Summary
Highlights
This module, 1.1 of the Grade 11 CAT curriculum, focuses on ICT, including its role and value in the workplace and protecting information.
ICT significantly influences aspects of daily life such as jobs, photo storage, video watching, searching, entertainment, shopping, banking, and communication. Near-field communication (NFC) for contactless payments is an example of ICT's impact.
ICT has made us constantly available through various platforms, leading to a need to consciously switch off. It also provides extensive, quick access to information from diverse sources, enabling rapid verification and analysis of news.
ICT has transformed leisure activities with on-demand movies, internet TV, online bookings, and fitness programs. In the workplace, it enables remote work, effective communication, data processing, adaptation to trends, and performing dangerous tasks. However, it also demands continuous skill upgrades and can lead to job displacement and longer working hours.
CAT is a valuable subject that teaches problem-solving with computers, research skills, and adapting to new software. These skills are essential across various professions and in high-paying jobs, making CAT a critical foundation.
The information processing cycle (input, processing, output, storage) is fundamental. Computers are multi-purpose electronic devices, ranging from smartphones to servers, with increasing size and processing power. Portable computers like laptops, notebooks, tablets, and smartphones offer mobility due to battery power.
Portable computers enable work and entertainment anywhere, anytime. Laptops and notebooks use miniaturized, low-power components and have customizable power settings. Tablets are touch-sensitive, ideal for quick tasks, with mobile operating systems and various connectivity options. Hybrid laptops combine tablet and laptop functionalities. Smartphones offer a wide range of features through their operating systems and technologies.
Microcontrollers are integrated circuits for specific tasks in embedded systems (e.g., fridges). Servers are powerful central computers in networks, providing services to client computers. Dedicated devices, like ATMs and older GPS units, perform a single specific function.
Wearable computers, such as smartwatches and smartglasses, offer hands-free functionality like answering calls, reading messages, listening to music, and monitoring health metrics. These devices often incorporate GPS and various sensors.
The motherboard is the most important circuit board in a computer, featuring ports to connect peripherals. Expansion slots allow adding cards (like graphics cards) to enhance the motherboard's capabilities. Ports are external connections for devices such as USB drives and speakers. SATA ports connect storage devices and are hot-swappable.
The theft of hardware is concerning not just for the device's cost, but for the potentially unbacked-up, private information stored on it. Measures to protect hardware include recording serial numbers, using cable locks, lockable cabinets, and motion sensors with alarms.
A UPS provides temporary power during outages, allowing users to save work and shut down computers safely. It is a large battery charged by the main power supply, designed to bridge short power interruptions rather than provide long-term power.