Basic 9 · Computing · Components of Computers
Next-Generation Computers and Perceptual Computing
In this topic you will discuss the trends in the next generation of computers and examine the concept of perceptual computing.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Discuss trends in next-generation computing
- Explain perceptual computing
- Give examples of perceptual computing in daily life
What you already know
- Generations of computers
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
- Components of Computers
- Indicator
- B9.1.1.1.1 – Discuss the trends in the next generation of computers
Introduction
A smartphone in your pocket has far more power than the computers that helped put people on the Moon. What comes next?
1. The Direction of Change
Every generation of computers has become smaller, faster and cheaper. The fifth generation is built around artificial intelligence, which means computers that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. New computers do not only follow fixed instructions. Many can learn from data, recognise patterns and improve over time. Devices are also being connected to each other, so that computing power is spread across the world.
2. Key Trends
| Trend | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| artificial intelligence | machines that learn and decide | chatbots, translation apps |
| quantum computing | uses quantum effects to solve certain problems | research computers |
| Internet of Things | everyday devices linked online | smart meters, sensors |
| cloud computing | services delivered over the internet | online storage |
| wearable computing | devices worn on the body | smartwatches |
| nanotechnology | extremely small components | tiny sensors |
| robotics | machines doing physical work | factory robots |
3. Artificial Intelligence
AI systems learn by being trained on huge amounts of data. In medicine, they help to study scans. In farming, they can identify crop diseases from photographs. Translation tools can now handle some Ghanaian languages, and research in this area is continuing. AI has limits, though. It can make mistakes, and it can be unfair if its training data is biased. Humans must check its outputs, particularly in important decisions.
4. Quantum and Cloud Computing
Ordinary computers use bits, which are 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can represent 0 and 1 at the same time in a special way. This might one day solve certain problems much faster, such as designing new medicines. They are still mostly in research laboratories. Cloud computing is already here. It allows you to store files and run programs on powerful remote servers, using just a phone or a laptop and an internet connection.
5. Benefits and Challenges
| Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
| faster solutions to hard problems | loss of some jobs |
| better health and farming tools | privacy concerns |
| new kinds of jobs | digital divide |
| improved access to information | energy use |
The digital divide is the gap between those with and without access to technology. Ghana needs reliable electricity, affordable internet and strong education to benefit from these trends. Young people who learn computing skills now will be well placed to help.
New words
- artificial intelligence
- Machines doing tasks that need human intelligence.
- quantum computer
- A computer that uses qubits.
- Internet of Things
- Everyday devices connected online.
- digital divide
- The gap in access to technology.
Summary
- Computers keep becoming smaller, faster and smarter.
- Key trends are AI, quantum, cloud, IoT and robotics.
- These bring benefits and challenges, including the digital divide.
Class activity: Future Debate
- Debate whether AI will help or harm jobs in Ghana.
- Give evidence for your side.
- Summarise both views.
You need: Desktop computer, Computer processor, Printed photographs of computer generations
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. AI stands for…
- A. artificial intelligence
- B. automatic internet
- C. advanced input
- D. all information
Show answer
Answer: artificial intelligenceTerm.2. Quantum computers use…
- A. qubits
- B. candles
- C. punched cards only
- D. vacuum tubes
Show answer
Answer: qubitsUnit.3. Cloud computing uses remote servers.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOnline.4. Everyday devices connected online form the Internet of ______.
Show answer
Answer: ThingsIoT.5. Name three trends in computing.
Show answer
Answer: AI, cloud computing and robotics.Any three.6. Why should humans check AI outputs?
Show answer
Answer: AI can make mistakes and be biased, so people must verify important decisions.Limits.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Components of Computers
- Indicator
- B9.1.1.1.2 – Examine the concept of Perceptual Computing
Introduction
You can unlock a phone with your face or ask it a question aloud. The computer is learning to see, hear and understand you.
1. What Is Perceptual Computing?
Perceptual computing: Technology that allows computers to sense and respond to human actions, such as speech, gestures and facial expressions.
For decades, people have had to learn the language of computers, using keyboards and mice. Perceptual computing turns this around: computers learn to interact in natural, human ways. A computer uses sensors, cameras and microphones to gather information, and software interprets it. The term was made popular by the technology company Intel, and similar ideas now appear in phones, games and cars.
2. Types of Perceptual Input
| Input | How it works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| speech recognition | turns spoken words into text or commands | voice assistants |
| facial recognition | identifies faces | phone unlock |
| gesture control | reads hand movements | game consoles |
| eye tracking | follows where a person looks | assistive technology |
| touch and pressure | detects touch | touchscreens |
| emotion detection | reads expressions | research systems |
3. How It Works
- A sensor, camera or microphone gathers data.
- Software converts it into digital form.
- AI recognises patterns in the data.
- The computer decides what the person wants.
- The computer responds with an action.
This depends on large amounts of training data. A speech system must hear many voices to understand accents, including Ghanaian English and local languages. Systems that were trained on limited data may work less well for some people, and this is why inclusive data matters.
4. Uses in Daily Life
Perceptual computing has many helpful uses. People with visual impairments can use voice commands and screen readers. Those who cannot use their hands can control computers with their eyes. Drivers can operate systems by voice and keep their hands on the wheel. Cameras in factories can detect faulty goods. In health, computers can monitor patients' movements and call for help when they fall.
5. Privacy and Ethics
Devices that see and hear raise important questions. A smart speaker listens for a wake word, and a camera can record faces. Who stores this data, and how is it used? Facial recognition has made errors, and it has been more likely to make mistakes with darker skin tones in some systems. Ghana's Data Protection Act gives people rights over their personal data. Users should read the settings, and turn off features that they do not need. New technology should respect people's dignity and freedom.
New words
- perceptual computing
- Computers that sense human actions.
- speech recognition
- Turning speech into text or commands.
- gesture
- A movement of the body used as a signal.
- sensor
- A device that detects changes.
Summary
- Perceptual computing lets people interact naturally with computers.
- It uses speech, gestures, faces and eye movement.
- It offers benefits but raises privacy issues.
Class activity: Voice Test
- Use voice typing on a phone, if available.
- Compare the output with what was said.
- Note errors with Ghanaian names.
You need: Webcam, Microphone, Touch-screen smartphone
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is perceptual computing?
- A. unlocking a phone with your face
- B. typing on paper
- C. reading a book
- D. riding a bike
Show answer
Answer: unlocking a phone with your faceExample.2. Turning speech into text is…
- A. speech recognition
- B. word wrap
- C. formatting
- D. phishing
Show answer
Answer: speech recognitionDefinition.3. Eye tracking can help people with disabilities.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAssistive.4. A device that detects changes is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: sensorInput.5. State three forms of perceptual input.
Show answer
Answer: Speech, gesture and facial recognition.Any three.6. Why does training data matter in perceptual computing?
Show answer
Answer: Systems understand only what they were trained on, so limited data excludes some people.Inclusive design.
Homework
- Find three examples of perceptual computing in your community and describe them.