Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Ict
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 3.1.2.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.2.LI.2
Theme: TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SOCIETY
Subtheme: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
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In today's Ghana, it is almost impossible to go a day without encountering social media. From the WhatsApp message that wakes you up, to the Instagram post from your favourite musician, or the political discussions on Twitter (now X), social media has become a central part of our daily communication and social fabric. This lesson moves beyond just using these platforms and challenges you to think critically about them. We will explore how these tools shape our interactions, help us work together, and the powerful impact—both good and bad—they have on our lives and Ghanaian society as a whole. Understanding this is crucial for becoming a responsible and savvy digital citizen.
(Estimated Time: 30 minutes) A. What is Social Media?
Definition: Social Media refers to websites and applications (apps) that are designed to allow people to create and share content or to participate in social networking. They are interactive platforms where users generate the content (e.g., text posts, comments, photos, videos) and build virtual communities and networks. Key Characteristics: User-Generated Content: The core content is created by users, not just the company that owns the platform. Interactivity: Users can interact with each other through likes, comments, shares, and messages. Community Formation: Users can form groups or follow pages based on common interests, location, or relationships. Real-time Information: Information can be shared instantly across the globe. B. Major Social Media Platforms and Their Roles
Let's examine some of the platforms mentioned in our curriculum, which are very popular in Ghana.
| Platform | Primary Function / Role | Ghanaian Context Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Facebook | Social Networking & Information Hub: Connect with friends and family, join groups, share updates (text, photos, video), follow news pages and businesses. | A District Assembly in the Ashanti Region uses its Facebook page to announce community clean-up exercises and share public health information. | | Twitter / X | Microblogging & Real-time News: Share short updates (tweets), follow breaking news, engage in public conversations with hashtags. | During a national event like the budget reading, Ghanaians use hashtags like `#GhanaBudget` to share opinions and get real-time updates from journalists. | | Instagram | Photo & Video Sharing: Highly visual platform for sharing photos, short videos (Reels), and stories. Popular for lifestyle, fashion, food, and business. | A small business owner in Accra selling `shito` or beads uses Instagram to post attractive pictures of her products to reach customers across the country. | | LinkedIn | Professional Networking: Create a professional profile (like an online CV), connect with colleagues and industry leaders, search for jobs, and share industry-related articles. | An SHS graduate preparing for university connects with professionals in their field of interest to seek mentorship and learn about internship opportunities. | | YouTube | Video Hosting & Sharing: Watch, upload, and share long-form and short-form video content on every imaginable topic. | Ghanaian content creators like Wode Maya showcase African stories to a global audience, while others like Kwadwo Sheldon provide social commentary, earning income through the platform. | | WhatsApp | Instant Messaging & Group Collaboration: Primarily for one-on-one or group chats, sharing media, and status updates. It's a key collaboration tool. | An SHS study group creates a WhatsApp group to share notes, solve past questions together, and arrange meeting times for their project. | C. Evaluating the Role of Social Media in Society