Emerging Technologies - JSS 3 Note

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Subject: Digital Technologies
Class: JSS 3
Term: Third Term
Week: 3
Topic: Emerging Technologies
Duration: 40 Minutes

1. Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of emerging technologies.
• Identify examples of emerging technologies.
• Describe the uses of selected emerging technologies.
• Explain the benefits of emerging technologies in everyday life.
• Identify possible risks and challenges associated with emerging technologies.

2. Meaning of Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies are new or rapidly developing technologies that are beginning to have a significant effect on how people live, learn, communicate and work.

Emerging technologies may introduce new capabilities or improve existing methods of performing tasks. Some are still being developed, while others are already used in homes, schools, hospitals, businesses and industries. Technology continues to change as researchers, engineers and software developers discover new ways to solve problems.

3. Examples of Emerging Technologies

a. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence is a field of computing that develops systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognising patterns, understanding language and making predictions.

Examples of AI applications include:

• Voice assistants that respond to spoken commands.
• Tools that help users write, translate or summarise text.
• Systems that identify objects in photographs.
• Software that recommends videos, music or learning materials.

b. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things refers to physical objects equipped with sensors, software or other technologies that allow them to collect and exchange data over a network.

Examples include:

• Smartwatches that record activity.
• Smart lights controlled through a phone.
• Sensors that monitor soil moisture on farms.
• Connected devices that help monitor room temperature.

c. Robotics

Robotics involves designing, building, programming and operating robots. Robots may perform repetitive, difficult or hazardous tasks, depending on their design.

Examples include:

• Robotic arms used in factories.
• Robots used to inspect dangerous locations.
• Educational robots used to teach programming.
• Robotic equipment used in some medical procedures.

d. Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality uses computer-generated environments to give users an immersive experience. Special headsets and controllers may allow users to look around and interact with the virtual environment.

Examples include:

• Virtual tours of historical sites.
• Simulated environments for training.
• Educational experiences that demonstrate places or processes that are difficult to visit physically.

e. Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality adds digital information, images or objects to a view of the real world, often through a smartphone, tablet or special glasses.

Examples include:

• Applications that display directions over a camera view.
• Apps that show how furniture might look in a room.
• Educational apps that display digital models over real objects.

f. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing allows users to access computing services, storage and software over a network, commonly the internet, instead of relying entirely on their own device.

Examples include:

• Storing files in online storage services.
• Using web-based document editors.
• Accessing schoolwork from different devices.
• Hosting websites and online applications.

g. 3D Printing

3D printing is a process of creating a physical object from a digital design by building it in successive layers.

Examples include:

• Producing prototypes of product designs.
• Making models for science and technology lessons.
• Producing selected customised parts and objects.

h. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a type of digital record-keeping system in which records are grouped into linked blocks and maintained across a network according to agreed rules.

Potential uses include:

• Recording certain types of transactions.
• Tracking goods as they move through a supply chain.
• Maintaining shared records in systems designed to use blockchain.

Note: Not every emerging technology is completely new. Some have existed for years but continue to develop and gain new applications.

4. Uses of Emerging Technologies in Everyday Life

Area	Technology	Example of Use
Education	AI, cloud computing, VR	Personalised learning support, online collaboration and virtual learning experiences.
Healthcare	AI, robotics, IoT	Supporting medical image analysis, assisting procedures and monitoring selected health information.
Agriculture	IoT, AI, robotics	Monitoring soil conditions, analysing crop data and automating some tasks.
Transportation	AI, IoT	Traffic analysis, route recommendations and vehicle monitoring.
Business	Cloud computing, AI, blockchain	Online collaboration, data analysis and selected record-tracking systems.
Entertainment	AI, VR, AR	Content recommendations, immersive games and interactive experiences.
Manufacturing	Robotics, 3D printing, AI	Automating production tasks and creating product prototypes.

5. Benefits of Emerging Technologies

a. Improved Efficiency

Some technologies automate repetitive tasks and help people complete work more quickly.

b. Better Access to Information

Cloud services and connected devices can help people access educational materials and other information from different locations.

c. Improved Communication

Digital systems allow people to communicate, collaborate and share information across distances.

d. Support for Learning

Interactive simulations, virtual environments and digital learning tools can help students explore ideas and practise skills.

e. Support for Problem-Solving

AI, sensors and data analysis tools can help people identify patterns and make informed decisions.

f. New Careers and Business Opportunities

Developments in technology create opportunities in areas such as software development, robotics, cybersecurity, data analysis and digital design.

6. Risks and Challenges of Emerging Technologies

a. Privacy Risks

Some digital systems collect personal information. Poor handling of that information may expose users to privacy violations.

b. Cybersecurity Threats

Connected devices and online services may be attacked if they have weak passwords, outdated software or security weaknesses.

c. Cost and Accessibility

Some technologies require expensive devices, reliable electricity, internet access or specialist training. These requirements may limit who can use them.

d. Job Changes

Automation can reduce the need for some tasks while creating demand for other skills. Workers may need retraining to adapt.

e. Incorrect or Biased Results

AI systems may produce inaccurate answers or unfair results. Their output should be checked, especially when important decisions are involved.

f. Electronic Waste

Frequent replacement of digital devices can increase electronic waste. Repair, reuse and responsible recycling help reduce this problem.

g. Overdependence on Technology

Relying too heavily on digital systems can create difficulties when devices, networks or services fail.

Responsible use: Protect personal information, use strong passwords, verify important information, follow safety instructions and seek adult or teacher guidance when using unfamiliar technologies.

7. Emerging Technologies and the Future

Emerging technologies are likely to continue influencing education, communication, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and industry. Future developments may improve existing services and introduce new ways to solve problems.

Students can prepare for technological change by:

• Developing digital literacy and problem-solving skills.
• Learning basic programming and computational thinking.
• Practising safe and responsible internet use.
• Learning to evaluate digital information critically.
• Being willing to learn new tools and skills.
• Considering the environmental and social effects of technology.

8. Class Activity

Activity: Identify the Technology

Match each situation with the most suitable technology.

Situation	Possible Technology
A student explores a computer-generated environment using a headset.	Virtual Reality (VR)
A farmer uses a sensor to monitor soil moisture.	Internet of Things (IoT)
A machine creates an object from a digital design in layers.	3D Printing
A student stores a document online and accesses it from another device.	Cloud Computing
A camera application places digital information over a real-world view.	Augmented Reality (AR)

Discussion: Choose one emerging technology and explain one benefit and one possible risk of using it.

9. Summary

• Emerging technologies are new or rapidly developing technologies that can influence society.
• Examples include AI, IoT, robotics, VR, AR, cloud computing, 3D printing and blockchain.
• These technologies are used in education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, business and entertainment.
• Benefits include improved efficiency, access to information, learning opportunities and new careers.
• Challenges include privacy risks, cybersecurity threats, cost, unequal access, inaccurate results and electronic waste.
• Responsible use requires digital skills, critical thinking and attention to safety and privacy.

10. Evaluation Questions

1. What are emerging technologies?
2. List six examples of emerging technologies.
3. Explain the meaning of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things.
4. Differentiate between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.
5. State four benefits of emerging technologies.
6. Identify four risks or challenges associated with emerging technologies.
7. Explain three ways students can prepare for future technological developments.

11. Assignment

Choose any three emerging technologies. For each technology, write:

1. Its meaning.
2. Two examples of its use.
3. Two benefits.
4. One risk or challenge.

12. Interactive Revision Quiz

Select one answer for each question and click Check Answers to see your score and feedback.

1. What are emerging technologies?

Technologies that can never change New or rapidly developing technologies Only old mechanical tools Devices that cannot process information

2. Which technology enables systems to perform tasks such as recognising patterns and understanding language?

3D printing Virtual Reality Cloud storage only Artificial Intelligence

3. Which is an example of the Internet of Things?

A sensor that sends soil moisture readings over a network A paper notebook An ordinary wooden chair without electronic features A printed textbook with no digital connection

4. What is Virtual Reality?

A method of recycling batteries A system for storing paper files An immersive computer-generated environment A type of computer keyboard

5. Which technology adds digital information to a view of the real world?

Blockchain Augmented Reality 3D printing Traditional printing

6. Which is an example of cloud computing?

Writing only in a paper notebook Switching off a computer Cleaning a computer monitor Saving a document to an online storage service

7. Which technology builds physical objects from digital designs in successive layers?

3D printing Cloud computing Virtual Reality Blockchain

8. Which is a possible risk of emerging technologies?

All technology is always accurate Technology removes every security risk Privacy and cybersecurity problems Technology never collects data

9. Which action helps protect personal information?

Sharing passwords publicly Using strong passwords and checking privacy settings Opening every unknown link Posting confidential information online

10. Which skill helps students prepare for future technological change?

Avoiding all learning Depending on unverified information Refusing to learn new tools Digital literacy and critical thinking