Year 10 · ICT · Spring 1
Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Effects of using IT
Theory5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home5.2 Potential health problems
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
You will learn to
- Explain what a microprocessor-controlled device is, with examples from the home.
- Describe good and bad effects of these devices on lifestyle, leisure time and fitness.
- Describe the health problems linked to long computer use, and their causes.
- Suggest a way to reduce each health problem, linked to its cause.
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Success criteria
You have got it when you can say:
- I can give one good effect and one bad effect of a smart device in the home.
- I can name RSI, back and neck problems, eye strain and headaches, with a cause for each.
- I can match each health problem to a way to prevent it.
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Retrieval starter
Questions from before. Write your answers, then show them.
- Last unit
Landscape orientation is…
A SquareB Taller than it is wideC Wider than it is tall
C. Wider than it is tall
- Last unit
Applying a style instead of formatting by hand means…
A It is slowerB It only works in WordC Changing the style changes every heading at once
C. Changing the style changes every heading at once
- Earlier this year
RAM is…
A The hard diskB Permanent storageC Volatile working memory
C. Volatile working memory
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Key words (1 of 3)
- Microprocessor
- A small processor on one chip that controls a device using a fixed program.
- Microprocessor-controlled device
- A device whose actions are controlled by a built-in microprocessor.
- Smart device
- A microprocessor-controlled device that connects to the internet and can be controlled remotely.
- Data security
- Protecting personal data from being stolen, changed or misused.
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Key words (2 of 3)
- RSI
- Repetitive strain injury: pain in fingers, wrists or arms from repeated movements.
- Ergonomic
- Designed to fit the human body and reduce strain.
- Eye strain
- Tired, sore or dry eyes and blurred vision from long screen use.
- Anti-glare filter
- A screen cover that reduces reflected light.
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Key words (3 of 3)
- Posture
- The way you hold your body when sitting or standing.
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 1 of 8 · part 1 of 2
What a microprocessor-controlled device is
A microprocessor is a small processor on a single chip. It runs a fixed program to control a device.
Many household devices contain one: washing machines, microwaves, fridges, central heating, burglar alarms, smart TVs, robot vacuum cleaners.
Smart devices also connect to the internet, so they can be controlled from a phone app.
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 1 of 8 · part 2 of 2
What a microprocessor-controlled device is (continued)
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 2 of 8 · part 1 of 2
Effects on lifestyle and leisure
Devices that run themselves give people more free time. Others make people less active.
| Positive effects | Negative effects |
|---|---|
| Less time on housework (washing machine, robot vacuum, dishwasher), so more leisure time | People become lazy and rely on devices; less exercise, which can lead to unhealthy lifestyles |
| Devices can be set to run when nobody is home, e.g. oven starts at 6 pm | Loss of household skills, such as cooking from scratch |
| Smart devices can save energy, e.g. heating turns off when nobody is in | Devices left on standby still use electricity; buying and replacing devices costs money and creates electronic waste |
| Easier to keep in touch and be entertained (smart TV, streaming, video calls) | Less face-to-face social interaction; people stay at home |
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 2 of 8 · part 2 of 2
Effects on lifestyle and leisure (continued)
"It saves time" earns little. Say what the time is saved from and what people can do instead.
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 3 of 8 · part 1 of 2
Effects on security and data security
Home security means protecting the house and people from intruders. Data security means protecting personal data from being stolen or misused.
| Positive effects | Negative effects |
|---|---|
| Smart alarms and cameras can be watched from a phone, so the owner sees intruders at once | Hackers can take control of smart devices, e.g. unlock a smart door or watch a camera |
| Smart lights and blinds can make the house look occupied when the family is away | Devices collect personal data (when you are home, what you watch), which can be sold or stolen |
| Smoke and gas alarms can alert the owner's phone when they are out | If the internet or app fails, the owner may lose control of heating or locks |
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 3 of 8 · part 2 of 2
Effects on security and data security (continued)
A smart device is a computer on the internet. Anything on the internet can be attacked. Protect it with strong passwords, updates and encryption.
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 4 of 8 · part 1 of 2
Effects on safety in the home
Many devices make the home safer. Smoke, gas and carbon monoxide alarms warn people early. Ovens and irons can switch off automatically.
But there are new risks. Devices left running when nobody is home, such as a washing machine or a charging battery, could overheat or leak with no one there to react.
A fault in the program, or a hacker, could switch a heater or oven on when it should be off.
5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home · The explanation · step 4 of 8 · part 2 of 2
Effects on safety in the home (continued)
5.2 Potential health problems · The explanation · step 5 of 8
Why computers can harm health
The problems come from how we use computers: long periods, bad posture, repeated movements and screens.
In the exam, match each problem to its cause, then give a prevention that removes that cause.
5.2 Potential health problems · The explanation · step 6 of 8
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
RSI is pain, swelling and stiffness in the fingers, wrists or arms. It is caused by repeating the same small movements for a long time, such as typing, clicking a mouse or texting.
Prevention: take regular breaks, use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, use a wrist rest, keep wrists straight, and do finger and hand exercises.
An ergonomic device is shaped to fit the body naturally, so muscles and joints are under less strain.
5.2 Potential health problems · The explanation · step 7 of 8
Back and neck problems
Back and neck pain is caused by sitting in a poor position for a long time, slouching, or a screen that is too high, too low or to one side. Using a laptop on your knees or a phone looking down makes it worse.
Prevention: use an adjustable chair with back support. Put the top of the screen at eye level.
Use a footrest if your feet do not reach the floor. Sit up straight and take breaks to walk around.
The explanation · 1 more step
More on the lesson page
The lesson page has the rest of the explanation, step by step:
- Eye problems and headaches
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Quick quiz · 1 of 3
RSI is reduced by…
- A A brighter screen
- B Breaks and an ergonomic keyboard
- C A bigger hard disk
B. Breaks and an ergonomic keyboard
Repetitive strain injury comes from repeated movement.
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Quick quiz · 2 of 3
Trailing cables are a…
- A Safety hazard
- B Security risk
- C Health issue
A. Safety hazard
Safety is accidents (tripping, fire, shock). Health is the body (eyes, back, wrists).
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Quick quiz · 3 of 3
Job sharing means…
- A Working nights
- B Working from home
- C Two people share one full-time job
C. Two people share one full-time job
A working pattern made easier by IT.
Year 10 · ICT · Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases · Lesson 1 of 5
Exit ticket
Answer on paper before you go. Then check.
A microprocessor-controlled washing machine…
A Needs someone to watch itB Cannot be programmedC Frees the owner's time
C. Frees the owner's time Set it and leave. The trade-off is less manual skill and reliance on the device.
ANPR reads…
A Number platesB FingerprintsC Barcodes
A. Number plates Automatic number plate recognition, in car parks and on roads.