Emerging Technologies

JSS 2 – LESSON NOTE

Topic: Emerging Technologies

Subtopics:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2. Internet of Things (IoT)
3. Robotics (Awareness Level)

Class: JSS 2

Subject: Digital Technology

Duration: 40 Minutes

Teaching Methods: Explanation, demonstration and question-and-answer.

Instructional Materials: Computers, smartphones, pictures of robots, smartwatches, smart home devices and AI applications.

1. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of emerging technologies.
2. Define Artificial Intelligence (AI).
3. Identify examples and uses of Artificial Intelligence.
4. Explain the meaning of the Internet of Things (IoT).
5. Identify examples and uses of IoT devices.
6. Define robotics and identify examples of robots.
7. Differentiate between AI, IoT and robotics.
8. State the benefits and challenges of emerging technologies.
9. Identify safety precautions when using emerging technologies.

2. MEANING OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Emerging technologies are new or rapidly developing technologies that are changing the way people live, learn, work and communicate.

These technologies help people solve problems, perform tasks more easily and improve the quality of life.

Examples of emerging technologies include Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, virtual reality and advanced computer systems.

In this lesson, we will study three emerging technologies: Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and robotics.

3. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Meaning of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of technology that enables computers and machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognising speech, identifying images, understanding language, learning from data and making predictions.

AI systems use computer programmes and data to perform these tasks.

Examples of Artificial Intelligence

1. Chatbots that answer questions.
2. Voice assistants that respond to spoken commands.
3. Facial recognition systems used to identify people.
4. Translation applications that translate languages.
5. AI tools that help students learn and practise questions.
6. Recommendation systems that suggest videos, music or products.
7. Computer systems that detect certain patterns in images.

Uses of Artificial Intelligence

1. Education: AI helps students understand topics, practise questions and obtain explanations of difficult concepts.

2. Healthcare: AI can assist medical professionals in analysing medical information and identifying patterns that may help with diagnosis.

3. Agriculture: AI can help analyse weather information, monitor crops and identify certain crop problems.

4. Transportation: AI supports driver-assistance systems, navigation and traffic management.

5. Business: AI can help businesses answer customer questions, analyse information and automate repetitive tasks.

6. Communication: AI supports speech recognition, language translation and voice assistants.

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

1. It can help people complete tasks faster.
2. It can assist in solving problems.
3. It provides learning support for students.
4. It can analyse large amounts of information.
5. It can automate repetitive tasks.
6. It can improve efficiency in some workplaces.

Challenges of Artificial Intelligence

1. AI may provide incorrect information.
2. Some AI systems may produce unfair results.
3. Personal information may be exposed if systems are not used safely.
4. Excessive dependence on AI may reduce independent thinking.
5. Some AI tools require internet access or paid subscriptions.
6. Automation may change the types of jobs available.

Safety Rules When Using AI

1. Do not share passwords or private information with AI tools.
2. Verify important information provided by AI.
3. Do not use AI to bully, deceive or harm others.
4. Follow your teacher's instructions when using AI for schoolwork.
5. Think critically about AI-generated answers.
6. Do not submit AI-generated work as your own when your teacher requires independent work.

4. INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

Meaning of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to physical objects connected to the internet or other networks that can collect, send or receive data.

These objects often contain sensors, software and communication technology that enable them to exchange information.

In simple terms, the Internet of Things allows devices to communicate and share information with one another.

Examples of IoT Devices

1. Smartwatches that monitor physical activity and send data to phones.
2. Smart televisions connected to the internet.
3. Smart security cameras that allow people to view their homes remotely.
4. Smart lights that can be controlled using a smartphone.
5. Smart thermostats that monitor and control temperature.
6. Connected farming sensors that monitor soil moisture.
7. Smart home appliances that can be controlled remotely.
8. Vehicle tracking devices that send location information.

Uses of the Internet of Things

1. Homes: IoT allows people to control compatible lights, cameras and appliances remotely.

2. Healthcare: Connected devices can monitor certain health measurements and transmit information to authorised systems.

3. Agriculture: Sensors can measure soil moisture and help farmers manage irrigation.

4. Transportation: Connected systems can track vehicles and monitor some vehicle conditions.

5. Education: Connected devices can support classroom monitoring and certain learning activities.

6. Industry: Sensors can monitor machines and help identify possible faults before they become serious.

7. Security: Smart cameras and alarms can send notifications when they detect certain activities.

Benefits of the Internet of Things

1. It allows devices to share information automatically.
2. It makes remote monitoring possible.
3. It can save time and energy.
4. It helps people monitor certain activities.
5. It can improve efficiency in homes, schools, farms and businesses.
6. It can provide useful information for decision-making.

Challenges of the Internet of Things

1. Some IoT devices require internet connectivity.
2. Poor security can expose devices to unauthorised access.
3. Connected devices may collect sensitive personal information.
4. Some devices are expensive to purchase and maintain.
5. Network or power failures may interrupt their operation.
6. Devices from different manufacturers may not always work well together.

Safety Rules for IoT Devices

1. Use strong passwords on connected devices.
2. Change default passwords where possible.
3. Keep device software updated.
4. Connect devices only to trusted networks.
5. Do not allow strangers to access smart home devices.
6. Protect personal information collected by connected devices.

5. ROBOTICS (AWARENESS LEVEL)

Meaning of Robotics

Robotics is the branch of technology concerned with the design, construction, programming and use of robots.

A robot is a machine that can be programmed to perform tasks automatically or with human guidance.

Some robots operate in factories, while others assist with cleaning, medical procedures, research and education.

At this level, students are expected to understand the meaning, examples and uses of robots without necessarily learning how to build or programme one.

Examples of Robots

1. Industrial robots used in factories.
2. Robotic vacuum cleaners used for cleaning floors.
3. Educational robots used by students to learn programming.
4. Robots used to assist surgeons during certain medical procedures.
5. Space robots used to explore planets and other environments.
6. Agricultural robots used for certain farming activities.
7. Delivery robots designed to transport items in some locations.
8. Robots used to inspect dangerous environments.

Uses of Robotics

1. Manufacturing: Robots can assemble products and perform repetitive tasks in factories.

2. Healthcare: Some robots assist medical professionals during procedures and rehabilitation.

3. Education: Educational robots help students learn science, technology and programming.

4. Agriculture: Robots can assist with planting, harvesting and monitoring crops.

5. Space Exploration: Robots can explore places that are difficult or dangerous for humans to reach.

6. Home Activities: Some robots perform tasks such as vacuum cleaning.

7. Dangerous Environments: Robots can help people inspect hazardous locations without exposing them directly to danger.

Benefits of Robotics

1. Robots can perform repetitive tasks consistently.
2. They can work in some dangerous environments.
3. They can improve speed and efficiency in certain activities.
4. They can reduce human exposure to hazardous tasks.
5. They can assist people with some difficult or physically demanding activities.
6. They provide practical learning opportunities in science and technology.

Challenges of Robotics

1. Robots can be expensive to build and maintain.
2. Some robots require skilled operators and programmers.
3. Robots may malfunction or require repairs.
4. Increased automation can change the types of jobs available.
5. Robots may not perform well outside the tasks or conditions for which they were designed.
6. Robots require appropriate supervision and safety measures.

6. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AI, IoT AND ROBOTICS

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI enables computers to perform tasks such as recognising speech, analysing data and generating responses.

Example: A chatbot that answers questions.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT connects physical devices so they can collect and exchange data.

Example: A smart security camera that sends alerts to a mobile phone.

Robotics: Robotics involves designing, building and programming robots to perform tasks.

Example: A robotic arm that assembles products in a factory.

How They Work Together

These technologies can work together in one system.

For example, a smart robot may use AI to recognise objects, while IoT technology allows it to send information to other connected devices.

A smart farming system may use IoT sensors to collect soil moisture data, AI to analyse the information and a robotic machine to perform certain farming tasks.

7. IMPORTANCE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Emerging technologies are important for the following reasons:

1. They improve the way people learn and work.
2. They help automate some tasks.
3. They support scientific research and innovation.
4. They improve communication and information sharing.
5. They assist in solving problems in healthcare, agriculture and industry.
6. They create opportunities for new businesses and careers.
7. They help people monitor and manage certain activities more efficiently.
8. They can improve productivity and save time.
9. They support the development of new products and services.
10. They encourage students to develop digital skills needed in modern society.

8. CLASS ACTIVITIES

Students should answer the following questions in their exercise books.

1. What are emerging technologies?
2. Define Artificial Intelligence.
3. Mention four examples of AI applications.
4. State three uses of Artificial Intelligence.
5. What is the Internet of Things?
6. List five examples of IoT devices.
7. Mention three uses of the Internet of Things.
8. Define robotics.
9. Mention five examples of robots.
10. State three benefits of robotics.
11. Give two differences between AI and IoT.
12. Explain how AI, IoT and robotics can work together.

9. EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. Explain the meaning of emerging technologies.
2. What is the full meaning of AI?
3. Explain three uses of Artificial Intelligence.
4. What is the full meaning of IoT?
5. Describe how a smart security camera uses IoT.
6. Define robotics.
7. State three differences between AI, IoT and robotics.
8. Mention three benefits and two challenges of emerging technologies.
9. State four safety precautions when using AI tools and connected devices.
10. Give one example of how emerging technologies can help farmers.

10. ASSIGNMENT

1. Write the full meanings of AI and IoT.
2. List five examples of devices or applications that use emerging technologies.
3. Explain three ways Artificial Intelligence can help students.
4. Describe how a smart home device uses the Internet of Things.
5. Draw and label a robot or an IoT device.
6. State four safety precautions to observe when using AI tools and connected devices.
7. Explain how AI, IoT and robotics could be used together on a modern farm.

11. SUMMARY

Emerging technologies are new or rapidly developing technologies that are changing society.

Artificial Intelligence enables computers to perform tasks that require abilities such as recognising speech, analysing information and generating responses.

The Internet of Things connects physical devices so they can collect and exchange data.

Robotics deals with designing, building and programming robots to perform tasks automatically or with human guidance.

These technologies are used in education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, homes and industries. Although they provide many benefits, they also present challenges involving privacy, security, cost and employment. Students should learn to use emerging technologies safely, responsibly and effectively.