their customer base and making it easier for people around the world to access their products and services.

3. Cost Reduction and Scalability: Cloud computing, for instance, reduces the need for costly infrastructure, allowing businesses to scale up or down based on demand. E-commerce platforms also reduce operational costs and expand market reach by allowing businesses to sell online.

4. Increased Productivity and Efficiency: Automation tools and software streamline routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities.

Project management tools, for instance, help teams organise tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.

Activity 2.5 Matching activity

Table 2.3: Technologies and their uses in other sectors S/N SECTOR TECHNOLOGY USE 1 Mobile Payment Systems Online Banking Financial Apps 2 Entertainment Streaming Services Gaming Consoles Social media 3 Ride-Hailing Apps Services like Uber and Bolt that allow users to book rides using their smartphones.

Navigation Apps Applications like Google Maps that help users find directions and track routes.

Electronic Ticketing Systems that allow passengers to buy tickets for transport services online or through apps.

4 Business E-Commerce Platforms

Office Productivity

Tools Video Conferencing

Activity 2.6 Personal Experience with Technology

Individually, share your personal experiences or observations on home users’ technologies to the whole class.

Home Users

They are individuals and families who use technology every day for personal activities.

They use computers and devices for tasks like communicating, having fun and being productive. Home users typically interact with technology in a non-professional way, meaning they are not using it for work-related purposes.

Figure 2.9: Smart Home

Activity 2.7 Research

1. In groups, each group focusing on one category of home technologies, research on the devices used by home users in your community, including their features and how they improve daily life.

2. Create a simple PowerPoint presentation (5 minutes) to share your findings.

Include images of the devices and examples of how families use them.

3. Present your findings to the class, explaining the key technologies and their uses at home.

Small Home / Office (SOHO) Users These are individuals or small business owners who work from a small office or home.

These users rely on technology to help them work more efficiently and productively.

They use technology to manage their business tasks, communicate with others and stay organised. Unlike large businesses, they often have fewer resources and infrastructure, so they make the most of the tools they have.

Table 2.4: Technologies used by Home and Office Technology Used by Home Users Used by Small Home /Office Users Laptop/ Computer

• Browsing the internet, watching movies, schoolwork

• Sending personal emails, newsletters

• Managing business tasks, creating documents, communication

• Managing business communication with clients and suppliers Smartphone • Social media, chatting, watching videos, entertainment

• Communicating with clients, sending emails, managing business apps Wi-Fi/Internet Connection

• Streaming videos, browsing the web, playing online games

• Running business operations online, holding virtual meetings Cloud Storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)

• Storing personal photos, videos, and documents

• Storing business files, sharing documents with clients Smart TV • Watching Netflix, YouTube, or other streaming services

• Occasionally used for display boards around a business or meeting rooms.

Email Client

(e.g., Gmail, Outlook)

• Sending personal emails, newsletters

• Managing business communication with clients and suppliers Video Conferencing Software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

• Video chatting with family and friends

• Holding virtual meetings with clients or business partners Office Productivity Tools (e.g., MS Word, Excel)

• Writing personal documents or school assignments

• Creating business reports, managing finances, and organising data Smart Devices (e.g., Smart Speakers, Smart Home Systems)

• Controlling home lighting, playing music, setting alarms

• (Not commonly used in small businesses) E-Commerce Platforms (e.g., Jumia, Amazon)

• Shopping online for personal items

• Ordering office supplies, selling products online Printer/Scanner • Printing school assignments or personal documents

• Printing business invoices, contracts, scanning documents

Activity 2.8 Technology used by small home/office

1. Each group will focus on a specific technology used by small/home office users.

2. Discuss how these technologies are useful for small business owners and home workers.

3. Each group should present a summary of their findings in a short presentation to the whole class.

Activity 2.9 Peer Learning and Role Play

1. Your teacher will assign you a role (e.g., a home user, a small business owner, a teacher working from home, etc.).

2. You will then be divided into pairs. In your pairs, you will share with your partner about the technologies your character would use and how they would use them (e.g., a home user may explain how they use a tablet for entertainment, while a small business owner might explain how they use a spreadsheet for managing business finances).

3. Role-play a scenario, explaining how you would use the technology in your daily tasks.

4. After role-playing, switch roles with your partner and repeat the activity. Try to be creative!

Mobile Users

Mobile users are people who mostly use mobile devices like smartphones and laptops to access digital resources and services.

Power Users

Power users are people who have advanced skills and knowledge when it comes to using technology. These individuals can work with complex software, hardware, and computer systems.

Enterprise Users

Enterprise users are individuals who work in large organisations and companies. They use technology to help their businesses run smoothly, work together with colleagues, and manage important information.

Table 2.5: Technologies used by user groups User Type Technologies Used Purpose/Use Mobile Users • Smartphones

• Tablets

• Mobile Apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram)

• Mobile Payments (MTN

• Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash)

• Communication, social media, entertainment Accessing the internet, online shopping

• Mobile banking and payments Power Users • Laptops/Desktops (High- performance)

• Advanced Software (Photoshop, Video Editing Tools)

• Gaming Consoles

• Cloud Storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)

• Professional tasks (video editing, graphic design, programming)

• Managing large files, storing and sharing data online

• Gaming and multimedia creation Enterprise Users

• Enterprise Software (ERP, CRM)

• Servers

• Cloud Platforms (AWS, Microsoft Azure)

• ideo Conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

• Managing business operations (finance, customer relations, inventory)

• Hosting websites and storing large amounts of data

• Remote meetings and collaboration

Activity 2.10 Group Work

1. Your teacher will divide the class into three groups, each representing Mobile Users, Power Users, and Enterprise Users.

2. Make a simple chart on a piece of paper or a digital document. The chart should include:

a. User Group: Mobile, Power, Enterprise

b. Technologies Used: List at least three technologies for each group.

c. Benefits: Write one benefit of each technology.

d. Drawbacks: Write one drawback of each technology.

3. Present your chart to the class for further discussion.

Activity 2.11 Interactive Presentation

1. Chooses one user group (Mobile, Power, or Enterprise).

2. Prepares a 5-minute presentation that includes:

a. What the user group does

b. Examples of technologies they use

c. How these technologies help them

3. Presents your findings to the class. Allow questions for clarification about the presentation.

Activity 2.12 Group Discussion

1. In groups, discuss the following questions:

a. What new technologies do you think will be important for mobile users, power users, and enterprise users in the future?

b. How can these technologies make life easier for these users?

3. Each group shares their ideas with the class, focusing on one or two interesting points.