Impact of Digital Technology Flashcards
Digital literacy/computer literacy
Having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies
computer
An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data to produce information, and store the information for future use.
Data
Raw facts, such as text or numbers
Hardware
The device itself and its components, such as wires, cases, switches, and electronic circuits.
Software
The programs and apps that instruct the computer to perform tasks. Software processes data into meaningful information.
Information
Data that has been processed to become meaningful.
vacuum tubes
Cylindrical glass tubes that controlled the flow of electrons, used in the first generation of computers.
transistors
Smaller, cheaper, and more reliable replacement for vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers.
integrated circuits
Developed in the 1960s, packed the equivalent of thousands of vacuum tubes or transistors into a silicon chip about the size of your thumb.
microprocessor
The “brains” of a computer; a chip that contains a central processing unit.
personal computer
Computers designed for personal use, as opposed to commercial or industrial use.
Internet of Things (IoT)
An environment where processors are embedded in every product imaginable (things), and these things communicate with one another via the Internet or wireless networks.
Smart devices
A device that can communicate, locate, and predict; part of the Internet of Things (IoT).
embedded computer
A computer that functions as one component in a larger product, and which has a specific purpose.
chip-and-pin technology
An improvement in card technology that stores data on an embedded chip instead of a magnetic stripe.
kiosk
A freestanding booth usually placed in a public area that can contain a display device used to show information to the public or event attendees.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The technological use of logic and prior experience to simulate human intelligence.
Virtual Reality (VR)
The use of computers to simulate a real or imagined environment that appears as a three-dimensional (3-D) space.
Augmented Reality (AR)
A type of virtual reality that uses an image of an actual place or thing and adds digital information to it.
digital divide
The gap between those who have access to technology and its resources and information, especially on the Internet, and those who do not.
digital citizen
Person familiar with how to use technology to become an educated and productive member of the digital world.
natural language processing
A form of data input in which computers interpret and digitize spoken words or commands.
digital assistants
Apps like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri that use natural language processing to respond to your verbal commands or questions, using search technology to provide answers or perform a task, such as adding an item to a grocery list.
robotics
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.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Law that requires any company with 15 or more employees to make reasonable attempts to accommodate the needs of physically challenged workers.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
U.S. law that requires that public schools purchase or acquire funding for adaptive technologies.
Screen reader
Technology that uses audio output to describe the contents of the screen.
Alternative text
Descriptive text added to an object. Also called alt text.
Speech recognition programs
Software that helps a user to input data or information verbally.
graphic organizers
Software that enables a user to create an outline or structure of information.
Audio books
Reads aloud to the user instead of the user reading on a printed page or on the screen.
green computing
A practice that involves reducing electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using computers, mobile devices, and related technologies.
enterprise
Refers to the use of technology by a company’s employees to meet the needs of a large business.
telecommuting
Working from home.
intelligent workplace
Uses technology to enable workers to connect to the company’s network, communicate with each other, use productivity software and apps, meet via web conferencing, and more.
BYOD (bring your own device)
Policy that enables employees to use their personal devices to conduct business.
intelligent classroom
Classroom in which technology is used to facilitate learning and communication.
learning management system
Web-based sites where students can check their progress in a course, take practice tests, and exchange messages with the instructor or other students.
mobile health (mHealth)
Refers to healthcare professionals using smartphones or tablets to access health records stored in the cloud, and patients using digital devices to monitor their conditions and treatments.
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
Used by manufacturers to streamline production and ship products more quickly. With CAM, robots perform work that is too dangerous, detailed, or monotonous for people.
machine-to-machine (M2M)
Using computers to monitor computer assembly lines and equipment.
Information Technology (IT) department
Department in medium and large businesses responsible for ensuring that all the computer operations, mobile devices, and networks run smoothly.
