Module 1: Unit 1.2 Develop Personal Uses for Technology

What is a screen reader?

A screen reader is a type of technology that uses audio output to describe the contents of a screen. Screen readers can read aloud webpages and documents or provide narration of the computer or device's actions.

What are some ways AI and other technologies mimic human action?

AI and other technologies that mimic human action use some of the same processes that humans do such as the process used to answer a question or make a decision based on an observation. The human brain uses it's senses to prompt a person to use their past experiences, knowledge base, and visual and other sensory clues to come up with a response. Computers learn from past interactions to predict likely outcomes or responses. They use databases and Internet searches to come up with answers to questions. Cameras can read faces and analyze voices to recognize users.

What is alternative text? (Alt text)

Alternative text is descriptive text added to an object. An example of alternative text a picture or drawing. A screen reader will read the alt text out loud so that the user understands the image and its purpose. Webpages and documents should include alt text for all images. Alt text can be as simple as the name of a famous individual shown in a photograph, or more complex, such as interpreting the results of a chart or graph. Productivity applications such as Microsoft Office and webpage creation apps prompt users to add alt text, and sometimes provide suggested alt text content.

What are some alternative uses of VR technology outside of gaming?

Alternative uses of VR are used in science and medicine for training and research. For example, medical students can use VR to practice their emergency medicine skills. NASA uses VR to simulate space flight and the environments of other planets. Other commercial uses include enabling potential home buyers to move through a home's various rooms, or construction companies to show a preview of the completed building.

What are assistive technologies used for?

Assistive technologies are used to help people with disabilities to use technology.

What are audio books?

Audio books are books that are read out loud to the user instead of the user reading on a printed page or on the screen.

What are digital assistants?

Digital assistants are applications that use natural language processing to respond to verbal commands or questions. It uses search technology to provide answers or perform a task, such as adding an item to a grocery list. An example of popular digital assistants are Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri.

What are the effects of electronic waste? How can you help prevent these effects?

Electronic waste and trash has a negative effect on the environment where it is discarded. You can avoid electronic waste by not replacing devices every time a new version comes out, and recycling devices and products such as ink and toner when they no longer provide value.

What is enterprise computing?

Enterprise computing refers to the use of technology by a company's employees to meet the needs of a large business.

What are graphic organizers?

Graphic organizers are a form of software that enables a user to create an outline or structure of information.

What is green computing?

Green computing is a practice that involves reducing electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using computers, mobile devices, and related technologies.

What are green computing practices?

Green computing practices are practices used to help reduce the impact of electronic waste on the planet.

What options do hearing impaired users have in the world of technology?

Hearing impaired users can instruct programs or apps to display words or other visual clues instead of sounds, such as for a notification from an app. Captioning software displays scrolling text for dialogue in a video. Cameras can interpret sign language gestures into text.

What actions are sometimes necessary for a user to take in order for natural language processing software to work most effectively?

In order for natural language processing software to work most effectively, users sometimes need to train the software to recognize the user's speech patterns, accent, and voice inflections.

What options do visually impaired users have in the world of technology?

In the world of technology, visually impaired users can change their screen settings, such as increasing the size or changing the color of the text to make the words easier to read. Changing the color of text also can address the needs of users with certain types of color blindness. Instead of using a monitor, blind users can work with voice output. A voice output is used when the computer speaks out loud the information that appears on a screen. A Braille printer prints information on paper in Braille

How is the digital world kept in check?

Just as any society has rules and regulations to guide its citizens, so does the digital world

Why were laws like the ADA and IDEA put in place?

Laws like the ADA and IDEA were put in place to ensure that people with disabilities can access resources, information, and services using the appropriate technology.

What options do users with mobility issues have in the world of technology?

Mobility issues can impact a user's ability to interact with hardware, such as a keyboard or a mouse. Users with limited hand mobility can use an on screen keyboard, a keyboard with larger keys, or a hand-mounted pointer to control the pointer or insertion point. Alternatives to mouse buttons include a hand pad, a foot pedal, a receptor that detects facial motions, or a pneumatic instrument controlled by puffs of air. Users with conditions that cause hands to move involuntarily can purchase input devices such as a keyboard or mouse that are less sensitive to accidental interaction due to trembling or spasms.

What is natural data processing?

Natural data processing is a form of data input in which computers interpret and digitize spoken words or commands.

What newer forms of technology can help you increase your productivity?

Newer forms of technology that increase your productivity are artificial intelligence and robotics.

What can organizations do promote green computing?

Organizations can implement a variety of measures to reduce electrical waste, such as the implementation of consolidating servers, purchasing high-efficiency equipment, using sleep modes and other power management features for computers and devices, buying computers and devices with lower power consumption processors and power supplies, using outside air, when possible, to cool the data center or computer facility, and allowing employees to telecommute to save gas and reduce emissions from vehicles.

Where do people interact with embedded computers in their day to day lives?

People interact with embedded computers in stores, public transportation, their own personal vehicles, and many other places.

Why do people use robots?

People use robots because they can be useful in situations where it is impractical, dangerous, or inconvenient to use a human such as having to clean up hazardous waste, domestic uses such as vacuuming, as well as agricultural and manufacturing uses.

What programs must most technological devices comply with in order to help reduce the amount of electricity used by computers and related devices?

Personal computers, displays, printers, and other devices should comply with guidelines of the ENERGY STAR program. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the ENERGY STAR program to help reduce the amount of electricity used by computers and related devices. This program encourages manufacturers to create energy-efficient devices. For example, many devices switch to sleep or power save mode after a specified amount of inactive time.

What is robotics?

Robotics is the science that combines engineering and technology to create and program robots. Robots are useful in situations where it is impractical, dangerous, or inconvenient to use a human.

How can robots assist surgeons?

Robots can assist surgeons by using a robotic arm or instrument which can be often be more precise, flexible, and controlled than a human hand. 3-D cameras enable the surgeon to see inside the body. Robotic surgeries often take less time to heal and can prevent risk of infection because they require a smaller incision site. However, robots require a surgeon to control and direct the operation. Surgeons must not only be trained medically, but also to be able to use the robot.

What kind of technology is used within self driving cars to improve the overall safety and effectiveness of the vehicle?

Self driving cars use cameras to change speed when it encounters traffic. They rely on a GPS to navigate the overall best and fastest route. The proponents say that they reduce dangers related to human error. One of the biggest concerns about self-driving cars though, is that they may still contribute to accidents caused by distracted driving because it is recommended to monitor the technology in case of an emergency.

What are some of the practical uses of AI that are used in the world today?

Some of the practical uses of AI that are used in the world today include: strategic gaming, military simulations, statistical predictions, and self-driving cars. Another example would be meteorologists using AI to analyze weather data patterns to create a list of possible outcomes for an upcoming weather event. The predictions made by the AI software then need to be interpreted, reviewed, and prioritized by people.

What are some of the ways you might interact with AI on a daily basis?

Some of the ways you might interact with AI on a daily basis are virtual assistants, which use voice recognition and search engines to answer, react, or reply to user requests. Another example is social media and online ads, which track your data, such as websites visited, and provide ads targeted to your personal interests. Another example is video games that provide information to your virtual opponents based on your skill level and past actions. Another example is music and media streaming services, which recommend options based on your past listening and viewing choices. Another example is smart cars, which automate many driving tasks such as managing speed and avoiding collisions. Another example is navigation apps, which provide you with information about traffic and the best routes, along with preferred stops along your way. Another example is security, such as using your fingerprint to access your phone, or facial recognition and motion detection cameras that alert you to unusual or unauthorized visitors.

What are speech recognition programs?

Speech recognition programs consist of software that helps a user to input data or information verbally.

How can technology enable you to be more efficient and effective in your daily life?

Technology can enable you to be more efficient and effective in your daily life by being able to access and search for information faster, communicate with and meet other people, manage finances, network with other business professionals, recruit for or apply for jobs, keep your life and activities organized, and complete business activities. It also help you share personal ideas, photos, and videos with friends, family, and others, shop for goods and services, and play games or access other sorts of entertainment.

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act? (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that requires any company with 15 or more employees to make reasonable attempts to accommodate the needs of physically challenged workers.

What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a U.S. law that requires that public schools purchase or acquire funding for adaptive technologies.

What is the basic premise of assisted technology?

The basic premise of assisted technology is to improve accessibility for all users and provide the same opportunities to learn, work, and play, no matter what limitations a user has.

What options are available for users with leaning disabilities in the world of technology?

Users with learning disabilities can use speech recognition programs so the user can input data or information verbally, graphic organizers to enable a user to create an outline or structure of information, or audio books to read information aloud to the user instead of reading on a printed page or on the screen.

What can kind of green computing solutions can you apply to your life?

You can apply green computing solutions to your life by purchasing and using products with an ENERGY STAR label, Shutting down your computers and devices overnight or when not in use, Donating computer equipment, Using paperless communication, Recycling paper, toner and ink cartridges, computers, mobile devices, and printers, and Telecommuting and using video conferencing for meetings.

What is a digital citizen?

A digital citizen is a person familiar with how to use technology to become an educated and productive member of the digital world.