Communication Media

What is communication media?

 Communication media describes the tools and channels for sharing of information between
a sender and a receiver

 Communication media can be both electronic and physical

Newsletters

 Periodic publications, often used to inform, educate, or entertain subscribers about specific
topics

o Usually distributed through email or as printed copies

o Suitable for organisations, schools, and clubs to keep members up-to-date

Advantages Disadvantages

 Cost effective
 Low engagement
 Measurable results
 SPAM filters can unintentionally block
 Easy to personalise
 Limited interactivity
 Targeted
 Can get lost in a busy inbox
 Increases brand awareness

Posters

 Visual presentations that convey information or promote events or products

o Combine text, images, and graphics to grab attention

Advantages Disadvantages

 Cost effective  Limited information

 Wide reach  Lack of interactivity

 Versatile  Can be removed/defaced

 Long shelf life in the right space  Cannot update

Websites

 Online platforms that provide information or services

o Accessible through the internet using a web browser

o Useful for businesses, educational institutions, and individuals to share information,

sell products, or offer services

Advantages Disadvantages

 Media rich  Can be hacked

  Links to other websites
 Risk of pharming
 Easy navigation
 Maintenance can be expensive
 Global audience

Multimedia presentations

 Digital presentations that combine various forms of media, such as text, images, audio, and
video

o Used in education, business, and entertainment to present information in a visually

engaging way

Advantages Disadvantages

 Special equipment required

 Media rich
 Often required internet access
 Interactive
 Easy to create a bad presentation
 Transitions/animations to highlight key information
 Visuals can take focus from the overall message

Audio & Video

 Sound recordings, such as podcasts, music, and radio shows

o It can be streamed or downloaded for offline listening

o Suitable for providing information, entertainment, or educational content

 Moving images with or without sound, used for entertainment, education, or promotional
purposes

o Can be streamed or downloaded for offline viewing

o Typical platforms include YouTube, Vimeo, and social media websites

Media streaming

 Real-time transmission of audio and video files over the internet

o Allows users to access content without downloading it to their devices

o Popular services include Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube

E-Publications

 Digital versions of printed materials, such as eBooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers

o It can be read on electronic devices, such as eReaders, tablets, and smartphones

o Offer benefits like portability, searchability, and adjustable text size

Mobile Communication

What is mobile communication?

 Mobile communication involves transmitting information between people and

devices using radio waves

 Smartphones use subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to link the devices to a network
carrier, allowing them to make phone calls and send messages

 Smartphones include features such as:

Feature Description

 Quick communication

SMS messaging  Messages are stored on the device and can be read at any time

 Use virtual keyboards and predictive text

 Simple voice communication

Phone calls
 Requires cellular reception

 Audio & visual communication via the internet

 Requires extra apps installed on the devices

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP)
 Can make & receive calls via smartphone, tablet and computers

 Requires a forward facing camera for video calls

 Requires cellular reception to access on the move

Accessing the internet  Web pages are optimised for smartphone access

 Automatically used Wi-Fi when in range and connected

Mobile payments  Uses NFC

 Smartphones have built-in cameras for video calls

Camera
 Camera can act as a barcode scanner for QR codes
 Computer Modelling

What is computer modelling?

 Computer modelling is using a computer to simulate a real-life system in order to be able

to study the behaviour in different scenarios

 The simulation uses a model to help predict how the system will work in unusual
circumstances

 Examples of modelling application include:

o Personal finance

o Bridge and building design

o Flood water management

o Traffic management

o Weather forecasting

Advantages Disadvantages

 Cheaper than having to build the real thing

 Easier to try out a range of different scenarios  A computer model will never be 100% accurate

 Safer, can simulate hazardous environments e.g. power  Results are only as good as the model designed
station and data entered

 Faster, can speed up variables that would impact on  Possibility of human error in the design could
results e.g. climate change skew results

 Testing can be done before real-life construction begins

Advantages and disadvantages of computer modelling

Modelling applications

Application Description

 Use of a spreadsheet to test 'what if' scenarios

Personal finance  Using spreadsheet functionality to change values and see what impact is made e.g. the
financial impact on a family if household income was to go down

Bridge and building  Architects will use 3D computer models of bridges and buildings so that a number of
design scenarios can be tested

 In bridge design:

o How much traffic can the bridge take

 o The effects of natural vibrations

o The effects of different weather conditions

o What impact on structural integrity would an accident cause

 In building design:

o The effects of different weather conditions

o Simulating fire evacuation protocols

o What impact on structural integrity would a fire cause

 Computer models allow risk assessments to be made of high risk flooding areas

 Using models and changing variables allows for the design of automated flood defence
systems

 Variables would include:

o different rivers and sea inlets

o time of the day

Flood water
management o previous flood behaviours

o possible obstructions etc.

 An automated system allows for:

o Real-time monitoring

o Data collection

o Faster response to changing conditions e.g. advance warning to people

Traffic management  Computer models allow users to see the effect of traffic and accidents on major road
networks

 The data collected can be used to optimise the traffic light times at different junctions

 Data collected could include:

o Time of day

o Number of vehicles passing the junction from all directions

o Factors that effect the flow of traffic e.g. pedestrians crossing, accidents etc.

 After successful modelling has been completed, optimised systems can be built and
Installed
  Sensors are used collect data and sent to a central computer

 Data collected could include:

o Air pressure

o Wind speed

o Air temperature

o Humidity
Weather forecasting

 The computer model can then be used to predict weather patterns for the next
few days
 Actual weather is compared to the modelled data to check for accuracy and identify any
areas in the model to modify
Computer Controlled Systems

What is a computer controlled system?

 A computer controlled system uses computers and software to control, monitor, and manage
processes, machines, or devices

 The effectiveness of computer controlled systems depends on the quality of software,

hardware, and input data

Advantages and disadvantages of computer controlled systems

Advantages Disadvantages

Increased efficiency and productivity (due to working 24/7) High initial investment and maintenance costs

Greater precision and accuracy Job displacement for human workers

Ability to operate in hazardous environments Dependency on reliable software and hardware

Lack of flexibility and adaptability to unexpected

Reduced human error and fatigue
situations
Can work with large or delicate items Requires costly backup systems

Robotics

What is robotics?

 Robotics is the principle of a robot carrying out a task by following a precise set of
programmed instructions

 Robots can be categorised into two groups:

Dumb robots Smart robots

Repeat the same programmed instructions over and over again Carries out more complex tasks and can adapt and
(no AI) learn (AI)

E.g. Car assembly line E.g. Assisting surgeons in delicate procedures

 The development of artificial intelligence, including the increased use of machine learning
and robotics raises ethical and legal issues such as:

o Accountability

o Safety

o Algorithmic bias

o Legal liability
What is the role of robots?

 Robots play a crucial role in many areas such as:

Scenario Role Advantages Disadvantages

May not work on defects that

might require human
Advanced vision to inspect products for
Industry Quality inspector judgement
defaults, improving quality control

High infrastructure costs and

potential safety
Efficiency in finding, moving and packing, concerns for human workers
Transport Warehouse worker
less reliable on manual labour sharing the same space

High upfront costs, may struggle

with uneven
Precise planting
Agriculture Planting & seeding machine
(optimum depths and distances) terrain and changing weather
conditions

Personalised physical therapy

exercises to aid recovery Doesn't provide emotional
Medicine Rehabilitation therapist
support

Assists with meal prep by doing basic

Duties (chopping, measuring and following
Domestic Sous chef basic recipes) Limited ability and capabilities

Interactive learning experiences for children, High cost, cannot replace the
Entertainment Educational robot
increased engagement guidance of human teacher
School Management Systems

What is a school management system?

 A school management system is a software solution designed to centralise and streamline

schools administrative tasks

 Data is stored centrally to improve efficiency

 Processes that can be included in a school management system include:

o Registration & attendance

o Recording learner performance

o Computer aided learning (CAL)

Advantages Disadvantages

 Streamlined administration and record-keeping

 Improved communication between teachers, students, and parents -

this can be automated  Cost

 Centralised access to information and resources  Transition can be time consumin

and complex
 Data-driven decision-making and insights for teachers and
administrators  Training is required

 Information is more up to date  Dependant on technology

 Information can be obtained quickly in an emergency  Data security concerns

 Patterns of absence can be found quickly which helps to tackle

truancy/lateness

Registration & attendance

 Traditional ways of recording attendance and registration involve a teacher manually

inputting data

 The use of IT systems makes other methods possible, for example magnetic stripe cards
and/or biometrics

Recording learner performance

  Using IT systems gives teachers a plethora of information which can be analysed to identify
class and individual strengths and areas for development

 Data can be used to inform teaching strategies

 Data can be used to provide individual progress reports

 Data can be used to critically analyse class/teacher performance

Computer aided learning (CAL)

 The use of computer aided learning is designed to enhance and not replace traditional
classroom teaching

 CAL allows students to work on individual development areas

 CAL can provide interactive revision resources to aid exam performance

Online Booking Systems

What is an online booking system?

 An online booking system is a computer system that allows customers to purchases tickets
for events online

 Examples of industries that make use of these systems include:

o Travel - booking flights, hotels and package holidays

o Music - Reserving tickets for live music events

o Film - Booking cinema tickets, allowing customers to pick a seat

o Sport - Purchasing tickets to sporting events, choosing their view

Advantages and disadvantages of online booking systems

Advantages Disadvantages

Convenience and accessibility (24/7 booking) Potential for technical issues and downtime

Instant confirmation and ticketing Possible security and privacy concerns

Ability to compare prices and options Transaction and booking fees

Promotions and personalised offers Impersonal and less tailored customer service

Faster to change/cancel Internet connected devices required

Automated reminders via email/text Staff may lose their job

Repeated bookings can easily be made

Staff are freed up to do other things