Emerging Technologies I - SSS 1 Note
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES I
Subject: Digital Technologies
Class: SSS 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 9
Topic: Emerging Technologies I
Duration: 80 Minutes (Double Period)
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Explain the meaning of the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Identify practical applications of emerging technologies.
- State the benefits and challenges associated with AI and IoT.
1. Meaning of Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies are new or rapidly developing technologies that introduce new ways of solving problems, performing tasks, communicating, learning, and working.
Emerging technologies continue to change how people live and work. They are used in education, agriculture, banking, transportation, healthcare, business, communication, and entertainment.
Examples include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Robotics
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Cloud computing
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Meaning of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that enables computer systems and machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognising patterns, understanding language, making predictions, and solving certain problems.
AI systems use data and computer programs to perform specific tasks. Some systems improve their performance by learning patterns from examples.
AI does not mean that a computer thinks or understands everything exactly as a human does. Its abilities depend on how it is designed, the data available to it, and the task it is given.
Examples of Artificial Intelligence
| AI Application | How It Is Used |
|---|---|
| Voice assistants | Respond to spoken commands and questions. |
| Facial recognition | Analyses facial features to help identify or verify a person. |
| Language translation | Translates text or speech from one language to another. |
| Recommendation systems | Suggest videos, music, products, or other content based on patterns in user activity. |
| Educational tools | Provide explanations, practice questions, feedback, and personalised learning support. |
| Medical support | Helps trained professionals analyse medical images and other information. |
| Agriculture | Helps analyse crop images, detect possible plant diseases, or estimate crop conditions. |
| Fraud detection | Identifies unusual patterns in financial transactions for further checking. |
Applications of AI in Everyday Life
1. Education: AI tools can explain difficult concepts, generate practice exercises, check certain answers, and support teachers in preparing learning materials. 2. Healthcare: AI can help medical professionals examine scans, organise patient information, and identify patterns that may require attention. 3. Banking and finance: Banks can use AI to detect suspicious transactions and assist customers through automated support systems. 4. Agriculture: AI can help farmers monitor crops, identify possible diseases, and analyse weather or soil information. 5. Transportation: AI can support traffic prediction, route planning, driver-assistance systems, and some forms of autonomous transport. 6. Communication: AI supports speech recognition, translation, spam filtering, and automated customer service.
Example: A student can use an AI learning assistant to understand a difficult computer studies topic. However, the student should check the explanation against reliable learning materials because AI can sometimes produce incorrect information.
Benefits of AI
- Automates repetitive tasks.
- Processes large amounts of data quickly.
- Supports learning and problem-solving.
- Can improve efficiency and productivity.
- Helps identify patterns that people might overlook.
- Can provide assistance at any time through suitable digital services.
Challenges of AI
- Incorrect results: AI can give inaccurate or misleading answers.
- Privacy risks: Personal information may be exposed if systems handle it carelessly.
- Bias: AI results may be unfair when the data or design contains bias.
- Overdependence: Excessive reliance on AI can weaken independent thinking and practical skills.
- Employment changes: Automation may reduce demand for some tasks while creating new kinds of work.
- Cost and access: Some AI services require expensive equipment, subscriptions, electricity, or reliable internet access.
Responsible use of AI: Do not submit AI-generated work as your own when your teacher requires independent work. Verify important facts, protect personal information, and use AI as a learning aid rather than a replacement for your own thinking.
3. Internet of Things (IoT)
Meaning of the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects connected to the internet or another network that use sensors, software, and communication technology to collect and exchange data.
These objects may include household appliances, vehicles, farm equipment, health-monitoring devices, and industrial machines.
Unlike an ordinary object that operates without exchanging digital information, an IoT device can send or receive data through a network and may respond automatically to certain conditions.
Examples of IoT Devices
| Device | Function |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Collects information such as movement and, on supported models, heart-rate readings. |
| Smart security camera | Sends video or alerts to an authorised phone or monitoring system. |
| Smart thermostat | Monitors temperature and can adjust heating or cooling settings. |
| Soil-moisture sensor | Measures soil moisture and can help control an irrigation system. |
| Connected vehicle system | May transmit information about location, vehicle condition, or performance. |
| Smart electricity meter | Records and communicates electricity-use information. |
How the IoT Works
An IoT system commonly follows these steps:- Data collection: A sensor or device measures something, such as temperature, movement, or soil moisture.
- Data transmission: The device sends the collected data through a network, such as Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
- Data processing: A computer, application, or cloud service analyses the information.
- Action or notification: The system may send an alert or trigger an action based on the result.
Example: Smart farm irrigation
- A soil-moisture sensor measures how wet the soil is.
- The sensor sends its reading to a controller.
- The controller checks whether the soil is too dry.
- If the system is configured to do so, it switches on a water pump or sends an alert to the farmer.
Applications of IoT
1. Smart homes: Connected lights, cameras, door locks, and appliances can be monitored or controlled remotely. 2. Agriculture: Sensors can monitor soil moisture, temperature, and other conditions to support irrigation and farm management. 3. Healthcare: Suitable connected devices can transmit measurements to authorised healthcare professionals for monitoring. 4. Transportation: Connected systems can monitor vehicle condition, track fleet locations, and support traffic management. 5. Industry: Sensors can monitor machines and help maintenance teams identify possible faults. 6. Energy management: Smart meters and connected control systems can help monitor energy consumption. 7. Environmental monitoring: Connected sensors can collect information about air quality, water levels, or weather conditions.Benefits of IoT
- Allows remote monitoring and control of devices.
- Collects data automatically.
- Can improve efficiency and save time.
- Helps detect unusual conditions and equipment faults.
- Can support better decisions through timely information.
- May help conserve water and energy when properly designed.
Challenges of IoT
- Cybersecurity: Poorly protected devices may be attacked or controlled by unauthorised people.
- Privacy: Connected devices may collect sensitive information about people and their activities.
- Internet dependence: Some features may stop working when connectivity is unavailable.
- Cost: Devices, installation, repairs, and data services may be expensive.
- Compatibility: Devices from different manufacturers may not work well together.
- Power supply: Devices may require electricity or batteries to operate.
Safety tip: Change default passwords, install security updates, use trusted devices, and avoid connecting unfamiliar devices to your network. Do not share access to smart cameras or other sensitive devices with unauthorised people.
4. Difference Between AI and IoT
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Internet of Things (IoT) |
|---|---|
| Focuses on enabling computer systems to perform tasks such as recognising patterns and making predictions. | Focuses on connecting physical devices so they can collect and exchange data. |
| Uses algorithms and data to perform intelligent tasks. | Often uses sensors, communication networks, and software. |
| Example: An AI system identifies possible plant diseases from a crop image. | Example: A soil sensor sends moisture readings from a farm. |
| Can work without being part of an IoT system. | Can work without AI, using simple rules and sensor readings. |
How AI and IoT Can Work Together
AI and IoT can be combined in one system. For example, sensors on a farm can collect soil-moisture and temperature readings. The IoT system transmits these readings, while an AI system analyses patterns and may predict when crops need water. The farmer can then use the information to make decisions or configure an automated irrigation system. This combination is sometimes called AIoT, meaning Artificial Intelligence of Things.5. General Importance of Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies can:- Improve the speed and efficiency of work.
- Support teaching, learning, and research.
- Help solve problems in agriculture and healthcare.
- Improve communication and access to information.
- Support monitoring, planning, and decision-making.
- Create new careers and business opportunities.
6. Classroom Activity
Divide students into small groups and ask each group to discuss one of these situations:- A school uses an AI tool to help students practise Mathematics.
- A farmer uses connected sensors to monitor soil moisture.
- A home uses a connected security camera that sends alerts to a phone.
- The technology being used.
- The problem it helps to solve.
- Two benefits of the technology.
- One possible risk and a way to reduce it.
7. Summary
- Emerging technologies are new or rapidly developing technologies that create new ways of solving problems.
- Artificial Intelligence enables computer systems to perform tasks such as recognising patterns, processing language, and making predictions.
- AI is applied in education, healthcare, agriculture, banking, transportation, and communication.
- The Internet of Things connects physical devices that collect and exchange data through networks.
- IoT is used in smart homes, agriculture, healthcare, industry, transportation, and energy management.
- AI and IoT can work together, but they are not the same technology.
- Emerging technologies offer benefits but also raise concerns about security, privacy, cost, and reliability.
8. Evaluation Questions
- What are emerging technologies?
- Define Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- State four practical applications of AI.
- Explain two benefits and two challenges of AI.
- What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
- List four examples of IoT devices.
- Describe how a soil-moisture sensor can be used in farming.
- State three applications of IoT.
- Give three differences between AI and IoT.
- Explain one way AI and IoT can work together.
9. Assignment
- Write a short note on Artificial Intelligence and list five areas where it is used.
- Explain the meaning of IoT and describe five IoT devices and their functions.
- Choose one practical use of AI or IoT in Nigeria. Explain its benefits and identify one challenge associated with it.
10. Interactive Quiz
Choose the correct answer for each question, then click Submit Answers to see your score and feedback.
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