Basic 7 · Computing · Technology in the Community
Benefits of Technology Tools and the Impact of Computers on the Environment
In this topic you will discuss the benefits of using technology tools for learning and examine how computers and their disposal affect the environment and human health.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Describe the benefits of technology tools for learning
- Explain what e-waste is and how it is produced
- Examine the negative effects of computers and e-waste on the environment and health
What you already know
- Technology tools for learning
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B7.1.2.1.3 – Discuss the benefits of using technology tools in learning
Introduction
A learner in a small village can now watch a science lesson recorded in Accra, practise English with an app and send homework to a teacher by phone. Technology tools bring learning closer to everyone.
1. Main Benefits
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| access to information | learners can find information quickly from e-books, websites and videos |
| learning at one's own pace | learners can pause, repeat and practise until they understand |
| engagement | games, videos and animations make lessons interesting |
| practice and feedback | quizzes and apps mark answers instantly |
| collaboration | learners share ideas and work together using shared documents and messages |
| creativity | learners create presentations, animations, music and art |
| support for special needs | screen readers, enlarged text and voice input help learners with disabilities |
| saving time and resources | digital notes reduce the cost of paper and printing |
2. Benefits for Teachers
Teachers also benefit from technology. They can show videos and diagrams with a projector, prepare lessons faster, keep records of marks in spreadsheets, communicate with parents and learn new teaching methods through online courses.
3. Learning Anywhere, Anytime
During the COVID-19 school closures in 2020, many Ghanaian learners continued studying through television lessons, radio broadcasts and online platforms. This showed that technology can keep learning going even when schools are closed, although learners without devices or electricity were left behind.
4. Balancing the Benefits
The benefits of technology depend on how it is used. Too much screen time can harm health and reduce face-to-face interaction. Learners may find false information online or be distracted by games and social media. To get the most from technology, combine it with reading, discussion, practical work and play.
5. Bridging the Digital Divide
Digital divide: The gap between people who have access to computers and the internet and those who do not.
In Ghana, many rural schools lack computers, electricity or internet access. Programmes that supply laptops, build community ICT centres and extend mobile networks help to reduce the digital divide so that all learners can enjoy the benefits of technology.
New words
- engagement
- Being interested and actively involved in learning.
- collaboration
- Working together to achieve a goal.
- screen reader
- Software that reads text on the screen aloud.
- digital divide
- The gap in access to technology between groups of people.
Summary
- Technology tools give access to information, self-paced learning and instant feedback.
- They support collaboration, creativity and learners with special needs.
- Benefits must be balanced against health risks and distraction; the digital divide must be reduced.
Class activity: Benefit Debate
- In groups, list three benefits of technology tools for learning with examples.
- Rotate through a computer, phone and calculator and note one benefit of each.
- Present your benefits and respond to one challenge raised by another group.
You need: Desktop computer, Mobile phone, Calculator
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Software that reads screen text aloud is a…
- A. screen reader
- B. spreadsheet
- C. scanner
- D. plotter
Show answer
Answer: screen readerHelps visually impaired learners.2. The gap between people with and without access to technology is the…
- A. digital divide
- B. data cable
- C. cloud
- D. firewall
Show answer
Answer: digital divideUnequal access.3. Technology tools can give learners instant feedback.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueQuizzes mark answers instantly.4. Working together to achieve a goal is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: collaborationTeamwork.5. State three benefits of technology tools for learning.
Show answer
Answer: Access to information, self-paced learning, instant feedback (or engagement, collaboration, creativity).Any three.6. Explain how technology helped learning during the COVID-19 school closures.
Show answer
Answer: Lessons were delivered by TV, radio and online platforms so learners could study at home.Learning continued.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B7.1.2.1.4 – Examine the negative impact of computers and computer use on the environment
Introduction
When a computer or phone stops working, where does it go? Too often it ends up on a dump, where it is burned to recover metals. This releases poisons into the air, soil and water.
1. What Is E-Waste?
E-waste: Electrical and electronic equipment that has been thrown away, such as old computers, phones, televisions, printers, batteries and cables.
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the world because people replace devices often. Ghana also receives used electronics from other countries; some of them are already broken and quickly become waste.
2. Harmful Substances in E-Waste
| Substance | Found in | Effect on health |
|---|---|---|
| lead | old monitors, circuit boards, solder | damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children |
| mercury | some screens and switches | harms the brain, kidneys and lungs |
| cadmium | rechargeable batteries, circuit boards | damages kidneys and bones |
| brominated flame retardants | plastic casings | may disturb hormones |
| PVC plastic | cable coverings | releases toxic smoke when burned |
3. Unsafe Disposal Practices
At informal e-waste sites, such as the former Agbogbloshie scrapyard in Accra, workers, including young people, burned cables to recover copper and broke devices by hand. The thick black smoke carried toxic chemicals into the air. Chemicals also soaked into the soil and nearby water, such as the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon, harming people, animals and fish.
4. Other Environmental Effects of Computers
- Computers use electricity, much of which is produced by burning fuels that release greenhouse gases.
- Mining metals for devices, such as gold, copper and rare metals, damages land and water.
- Making devices uses large amounts of water and energy.
- Plastics from devices do not rot and pollute the environment for a long time.
5. Effects on Human Health
People who live or work near unsafe e-waste sites may suffer from breathing problems, skin diseases, headaches, damage to the nervous system and other serious illnesses. Children are especially at risk because their bodies are still developing. For this reason, learners must never collect, dismantle or burn electronic waste themselves.
Safety: Do not open, break or burn old electronic devices. Batteries can leak acid or catch fire, and old screens contain harmful substances.
New words
- e-waste
- Discarded electrical and electronic equipment.
- toxic
- Poisonous and harmful to living things.
- greenhouse gas
- A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
- informal recycling
- Unsafe recycling done without proper equipment or rules.
Summary
- E-waste is discarded electronic equipment and is growing quickly.
- It contains toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium.
- Burning and dumping e-waste pollutes air, soil and water and harms health.
Class activity: E-Waste Photo Study
- Study printed photographs of how electronic devices are disposed of in different places.
- Observe sealed examples of discarded computer parts without opening them.
- List three negative effects on the environment and health, and present them.
You need: Printed photographs of e-waste, Sealed examples of discarded computer parts, Clean de-energized teacher-supplied computer parts
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is an example of e-waste?
- A. An old mobile phone
- B. A banana peel
- C. A paper bag
- D. A glass bottle
Show answer
Answer: An old mobile phoneDiscarded electronics.2. Which harmful substance in e-waste damages the brain, especially in children?
- A. Lead
- B. Oxygen
- C. Water
- D. Salt
Show answer
Answer: LeadA toxic metal.3. Burning cables to recover copper releases toxic smoke.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBurning PVC releases poisons.4. Poisonous and harmful substances are described as ______.
Show answer
Answer: toxicPoisonous.5. State three negative effects of e-waste on the environment.
Show answer
Answer: Air pollution from burning, soil contamination, water pollution.Any three.6. Explain why children should never dismantle or burn electronic waste.
Show answer
Answer: E-waste contains toxic substances and sharp parts; children's developing bodies are easily harmed by the poisons, and batteries can leak or explode.Health and safety.
Homework
- Count the electronic devices in your home and find out what your family does with broken ones.