Emerging Technologies (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT)

Revision Note

Robert Hampton

Written by: Robert Hampton

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What is artificial intelligence?

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) is a machine that can simulate intelligent behaviours similar to that of a human

  • AI is a system that can:

    • Learn - acquire new information

    • Decide - analyse and make choices

    • Act autonomously - take actions without human input

  • There are two main types of AI:

    • Weak AI, also known as narrow AI, is designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks

    • Strong AI, also known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), is designed to perform any intellectual task that a human can do

Advantages and disadvantages of AI

Advantages

Disadvantages

Increased efficiency

Job losses

Increased accuracy

Potential for biased decision making

Scalability

Ethical concerns over its use

Extended Reality (XR)

What is extended reality?

  • Extended reality is an emerging technology that involves blending the virtual and real worlds together to create immersion for a user

  • Popular examples of extended reality are:

    • Virtual (VR)

    • Augmented (AR)

Virtual reality

  • Virtual reality is a technology that tries to shut out the 'real world' and immerse them in fully simulated environment

  • Virtual reality blocks out the 'real-world' by having users wear headsets with built in screens that provide a 360 degree view

  • Users are often able to interact with the virtual world through motion tracking

Augmented reality

  • Augmented reality overlays digital information or graphics into the 'real-world'

  • Users are not fully immersed and can still interact and see what is in front of them

  • Users view augmented reality via a smartphone or headset

Impacts of XR

XR

  • Used in gaming, education, and training for a more engaging experience

  • Can be applied in fields like architecture, medicine, and retail for improved visualisation and interaction

  • Potential issues with addiction and excessive screen time

Worked Example

Some smartphones connected to the internet can allow the user to point their phone’s camera at an object or image to display information about it on the phone’s screen. The object acts like an item in a search engine. This is called augmented reality.

One example of its use is in mobile games, where the user tries to catch characters from the game as the characters appear to walk in the streets. Explain, using examples, other ways in which augmented reality could be used in everyday life.

[4]

Answer

Max three of:

Gather information [1]
Can be used as a direction finder [1]
Visualise what something will look like in real life [1]
Could be used for facial recognition [1]

Max three of:

Examples of gathering information about a building/painting / product [1]
Giving information about the area you are moving in / finding your way in an airport/railway station / shopping mall etc. [1]
Used by archaeologists / architects / interior designers / try on clothes / trying makeup/colour of clothing / placing furniture [1]

point it at a word to link to the thesaurus / get it's meaning / translation / modern landscape [1]
Used by the police to recognise suspects [1]

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Robert Hampton

Author: Robert Hampton

Expertise: Computer Science Content Creator

Rob has over 16 years' experience teaching Computer Science and ICT at KS3 & GCSE levels. Rob has demonstrated strong leadership as Head of Department since 2012 and previously supported teacher development as a Specialist Leader of Education, empowering departments to excel in Computer Science. Beyond his tech expertise, Robert embraces the virtual world as an avid gamer, conquering digital battlefields when he's not coding.

James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.