Contemporary issues in ICT

ICT is becoming a huge element of our lives in society.  ICT is taking over a wide range of sectors in the world. I did a detailed scan into some of the issues in ICT that have recently happened and I found a few articles on the bbc news. 

                                      

The main article I found was the “ICT in hospital” this article stated that “Better use of information technology in England's hospitals could help prevent 16,000 deaths a year”. The trust says it saw a 17% fall in deaths among emergency patients over 12 months, which would equate to 16,000 deaths prevented across England. The systems include a computer reminding staff to give patients their drugs. The trust says IT surveillance on its wards is backed up by a policy of holding staff to account for errors. Evidence suggests that hospitals may miss one dose in every five therefore; with the use of ICT these errors will be avoided. I believe that ICT in hospital should be introduced because it will have a huge impact and will prevent lives.

One of the most recent events involves the blackberry messenger app that was to blame for the communication of the London riots. They believed that the rioters communicated using blackberry messenger, this was because it cannot be tracked.  I believe that in some forms technology was to blame for the London riots. However technology should not be “put on hold” because of the recent events.

The blackberry blackout was one of the worst faults in technology to date. The blackberry shutdown lasted for 3days and that meltdown led to the company's stock dropping 20 per cent — £1.9billion — in value.  The shutdown which started on Monday was due to a "core switch failure" within its infrastructure and assured users it was working to clear a "large backlog" of data. I believe the blackberry shutdown was a huge disaster and for customer’s point of view resulted in customers being put off.

Online Banking

What is online banking?

A system allowing individuals to perform banking activities at home, using the internet. Some online banks are traditional banks which also offer online banking, while others are online only and have no physical presence e.g. egg. Online banking through traditional banks enable customers to perform all routine transactions, such as account transfers, balance inquiries, bill payments, and stop-payment requests, and some even offer online loan and credit card applications. Account information can be accessed anytime, day or night, and can be done from anywhere. A few online banks update information in real-time, while others do it daily. Once information has been entered, it doesn't need to be re-entered for similar subsequent checks, and future payments can be scheduled to occur automatically.

Customer Advantages

Online banking has grown dramatically in the last couple of years, the main reason for more users using online banking is due to the increase in internet users. And banks have seen this and tried to improve their services by creating a online banking system, that allows you to do a variety of different functions. In addition, online banking can also be done at anytime during the day 24/7.  Whereas banks that have specific opening and closing times. Therefore, convenience is a key element to online banking for customers. It is easy for customers they don’t have to travel or queue up. Furthermore, they also can check their account anywhere as long as there is internet connection. Furthermore online banking is also more effective for customer’s new offers and deals are shown when you log in so it’s also easy to see new deals and offers.

Customer Disadvantages

However, online banking has also got its downfalls. When you start using online banking you realise there is no relationship between you and the bank. In addition, you don’t know how secure your bank’s online systems are, your bank could be easily hacked and all your credit or debit card details could be accessed. A big problem with online banking is the time it takes to sign in, all the information and procedures you have to go through can take quite along time to do whereas at a bank you simply insert your credit or debit. There is also a high amount of verification, verifying that it is your account. Furthermore, there is also the high risk of errors, by typing in your pin code wrong 3 times can result in your pin code being locked, which can then cause further problems and means you have to contact your bank to get the pin code unlocked. Also, online banking can be difficult to learn for a beginner and a site could take time to start up. Some sites ask for photo identification, which can be very inconvenient.

Bank Advantages

With more customers using the online banking system means a large decline in the amount of customers coming into the banks, therefore, the bank need fewer employees which results in less money paid  out to employees because they don’t need as much employees. In addition, they also don’t need to pay for services, gas and electricity bills. They also have a wider customer base, which means that if a customer comes into the shop due to more customers using the online banking systems the employees can focus on the customers and the service for the customer will be quicker. Furthermore, they also will not need to send out mail shops.

Bank Disadvantages

For the bank the key disadvantages is maintaining the high security levels, there is always the high risk of theft and hacking. To maintain a secure system can result in a lot of money spent on getting a good and safe system. Furthermore if the bank does get hacked it can cause further problems that can impact with enormous problems. The 2008 stock market crash had more transactions made than in the whole year of 2004.

Employee Advantages

For employees the online banking system has not got many advantages, however it has resulted in new jobs becoming available.

Employee Disadvantages

Online banking has resulting in technology taking over jobs, this has occurred with the development of technology. Its becoming “better” than humans. De skilling is the key disadvantage for employees, when the new technology enters the workplace it results in many employees loosing their jobs because they are no longer needed. This is the case with online banking, with many customers using online banking system instead of going into the bank. The vast majority of employees are becoming no longer needed.

Egg

Online banking websites like egg are becoming increasingly popular. The website allows for online banking however does not have any premises anywhere.  Egg itself was launched in 1998 and is now the world's largest internet bank in that it is only possible to operate an Egg account over the internet, or via their call centre. Egg specializes in savings, credit cards and general insurance but no longer offers loans or mortgage products. Egg has just over 1000 employees evidently showing the business doesn’t require a huge amount of staff, which is one of the main advantages for the bank.

E Government

E Government
The employment of the Internet and the world-wide-web for delivering government information and services to the citizens. ’E-Government' essentially refers to ‘The use of IT, ICTs, and other web-based telecommunication technologies to improve and/or enhance on the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the public sector. E government deals heavily with Internet and non-internet applications to aid in governments. E-government includes the use of electronics in government as large-scale as the use of telephones and fax machines, as well as surveillance systems, and even the use of television and radios to provide government-related information and services to the citizens. E government is rapidly increasing with the growth of the internet.  More and more applications are being done via the internet. These include payments like taxes.  I believe that even with my lack of inexperience of the different parts of e government talking to my parents they believe e government is convenient and the idea is effective and has had great results.


Online Taxes- Taxes paid online have increased dramatically in the last couple of years. More websites are offering for taxes to be paid online. 4 out of 10 people pay their taxes via the internet. It has resulted in companies like RBS world pay that have been set up purely for the use of e government, taxes can be paid straight from this website, therefore, its convenient and is easy to do and can be done anywhere providing you have internet access.  Online taxes were established in 1998, they started of mainly in America it wasn’t till about the early 21^st century when it became popular in England.
Advantages of using tax return online

•    it's safe and secure - your account is encrypted, and protected by your chosen password and a unique User ID
•  it's convenient and can be used at any time
• you get an instant acknowledgment as soon as HMRC receives your tax return
•  your tax is worked out automatically as you complete the form, so you know what you owe or are owed right away
•  HMRC can process online tax returns faster than paper returns and repay any money you are owed more quickly
•  the deadline for online returns is later than for paper returns
•  you can complete part of your tax return, save it and do the rest later, working at your own pace to meet the deadline
•  you can tailor your return, completing the right pages for your circumstances
•  you can store your completed return online and print out a copy for your records
• at any time you can view a statement of what you have paid, and what you owe or are owed
• you can view or amend your contact details and use a secure email channel to ask HMRC a question
•  you can pay by Direct Debit - this is safe and secure, and makes it less likely you'll miss a payment deadline

Disadvantages of using tax return online

•    Increase in advertising and pop ups are employed by online companies offering help with filing taxes electronically resulting in process taking longer, or consumers accidentally signing up for additional services they don't need.
• Will also mean less access to in-person advice.

Online Petitions- Petitions done via the internet are becoming increasing popular. If the petition you start gets over 100,000 signatures it will be discussed in the House of Commons.  Petitions done online are more effective more people can access your petition. Petitions can be started on the direct gov website.  Although I am inexperienced on the topic of online petitions, I believe that they are a vastly increasing due to the more users using the internet. The petitions are a good idea it gives more people ways of expressing what they believe should be changed and with the petitions done via the internet it has the greatest chance of success. However I do believe that 100,000 signatures should be reduced to 75,000 this may not seem like a lot however browsing through the petitions most petitions only make it up to about 75,000 and there a lot vital ideas that should be discussed in the House Of Commons. 
Advantages of using online petitions

• Easy to create
• Stand the greatest chance of being successful
•    If successful then they are discussed in the House Of Commons so the website is linked directly to the government.
• Petitions done via the internet means more people can view the petition.

Disadvantages of using online petitions

• Can take a long time to make it to the government ( up to a year)
• Can also take a long time to create although they are easy however you have to go through quite a lot of processes

Online voting- is an election system that allows a voter to record his or her secure and secret ballot electronically. In 2004, it's estimated that approximately 30 percent of the voting population in the United States used some form of e-voting technology, including direct electronic recording (DER) touch screen s or optical scanner s, to record their vote for President. Electronic votes are stored digitally. Electronic voting can reduce election costs and increase civic participation by making the voting process more convenient. Critics maintain that without a paper trail, recounts are more difficult and electronic ballot manipulation, or even poorly-written programming code, could affect election results.
Advantages of online voting

• Saved Ballot Templates eliminate the need to configure elections from scratch. Just do it once, then save that ballot configuration, and in subsequent years, specify only the names of the candidates.
• Reduced costs are enjoyed when the expenses of printing and mailing paper ballots are lessened or even eliminated.
• Email Reminders helps increase voter participation by reminding those who’ve not voted to do so.
• Email Validation brings added value to your online election ensuring the validity of your voters’ email addresses.
• Ballot Scrubbing ensures no ballot is spoiled due to anything not in compliance with your voting rules.
• Ballot Shuffling randomly orders the candidates’ names on each request of the ballot so all candidates get a fair chance at prime name placement on the ballot. Shuffling may be enabled on some positions and not others.
• Instantly provides you with informative day-by-day statistics about your election beyond just who won,
• Archived Election Results means all previous election results are readily available without having to dig through old records.
• Ability to correct mistakes allows candidate selections to be altered prior to final ballot submission.

Disadvantages of online voting

•Untrustworthy voting client

•Loose the seriousness and the value of elections

• not applicable to all voting schemes

Health services-Online health services are becoming increasingly popular, with a higher amount of people using the internet, hospitals and doctors are using online health services do educate the web users on whatever they want to know, this can be anything from symptoms, treatments and how illnesses can be prevented. One of the most popular health service website is the NHS Direct, which was established In 1997where the government announced the introduction of a new NHS, a plan to modernise, develop and rebuild its services. 

Advantages of using health services 

•    Information is easy to view
• Wide range of information
• Convenient and easier than going all the way to hospital or doctors
• Can be accessed at anytime whereas doctors are only open specific hours.
• It also is instant information whereas at hospital and doctors you have to wait to be seen to be told information.

Disadvantages

• May not be as beneficial as going to the hospital or doctors
• If you are physically ill and want to find out what is wrong with you by using the internet, firstly it will be hard to do. Secondly you may not get as much information as going to the doctors/hospital.

Driving applications- With the increase of people driving, you can apply for your driving license online, by a applying for your driving license you apply for your provisional license. Websites like direct gov enable you to do this.  However over website are set up specifically for driving applications. I believe millions of people using the internet this idea is very good. Its less hassle for people trying to apply for driving licences furthermore, it is also more convenient and can be done in the comfort of your own home, I believe that online applications is a very good idea.

Advantages of apply for driving licenses online

• They are quick and easy to do.
• The system helps by checking for errors.
• Applications can be made at any time – 24 hours a day 7 days a week, up until the closing dates.
• It is convenient you don’t need to travel to get the application form
• You don’t have to pay for postage
• It is instant
• There is no chance of the letter getting lost in the post

E Learning

Online Education

“E-learning” comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process. The term will still most likely be utilized to reference out-of-classroom and in-classroom educational experiences via technology, even as advances continue in regard to devices and curriculum.

Exams boards online- Learning is becoming more developed, technology is taking over and more learning is being done via the internet. Exam boards such as AQA publish their exams online after the exams have been sat by the pupils. Past papers are a handy source to help students achieve a high grade. Past papers are a sublime learning tool they can see exam style questions.  Advantages of using exam boards online are students can use this to help them revise and to see what the exam they sit will look like. In addition it can also be used for teachers as a way of testing the students by using the exam questions. These exam papers can also be accessed for testing the students by using the exam questions. These exam papers can also be accessed for free so it is convenient for users. However exams online can have its disadvantages, they are hard to find on the exam boards website, Its very time consuming to print the exam questions out because there is a lot of pages with unnecessary information on.

Bitesize- BBC Bitesize is the name given to the BBC's free online study support resource for school-age students in the United Kingdom It is designed to aid students in both school work and, for older students, exams. Bitesize use many different ways to engage students to help them revise. Some of these ways include games, quizzes, audio listening and message boards. All of these ways entertain the users and help them to learn. Bitesize was launched in 1998 and was created by the BBC to try and help develop students learning by using new ways of teaching.  Advantages of using bitesize are that bitesize is an interactive learning resource designed to help students learn in different ways, it’s effective and is very useful.  I use Bitesize a lot there is a wide range of ideas that help me to learn, There interactive diagrams with audio explaining about the diagram is a great way of understanding information its breaks it down and explains point by point, however some people may view this as a disadvantage its very tedious and take a long period of time to explain one topic.  Furthermore bitesize is only designed up to GCSE’s it doesn’t cater for higher education so for someone that enjoys using bitesize after they have done their GCSE’s bitesize can no longer be used.

 

Virtual learning environment- “A virtual learning environment is a collection of integrated tools enabling the management of online learning, providing a delivery mechanism, student tracking, assessment and access to resources its more commonly known as a VLE it is a computer program that facilitates computerized learning or e-learning. A more correct term may be a virtual environment for learning, rather than virtual learning environment. A student will normally work over the Internet and a VLE provides a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces. VLEs are often used in schools and other educational establishments in order to make the learning experience more interactive and with the technology of today all in done via the internet. With the modern technology increasing everyday programs like VLE are beginning designed to make it easier for students and teachers. I believe that VLE’s are a great learning tool, Their interactive easy to use. Work is easily set by teachers. An example of a VLE I use is frog the program is easy to use. Work is easily accessible, I believe that frog has developed my learning. There are resources on frog such as revision notes submitted by teachers that is really useful.

Advantages of using VLE

• The accessibility of the course is improved for students with special needs, and for distance learning and part time students. It can also make a difference to students in any category who learn best by being able to watch a video, or by interacting in a virtual environment instead of in the classroom, or by repeating their learning process at their own pace.
• Diversity issues include:
• range of learning preferences
• range of abilities
• revision function (at your own pace)
• Disability/special needs issues include:
• available in variety of formats/customisable
• no need to take notes (NB auditory impairment will require script or subtitles for video elements)
• available outside office hours (disabled students may need the assistance of a carer who works during the day)
• Instant feedback:
• progress
• no time lag between completion and marking
• correcting straight away
• self directed
• self paced
• Customisation:
• personalised study area
• Allows student to feel part of a learning community. The areas in which this is most effective are assessment and bulletin boards.

Disadvantages of using VLE

• difficult to change/update (unless you have an accompanying content management system)
• requires access to PC
• hard to take account of whatever hardware the students have to work with off-campus
• e-learning itself is not yet in line with established study patterns (for example, bulletin boards are unfamiliar as a way of learning)
• less opportunity for independent searching
• reduces face to face contact
• I have experienced work being set via VLE however it is hard to understand what work has been set.

Online Revision- Revision has become a lot easier for students nowadays revision programs and websites have been designed for students to make their lives a lot easier. Websites like bitesize have become a vital revision tool for students. A lot of revision done today is via the internet. In addition, I feel that without online revision websites, revision would be remotely harder. Revision websites have taken off massively in the last couple of years, with the increase of people using the internet , has resulted in more people using online revision websites. Advantages of using online revision websites are the websites are free, they cost nothing whereas revision books require a money fee. Furthermore, online revision websites can have all the information you need for your exams. They also cater for everyone’s need specific programs such as bitesize are for secondary school students only. Online revision has impacted my life massively. I think that online revision is the key to learning for the generation of today. However, online revision does have it negatives. These websites can result in spam and viruses and also some of the programs and websites may not be beneficial for the exam you are doing.

                             Online Research- The growth of the internet has allowed for research to be massively easier. Research can be done instantly and have a wide range of information that you have researched. Online encyclopaedias have also been made, for example websites like wikipedia are filled with information. I believe that because of the growth of the internet, research is easy to do and there is always something that will come up that is related to what you want to research about. In addition, the internet is also becoming more easy to use and this has impacted in research being easy to do.  I believe that research is a key aspect of the internet,6 in 10 people use the internet for research. Advantages of using research is you get a clear understanding of what you are researching, furthermore, the research is also easy to do and is quick. Although, online research can have its disadvantages again it can lead to viruses and spam messages by clicking on the wrong websites. In addition, it may not be reliable. Websites like wikipedia can be altered by anyone so the information you are getting told may be incorrect.

Ranking By ranking these elements of e learning 1 being the most important and 5 being the least important I believe that:
1.      The most important part of e learning is online revision. This is because it is so important in today’s society.  E learning is about learning via the internet and electrical devices. I believe that a huge aspect of e learning is done through online revision this is why I feel it is highly important. Furthermore, without online revision students would have a significantly harder challenge of learning. online revision websites and programs are very popular for students children and even adults.
2.      Second most important part of e learning is online research. This is because the growth of the internet has impacted dramatically on research, online research happens every second. Its good because it is easy to do and has instant results. It’s popular for all age groups and is again very important part of e learning.
3.      Third most important part of e learning is VLE. It is a crucial learning tool for students. The program allows for work to be set and work to be found. It is a good form of private study and is very effective with a wide range of advantages and a minimal amount of disadvantages. I believe it is very effective and is becoming more popular for students.
4.      Fourth most important part of e learning is exam boards online. This is because it is such an important resource for students.  I believe it a key aspect for learning, with these exam boards publishing their papers you can practice questions preparing you a lot better for exams.
5.      Fifth most important part of e learning is bitesize, although, it is a key aspect of learning it not as important as the other parts. Bitesize is an effective website and for students it is a great way of revising with all the necessary information you need. E Learning realises tremendously on websites like bitesize without these types of websites learning in general would be significantly harder.

E Commerce

Electronic commerce commonly referred to as e commerce, refers to the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. However, the term may refer to more than just buying and selling products online. It also includes the entire online process of developing, marketing, selling, delivering, servicing and paying for products and services. The first type of e commerce started in 1979 by a man named Michael Aldrich who invented online shopping. A large percentage of electronic commerce is conducted entirely in electronic form for virtual items such as access to premium content on a website, but mostly electronic commerce involves the transportation of physical items in some way. Online retailers are sometimes known as e-tailers and online retail is sometimes known as e-tail. Almost all big retailers are now electronically present on the World Wide Web. Further more online banking is also a huge aspect of e commerce.  Online banking is ubiquitous. Some businesses are being produced just for online banking this includes such websites as egg.

Online shopping for user- Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular. Companies are beginning to use the online shopping method, by producing a website for customers to view their products and be able to purchase products via the website so they can be delivered to the customer’s door without the customer going to the store. Therefore a huge element of online shopping for users is convenience. It saves hassle, time and fuel. In addition customers avoid the biggest problem of shopping today, queues is a huge problem for customers it takes up a lot of customers time and can result in them not coming back to stores because the customer service is so poor. So by using online shopping queues can be avoided.  Also if you want to purchase a large amount of products then carrying them can be hard, so by using online shopping you don’t have to carry the products and they are delivered to your door.  Product comparison is a major advantage of online shopping, by looking at products and comparing prices you can see what product is the best to purchase. Customer reviews can also be accessed when shopping online, whereas in stores a vast majority of stores don’t have customer reviews. Special deals is also more apparent online, stores buy in bulk and don’t have any money to spend on displaying the products therefore

Online shopping for the company owner- Shopping online has many pros and cons for the owner, the benefit of not having to store products allows for a lot of money to be saved, and can go towards improving the company. They can entertain each of their buyers by providing the right details and guidelines for buying which is always not possible in a real store because of many reasons like lack of manpower, lack of specialized staff etc. Such personalized acceptance of a customer helps to build faith in him and boast a long-term relationship with the seller. Such personalization builds goodwill and trust in the sellers. Business owners don’t need rent space or make purchases for selling their products. They can purchase at the time of orders resulting in cutting on their initial investments. The right delivery of goods on time would enable them to be trust worthy and get loyal customers. Payments can be received through online banking, credit/debit cards, or online payment. Online shopping means that the money comes into the company instantly.  Repeat purchase for online shopping the details of the customer can already be stored online. it may also have the favorite items making it easy for delivery.

Brick and click- is a business model which has an online service as well as a store. Additionally, many also offer telephone ordering as well, or at least provide telephone sales support. A popular example of the bricks and clicks model is when a chain of stores allows the customer to order products either online or physically in one of their stores, also allowing them to either pick-up their order directly at a local branch of the store or get it delivered to their home. There are many alternative combinations of this model. The brick and click model usually used by retailers, the model has typically been used by traditional retailers who have a wide range of products and supply chains, but are well known and often respected for their traditional physical presence. Part of the reason for its success is that it is far easier for a traditional retailer to establish an online presence, than it is for a start up a company to employ a successful purely online one, or for an online only retailer to establish a traditional presence, including a strong and well recognised brand, without having a large marketing budget.

Online banking advantages- Banking has developed dramatically in the last couple of years. Online banking is now a huge aspect to banking. Online banking has many advantages, for a start online banking is significantly easier the money is transferred into your account immediately. Your account is easily accessible and can be done in the comfort of your own home therefore avoiding the queuing.  In addition it can also be accessed 24 hours a day whereas stores are only open at limited times during the day. Furthermore it is also convenient once you have logged on once your details are stored, so you don’t have to go through the procedure of typing in all the information every time you log on. Online banking also has different however useful features For example, you can apply for credit cards, manage investments, and pay bills through your online account portal. You can also perform more mundane tasks such as ordering new checks, requesting additional deposit slips, or reporting a lost or stolen debit card.

This shows How natwest displays its online banking. The security is of a high proportion and to access your account details only requires two steps.

Online banking disadvantages-Online banking does however have its downfalls. It is still possible for identity theft or fraud to occur if you fall victim to a “phishing” site or otherwise have your sensitive account information compromised. In addition a huge problem with online banking involves your bank operating only online or simply does not have a branch office in your local area. You will not be able to reach a representative in person for discussion of account issues. Furthermore not all transactions are immediate. This is definitely the case with paper checks or money orders.  Online banking also requires some basic computer literacy and familiarity with navigating the Internet. Some people may not be comfortable with the concept therefore online banking won’t be suitable for them, this shows that online banking is not for all the generation some people find online banking a waste of time.

Ebay Advantages- Ebay is renounced for its wide range of products all at relatively cheap prices, ebay is a safe and secure website, the payment is all done through PayPal therefore any queries or problems your money can be refunded. All products displayed have a picture and description of the product, so all products are easily viewed with information regarding the product.  The “rating” is also a key aspect to the success of ebay, the seller has a star rating to how good the product was and if the product came within a reasonable time period, there is also a buyer rating which indicates if the money was transferred to the seller within a reasonable time of buying the product.

Ebay Disadvantages-Ebay however does also have some issues, some sellers will advertise a product then wait for a customer to buy the product, take the buyers money and not give them the product. Furthermore some products sold are fake or can also be stolen goods. Not knowing what state the product is in is a huge disadvantage. 10 percent of the money made by the seller goes to the ebay company therefore not a 100% of the profit goes to the seller.