Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
EMER GING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
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EMER GING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Ict
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 13
Grade code: 1.1.2.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.2.LI.3
Theme: ICTs IN THE SOCIETY
Subtheme: EMER GING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Welcome, students! Today, we are exploring the exciting world of "Emerging Technologies." These are the gadgets and devices that many of us see and use every day. From the phone in your parent's pocket to the game console at the community centre, these technologies have changed how we communicate, learn, work, and entertain ourselves here in Ghana. Understanding their specific purposes and uses helps us become smarter consumers and more skilled users of technology, preparing us for the future. This lesson will move beyond just knowing the names of these devices to understanding what they are truly for and how they impact our lives.
This section breaks down each device mentioned in our indicator. We will look at what it is, its main job (purpose), and how we use it. a) Smartphones What it is: A smartphone is a mobile phone that combines the functions of a regular phone with those of a computer. It has a touchscreen interface, can connect to the internet, and runs various applications (apps). Primary Purpose: To provide all-in-one mobile communication, computing, and internet connectivity. It is a multi-purpose device. Common Uses in Ghana: Communication: Making calls, sending SMS, and using apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to chat and share media. Financial Transactions: Using Mobile Money (MoMo) services from MTN, Vodafone, or AirtelTigo to send money, pay for goods (e.g., at the market or for trotro fare), and pay bills like electricity (ECG) or water. Navigation and Transport: Using apps like Google Maps to find directions or ride-hailing services like Bolt, Uber, and Yango to book a ride in cities like Accra and Kumasi. Education: Accessing online learning materials, watching educational videos on YouTube, and using platforms like the iBox from CENDLOS. Photography: Taking pictures and videos of everyday moments, family events, or for social media. b) Digital Cameras What it is: A device designed specifically to capture high-quality photographs and videos. Unlike the camera on a phone, it often has advanced features like interchangeable lenses, optical zoom, and manual controls. Primary Purpose: To capture still images (photos) and moving images (videos) with superior quality and control compared to multi-purpose devices. Common Uses in Ghana: Professional Photography: Used by photographers at major events like weddings, funerals, outdoorings, and graduation ceremonies to produce high-resolution, professional-grade pictures for clients. Media and Journalism: Journalists from media houses like Citi TV, Joy News, or Graphic Communications use them to capture clear, detailed images for news reports. Content Creation: YouTubers and influencers in Ghana use digital cameras to film high-quality videos for their channels, covering topics from food reviews to tech. c) Wearable Devices What it is: Electronic devices that can be worn as accessories, embedded in clothing, or even implanted in the user's body. The most common types are smartwatches and fitness trackers. Primary Purpose: To track personal data (like health and fitness metrics) and provide convenient, hands-free access to notifications from a smartphone. Common Uses in Ghana: Health and Fitness Tracking: Monitoring the number of steps taken daily, tracking heart rate during exercise (like jogging or playing football), and monitoring sleep patterns. Convenience: Receiving and previewing WhatsApp messages, call alerts, and other notifications directly on your wrist without having to take out your phone, which is useful in a crowded place like a market or on a bus. Mobile Payments: Some advanced smartwatches can be used for contactless payments where the service is available. d) Game Devices (Consoles) What it is: An electronic device specifically designed for playing video games. They connect to a display like a TV and use a controller for user input. Examples include Sony PlayStation (PS4, PS5), Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Primary Purpose: To provide an immersive and high-performance entertainment experience through video gaming. Common Uses in Ghana: Entertainment: Used at home or in commercial game centres for recreation. Popular games like FIFA, Call of Duty, and Mortal Kombat are widely played. Social Interaction: Playing multiplayer games with friends either locally in the same room or online, fostering a sense of community. Skill Development: Games can help improve problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. e) E-book Readers What it is: A portable electronic device designed primarily for reading digital books and periodicals (e-books). They often use a special screen technology called E-Ink, which mimics the appearance of paper and reduces eye strain. A popular example is the Amazon Kindle. Primary Purpose: To provide an optimized, comfortable, and dedicated digital reading experience. Common Uses in Ghana: Access to Books: Storing and reading hundreds of textbooks, storybooks, or religious texts (like the Bible or Quran) on one lightweight device. This is much easier than carrying many heavy physical books. Cost-Effective Reading: Many classic books are available for free online, and e-books are often cheaper than their printed versions. Improved Reading Experience: The E-Ink screen is not backlit like a phone screen, making it comfortable to read for long hours, even in direct sunlight at the beach or park. f) Portable and Digital Media Players What it is: A portable device that can store and play digital media such as audio (MP3 files) and video. The classic example is the Apple iPod. Primary Purpose: To provide dedicated, portable access to a user's personal library of music and videos. Common Uses in Ghana: Music on the Go: Before smartphones became powerful, these were essential for listening to music (e.g., Ghanaian Hiplife, Gospel, or Highlife) while commuting in a trotro, walking, or exercising. Offline Entertainment: Watching downloaded movies or series during long-distance bus journeys, for example, from Accra to Bolgatanga, where internet connectivity may be poor. Note: While dedicated devices still exist, this function has been largely absorbed by smartphones, which can play media files and stream from services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Here are a few questions to help us think through these concepts together.
Question 1: Adwoa is a final-year SHS student preparing for her WASSCE. Her parents want to buy her a device that will allow her to store and read all her textbooks and revision notes digitally without straining her eyes. Which of the following devices is the MOST suitable for this specific purpose? a) Smartphone b) Game Device c) E-book Reader d) Digital Camera