DISCUSSION QUESTION

MAY 18
Many people use their smartphones for gaming.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a smartphone rather than a games
console for gaming.

Benefits:
>Portability (weight / size etc.) means games can be played anywhere
>GPS and camera / location based gaming (Pokémon Go) is a possibility
>Other features can create unique experiences (messaging / touch screen etc.)
>Cheaper, all-in-one multifunctional solution
>Can use smartphone as a controller for other devices
>Don’t need to plug in additional speakers

Drawbacks
>Small screen (could lead to health risks)
>Limited storage means lower quality graphics can be stored
>Limited processor speed reduces experience
>Speakers are not high quality
>Controls are limited to possibilities of a touch screen interface
>Touch screen means that part of the game is obscured during play
>Limited playing time if on battery power
>Play interrupted by notifications / calls

Discuss the challenges of preventing unacceptable behaviour in online communities.

Preventing unacceptable behaviour can be decomposed into three strands:

● Zip it (be careful what you publish)
● Block it (ignore users who are abusive etc.)
● Flag it (Report unacceptable behaviour)

Some challenges to using these strategies are:

>Anonymity (vs privacy) means it is harder to authenticate users (Flag it) / (Block it)
>People don’t realise the social/legal impact of what they publish online / digital footprint (Zip it)
>Ability to have multiple accounts (Block it)
>Online communities are available from anywhere, 24/7 (Block it)
>Moderation of comments is expensive (staff / time etc.) (Block it)
>Acceptable use policies are not always read / abided by (Zip it)
>People do not act in the same way online as they do in real life / some people pretend to be
different online (Zip it)
>Online communities can self-moderate to help the site owner (Block it)
>Concerns about repercussions (Flag it) / (Block it)
>Quantity/volume of posts/users make it difficult to moderate (Flag it)

MAY 17
Amy thinks that using the internet improves how she socialises.
Make a reasoned argument to support this view.

>Lots of devices are internet-enabled so can socialise on the move and 24/7 365.
>Can have face-to-face communication with people far away (using video calling).
>Can speak to lots of people at once (e.g. using VoIP and IM).
>Devices have social integration (Twitter on TV).
>Online gaming provides new ways of socialising, encourages collaboration and improves
communication skills.
>Social features help improve interaction and provide richer communication.
>Can share multimedia.

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
>Can find/meet new friends based on shared interests.
>Safer to meet friends online than in some real-world locations.
>Can use technology to help organise real world social life.
>Can increase confidence / overcome social anxiety.
>Some people feel more comfortable if not face-to-face (e.g. someone with a speech impediment).
>Location based services can help meet up with friends.
>Can limit contact to only those friends she wants to interact with.
>Easy to report antisocial behaviour.

Many employees use the internet for work.

Discuss the impact of the use of the internet on how people work.

Access to work
>Working from home / on the move to fit with people’s lifestyles.
>Ability to use video conferencing (e.g. Google Hangouts) to avoid travelling to meetings.
>Can work anytime, so more flexible working.
>Extra expectations placed on workers.
>Monitoring of work is easier by employers so added pressure to perform.
>Distractions from social media mean some workers may not work as effectively.
>Creation of new customer service jobs (working on social media etc.).

Access to information
>Workers (doctors/teachers) can check facts on online databases, so less reliant on
supervisors for this.
>Teachers can set work for students online and can access work from home.
>Collaboration and sharing information is more possible and team work can be emphasised.
>Can become more isolated and lose out on face to face interactions with co-workers.
>Communication is enhanced (using email / IM / VoIP).

Automation:
> Self-service on websites.
> Software can be created to carry out tasks that do not need human attention.

Artificial intelligence
> Individuals can take advantage of automated online sales systems and artificial
intelligence for marketing.

MAY 16
The use of smartphones and other digital devices has an impact on the environment.
Discuss the positive and negative impacts on the environment of the use of digital
devices.

Positive
>Paper versus e-paper for books, emails vs letters (fuel costs for delivery and use of paper)
>Downloads versus physical products
>Reduction of the need to travel (to meetings / to shops) through the use of video conferencing
>Online workspaces
>Recycling of old devices for use in less economically developed areas
>‘Smart home’ devices
>Digital devices used to monitor pollution levels
>Increase communication about ‘green’ issues (e.g. wildlife ‘counting’ apps, social
networking used to spread agenda of environmental ‘activist’ groups, etc)

Negative
>Consuming resources for construction of devices and peripherals
>(e-waste) toxins / landfill

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
>Power requirements (e.g. battery life / efficiency)
>Servers’ cooling systems
>Renewable sources
>Destroying habitat for (wired) infrastructure

The nursery advertises for a new member of staff.

The nursery manager searches online for information about people who apply and finds a
comment on a blog that worries her.
Discuss the impact of the widespread use of the internet on the availability, accuracy and
control of online information about an individual.

Availability
>An organisation can learn about their candidates and employees to protect the
organisation’s reputation.
>The linked, searchable nature of online information leads to information being readily accessible.
>‘Digital footprint’ – information is permanently recorded.
>Individuals can use social and specialist business networks to promote themselves or their views.

Accuracy
>Others could post misleading information about an individual without them knowing.
>People’s opinions/habits change, but an old opinion / action might still exist online.

Control
>Possibility for others to share (with and without permission) leading to unintended audiences.
>Makes us more considerate of what we post online.
>Personal information should not be available to others – impacts on individuals right to privacy.
>Difficult to get archived/legacy data/information removed.
>Data Protection Act means individuals have a level of control over what data is held about
them and safeguards for organisations.

Impact (+ve / -ve) on:

>Employment opportunities, reputation, relationships

MAY 15
“Blogging gives you the right to say any thing, any time, in any way”
(Source: http://www.blogherald.com/2007/03/27/blogging-freedom-of-speechcan-you-really-say-whatever-you-want/)
Discuss the legal, ethical and moral responsibilities and challenges associated with
digital communication.

Legal:
>Freedom of speech / expression is an inherent human right
>Copyright (and fair use) restricts / provides for the use of content
>Privacy

Moral / ethical
>Consideration of audience
>Unintended audiences (posts about employers on social media may be read by employers
/ ‘Jokes’ can be misinterpreted)
>Netiquette
>Censorship (restrictive and protective):
- Political / Cultural
- Ineffectiveness of censorship online
- Self censorship and the responsibility of the individual

Complications:
>Existing law was not designed for the digital world and so hard to enforce / interpret (e.g.
permanence / records of comments)

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
>Right to be forgotten.
>Anonymity
>Resultant change in culture and law
>Nature of digital communication facilitates the wide distribution of content.

Sarah bought a desktop computer.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to Sarah of selecting a desktop computer
rather than a laptop, smartphone or tablet computer.

Indicative Advantages of desktops Disadvantages of desktops

content
Technology Performance of desktop components far Components (processors / hard
outperforms other form factors drive / graphics etc.) are bigger
and require more cooling
Portability / Screen sizes of monitors more suited to image Laptops / Tablets / Smartphones:
New form editing. Touchscreen input peripherals are Long battery life, size, weight,
factors: now common making photo work more user interface, integrated sensors
natural. and apps make it easier to work
on the move.
Connectivity Wired connections are more reliable and often -
faster. More connectivity options.
Upgradability / Desktop form factor is becoming the only one -
Servicing to allow user to do this.
Specialism Image editing requires the latest performance Convergence removes the need
with increasing demand from new software for multiple specialist devices.
features that higher quality images. Many photographers now work
purely on mobile digital devices
such as smartphones.
Cost Desktops can be custom built cheaply Convergence reduces cost

MAY 14
Discuss how an individual’s access to a wide range of online services affects their ability
to operate safely in the digital world.

The internet acts as a „backbone‟ for many services (email, www, ftp, gaming, VoIP,
broadcast, mobile data, apps)

Positive
It is easier to track criminal activity through „digital footprints‟. People could become more
resilient through their interaction with and exposure to a wider range of people/ideas.
Support is readily available for those that suffer from those with bad intentions.
Communities help to moderate activity

Negative
People have many accounts that are stored on many devices and servers that use the
backbone, therefore passwords are often stored on many different servers. Multiple
passwords for different services are difficult to remember, so people often use just one. This
is more risky as provides just one key to many stores of personal data. Widespread use
means that many types of people use the internet, including those with bad intentions.
The nature of the wide distribution of services means that it is easier for those with bad
intentions to misuse data, resultant threats to data that exist (viruses etc.) Physical threats
(online grooming, cyber-bullying) that are caused by the way in which some users misuse
the internet. Anonymity afforded by the internet.

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
The digital world is constantly evolving, as people find new ways of using information
technologies in their everyday lives.
Discuss the impact of these new uses of information technologies on people’s daily lives.

Impact: Example of uses of tech:

security issues that arise when information is Chip and PIN / Biometrics
transmitted and stored digitally
privacy issues associated with the use of ICT GPS/Cookies
ways in which ICT can be used to monitor RFID/GPS
individuals‟ movements and communications
health and safety issues that arise from Wireless control / wearable tech /
individuals‟ use of ICT gesture control / Wireless charging
the impact on society of the widespread use of 4G / WiFi / Mobile digital devices /
networks and the ability of individuals to „The internet of things‟
access networks anywhere
legislation relating to the use of ICT, including DRM
copyright and data protection
the causes and implications of unequal access Mobile broadband / Speech
to ICT (locally, globally) recognition / accessible interfaces
safe and responsible practice when using ICT Possible risk to privacy through
lack of care when using social
networks or similar
sustainability issues and ways of Renewable technologies /
minimising/mitigating the environmental impact increased storage
of ICT.

MAY 13
‘ICT has improved banking and other financial services.’
Make a reasoned argument to support this statement.

> Saves time to complete transactions (e.g. BACS/CHAPS/Faster Payments System)

> Can see and manage transactions online
> Can compare financial products using online tools.
> Telephone banking for those without internet access.
> 24/7/365 access to accounts
> Increased security e.g. due to encryption technologies
> Chip and PIN / NFC
> ATMs
> Globalisation / international transfers
> Manage stocks and shares easily e.g. track real-time

‘The increased availabilability of mobile digital devices has had a positive impact on how
young people use their free time.’
Make a reasoned argument to support this statement.

Mobile devices have features that have enhanced young people’s free time. These include:
Portability, performance, storage, user interface, connectivity, media support, applications,
multi-functional nature of devices Responses may discuss how these features have
impacted upon young people’s ability to improve their:

Leisure/Entertainment
• Media is available on the move
• Can record events and share them with friends/family
• Find way around to places more easily

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
• Can personalise media consumed, so not having to all view the same content (as with a family
TV).
• Apps have developed which can solve problems ad-hoc.

Socialising and Communications

• Can keep in touch with friends and family using email / phone / social networks / VoIP etc
• Organise their time ‘on the move’ so more flexible arrangements can be made and altered
as events change.
• Reduced the cost of talking to others.
• Developing new types of language and methods of communication.

Culturally / Socially
• More politically aware
• Able to form relationships more easily

Learning
• Have access to learning materials (formal or informal) from anywhere, so can continue to
learn in free time: the concept of ‘Hidden learning’

MAY 12
Many 12-15 year olds have access to the internet which cannot be supervised by an adult.
Discuss the problems that this might cause.

• Access to adult / inappropriate content

• Access to gambling sites
• Internet addiction
• Health effects of excessive use of internet / computer
• Spending time playing games / chatting / surfing the net instead of school work / socialising
• May develop inappropriate relationships with older people / predators
• Downloading illegal content such as movies / games
• Downloading and installing software such as viruses / Trojans / toolbars etc.
• Threat of cyber-bullying / harassment
• Giving away private details such as address etc.

In November 2010, students in the UK organised protests using social networking

accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Discuss the impact on society of the widespread use of social networks.

• Business use for marketing purposes – personalised advertising etc.

• Can easily organise events with large following / awareness - users can now communicate
on a global scale
• Used to easily connect people with similar interests / skills (e.g. for protest/jobs/shared
goals/terrorism)
• People gain ideas/opinions about products / services from others – e.g. Product recommendation
• Use of feeds and updates - users can now more easily follow interests e.g. pop star,
brands – reduces need for advertising
• Used by media – gives instant and up to date access to events / news / news finds the user
• Used to organise protest / revolution / social change – can quickly gain large awareness of issues
• Use in re-engaging communities / community groups – e.g. governments using social
networking tools to engage with younger audiences
• Used by criminals – private information being freely given out by users
• Used to catch criminals – e.g. monitoring of otherwise private information
• Used by educational organisations to connect students and enable discussion
• Work/life balance – brings personal life into work
• People becoming involved in more virtual than real-life worlds – lack of true engagement
e.g. ‘liking’ a campaign does not actual involve any effort.
• Lack of ‘true’ socializing

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION

MAY 11
Some companies sell music and video as downloads rather than physical products.
Discuss the effects this has on customers and musicians.

Accessibility
• Consumers need particular (format compatible) devices to listen, which limits the market
for the band (unless they provide for a range of formats).
• 24x7x365 access to music.
• Digital divide (access dependent on internet access and digital literacy).
• Understand and use range of formats / incompatibility.

Copyright and piracy

• DRM reduces opportunity for consumers to share files / can limit storage of files to certain
(numbers of) devices.
• DRM helps protect musicians’ revenue.
• Consumers must abide by new laws (Digital Economy Act 2010).
• Downloadable content is more easily shared than physical products.
• Musicians may rely more on other revenue (subscriptions / concerts etc).

Variety
• Musicians may create more popular music (that sells in higher volumes) due to reduced
sales caused by piracy.
• Only certain labels / artists distribute online.

Revenue/Marketing
• Different style of advertising required for downloads.
• Musicians may/can choose to be independent by self promote / break from publishers.
• Payment systems and/or payment technologies.

General / Personal preference

• Need software and hardware to listen back to music.
• Download does not have same ‘feel’ as material product.
• Sound quality: some people prefer sound of vinyl/tape etc.

Laura has many online accounts.

She uses them to shop and communicate with friends.
Discuss the privacy concerns associated with individuals’ use of the internet.

Data collection and use:

(Covert)
• Online companies gathering statistics about users’ searches and browsing habits actions
for marketing purposes.
• Cookie installation and spyware
• ISPs are able to view data that pass through them.
• Government / Police looking at individuals’ computers without a warrant. (Big Brother
concept)
• Identity theft

(Overt)
• Filling out forms / buying goods. Users provide personal data knowingly without realising
implications
• Requirements for users to ‘opt in’ to gain access to services
• Complicated ‘opt out’ methods.
• Privacy policies

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Social (networking) concerns
• Personal information made available to all in social network.
• GPS tools now provide means to publish individual’s location
• Individuals may appear in media when they are not aware. (eg photos/videos on social
media or Google’s “Street view” service)
• Users need to be mindful what they look at online. Fear of social ‘control’.
• Vulnerable (at risk) groups face an increased threat.

Legal issues:
• Difficult to enforce the Data Protection Act.

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION

OTHERS
The airline stores transactional data about customer purchases.
Customers who fly are offered rewards by the airline and other companies.
Analyse the use of transactional data by the airline.

>Data protection requirements

>Scenario states that third-party organisations can access data (so, consent of customers
would be needed)
>Frequent flyer perks to build a profile leading to points/rewards
>Personalisation of experience – recommended seats/routes/meals
>Targeted marketing – recommended flights for frequent routes, third parties could be
offering products that complement flight (travel insurance, etc.)
>Airline might use data to make business decisions – increase number of flights for a
particular route due to popularity, no longer providing a route due to lack of popularity etc.

The athletics organisation asks athletes to provide a detailed personal profile with this
statement:
‘Having more data about our members helps us to help you.’
Justify the organisation’s decision to gather this personal information from athletes.

>Information can be analysed to find trends that can lead to better decision making, e.g.
-Analysis of data for performance enhancement in sport
-Analysis of data to help apply for funding from governing bodies
-Analysis of communications between and about members to determine (for example) funding
-Analysis of member types / sports specialism to target funding.
>Sources of transactional data
>Personalisation of experience
>Targeted marketing
>Efficiency of systems
>Organisation can provide activities of interest to the members / in convenient locations to
maximise attendance.

Pat’s company offers training that includes some classes at a local college as well
as independent study. She is required to submit assignments throughout the course.
Discuss how Pat might use online services to complete her training successfully.

Use of the internet/digital devices

Pat already has internet connection as she is working from home and will be able to use this
to enhance her studies.

Using a range of digital devices:

>to carry out research/access resources
-communicate
-produce work.

Computer aided learning systems (CAL)

>May be provided by the college (via VLE) or available on line.
>Will allow her to work independently, in her own time, which is ideal for a part-time student
because she can fit it around her work.
>Allows her to work at her own pace, which may be beneficial to someone returning to
study.
>Can be used to reinforce learning using drill and practice.
>Usually provides instant feedback, which is ideal for an independent learner.

College VLE
>Will give Pat remote access – important when following a part-time course.

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
>Materials can be uploaded by her tutors, these may be study notes, assignments etc, but
also links to other learning resources.
>Pat will be able to upload work via the VLE.
>Download assignments.
>Contact tutors to discuss issues etc.

Communication methods
>Use a range of communication methods:
-emailing tutors for clarification/queries etc.
-join online forums to discuss topics covered by the course
-Facebook groups set up on particular topics.

Jasmine would like to purchase videos and music from the internet to access on her tablet.
Discuss the factors that Jasmine should consider before purchasing and downloading video and
music online.

>Methods and cost implications

-Paying contract fees for TV with additional on-demand services (e.g. Sky TV) – provided
with a wide range of video and music which can be streamed AND available to download.
Downloads may have ‘use by date’ after which they are removed from the device(s).

-Contracts can be very expensive in the long run.

- Paying contract fees for on-demand service (e.g. Netflix) – provided with a wide range of
video and music which can be streamed NOT available to download.
- Contracts are not as expensive as method above.
- Paying one-off fees for individual downloads (e.g. iTunes) – generally more expensive per
item. Streaming not available.
- Can be kept as long as user wants.

>Streaming:
- Need internet connection
- No impact on storage capacity
- Can be viewed straight away, don’t have to wait for whole item to be stored on device
- Is stored only temporarily on device
- Buffering – may cause problems when watching
- Uses large quantities of data which will use up contracted data/incur additional payments
when watching using cellular networks

>Downloading:
- Tablet memory will be limited.
- Downloading video and music will quickly fill up the available space, file sizes are relatively large.
- Downloaded files can be kept forever (dependent on type of contract) and viewed repeatedly.
- Don’t need internet connection to view/listen.
- Can be paused/fast forwarded/rewound etc.

>Security of her personal data

Must ensure that she provides appropriate data only, some providers
frequently ask for excessive/unnecessary data.

>Privacy – information such as use of location trackers are requested unnecessarily.

>Legitimacy of the websites.
>Compatibility (video/music formats).
>Not all video/audio files will be provided in an appropriate format.

Many people blame online shopping for the demise of the high street.
Discuss why high street shops find it difficult to compete with online shops.

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
> Convenience – people don’t have to go out / websites can remember previous orders
> Online stores offer cheaper deals due to lack of overheads such as shop fitting, staffing
etc.
> Online stores can offer a much wider range of items by using ‘just in time’ (i.e. getting them
from suppliers when ordered) delivery
> Online stores can offer wider range of products and they can sell worldwide e.g. UK made
products sold to US
> Online stores can get customers to buy more by identifying and highlighting products
based upon tracking of buying habits
> High street stores cannot stay open for shopping for as long due to staffing costs and
availability
> Customers can more easily shop around for cheap deals on the internet using price
comparison sites
> Customers can use cash back sites to get money back when shopping online
> Customers can get reduced rates by group buying
> Customers can read impartial reviews of the best product
> Some items e.g. music are available digitally online and lots of people now buy and
consume music in this way
> More and more people are gaining access to the internet which means online stores’
customer base is increasing
> Shoppers sometimes don’t like to be hassled by shop employees / enjoy shopping in
private

“Anyone in the developed world can publish anything anytime, and the instant it is
published, it is globally available and readily findable” (Shirky, 2008: 71)

Discuss the impact of the internet on the use of news and information services.

Positives:
• Gives more people a voice / more people can publish – more freedom of speech
• Increased availability of information
• Increase in choice of service providers (locally and globally)
• News stories can break more quickly
• Relative small cost lowers participation barrier
• Competition drives traditional publishers to innovate with their provision of online content
• News becomes interactive
• News can be accessed based on personal preference
• Readers can share articles with networks of friends
• Stories / information popularised by public, not editors
• e-democracy - information is made available to/from politically ‘sensitive’ areas
• Wikileaks style anonymity increases accountability (of governments etc.)

Negatives:
• More people can publish – dilution of content / lack of credibility
• More difficult to filter through more content. (Students may describe this as “information
overload”)
• News sensationalised by public, not editors
• More difficult to track publishers of sensitive / libellous material
• Limits frame of reference
• Intellectual property rights of traditional publishers is put at risk

Many people shop online.

Discuss the benefits and drawbacks to the customer of shopping online.

Benefits:
• Can shop 24/7
• Don’t have to leave the house / no travel required / travel costs saved
• No queues

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)
 DISCUSSION QUESTION
• Wider range of products
• Easier to locate products / search can be filtered
• Easier to make price comparisons
• Check if product is in stock
• Review of shops/products available
• No pressure from sales staff
• Product recommendations
• Often cheaper than in store
• Saves time

Drawbacks:
• Products received not as expected / difficult to see product
• Unofficial sites / security threats / fraud
• Must pay electronically / third party accounts
• Need to submit personal information
• Intrusive advertising (certain pop-ups)
• Remember user IDs and passwords
• Delivery problems

Discuss how the use of digital devices can impact on people’s health and wellbeing.

Negatives:
> People spending time on technology rather than with family/friends
> Impact upon health due to inactivity
> Time spent using technology rather than doing / completing work or school work
> More likely to have accidents such as a car crash due to using technology in inappropriate
situations
> Dangers of giving out personal details leads to personal issues such as bullying
> People becoming ill /over-stressed due to the inability to stop working due to always
available communication
> Increased amount of health issues – RSI etc.
> Can risk not developing proper social skills
> Lack of sleep due to over use of technology – affects work/school performance
> Can lead to inability to focus / pay attention
> Lack of sleep/food leads to illness
> Addiction is similar to other addictions and needs to be treated

Positives:
> Use of technology is essential in modern world – need to develop skills to be successful
> Technology develops hand-eye co-ordination which is essential in modern world
> Technology use makes life easier
> Technology use linked to improved reading skills
> Friendships can be built online (social networking) / easier to maintain contact with friends
and family (e.g. Skype)
> Access to information about health and wellbeing online
> Exercises at home using digital devices such as the Wii
> Health and fitness monitoring
> Use of technology to stay safe / track location

Prepared by: Anto Sir, ICT Teacher, Institute of Alternative Education (IAE)