Basic 9 · Computing · Technology in the Community
Technology in the Community: Proposing Solutions
In this topic you will analyse community problems further, research existing solutions and propose technology-based solutions to the problems identified.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Analyse the causes of a community problem
- Research existing solutions
- Propose a technology-based solution
What you already know
- Identifying community problems
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
- B9.1.2.1.1 – Evaluate problems in the community that can be solved with technology
Introduction
A doctor must find the cause before giving medicine. In the same way, you must analyse a problem before proposing a solution.
1. Looking for Root Causes
Root cause: The underlying reason for a problem.
Many problems have visible symptoms and hidden causes. If a school has a high number of absent learners, the visible problem is low attendance, but the root cause might be long distances, chores or illness. Solving the symptom may not fix the problem. A useful method is called the Five Whys. Ask "Why?" repeatedly until you reach the root cause.
Five Whys
Records of learners' fees often go missing. Find a root cause.
- Why do records go missing? They are kept on loose paper.
- Why on loose paper? There is no central record book.
- Why not? There is no agreed system.
- Why not? No one has been made responsible.
Answer: The root cause is the lack of a system and of a person responsible
2. Stakeholders
Stakeholder: A person affected by a problem or a solution.
| Stakeholder | Interest |
|---|---|
| bursar or teacher | easy recording |
| parents | accurate receipts |
| learners | fair treatment |
| head teacher | reports |
| Ghana Education Service | good records |
Speak with stakeholders. Each of them sees the problem differently, and a solution must work for those who will use it. People tend to resist solutions that are forced upon them, but they support those they helped to create.
3. Understanding Constraints
| Constraint | Example |
|---|---|
| cost | little money for computers |
| power | unreliable electricity |
| internet | poor network |
| skills | users not used to computers |
| time | short school term |
| privacy | sensitive data |
4. Mapping the Current Process
Draw how things are done now, step by step. For instance, how is a fee payment recorded today? A simple flowchart shows where things go wrong, such as a step that takes too long or depends on one person. Knowing the process helps you to see where technology could help. Often, a small improvement at one step can make a large difference.
5. Drawing Conclusions
At the end of your analysis, you should be able to state the root cause, the people affected, the constraints and what a good solution would need to do. This is your set of requirements. For example: "It must work without internet, must be simple and must keep records for several years." Requirements stop you from falling in love with a clever idea that does not solve the problem.
New words
- root cause
- The underlying reason for a problem.
- stakeholder
- A person affected by a problem.
- constraint
- A limit on a solution.
- requirement
- Something a solution must do.
Summary
- Find root causes by asking why repeatedly.
- Talk with stakeholders about their needs.
- Identify constraints and requirements.
Class activity: Five Whys
- Choose your community problem.
- Ask why five times.
- List the stakeholders and constraints.
You need: Desktop computer, Mobile phone, Printed photographs of a Ghanaian clinic, Market
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A person affected by a problem is a…
- A. stakeholder
- B. cursor
- C. server
- D. stranger
Show answer
Answer: stakeholderTerm.2. The Five Whys finds the…
- A. root cause
- B. font size
- C. printer
- D. battery
Show answer
Answer: root causeAnalysis.3. Poor internet can be a constraint.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLimit.4. A limit on a solution is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: constraintTerm.5. List three constraints on technology solutions.
Show answer
Answer: Cost, power and skills.Any three.6. Why should a problem be analysed before proposing a solution?
Show answer
Answer: So that the solution addresses the root cause, not just symptoms.Analysis.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B9.1.2.1.2 – Propose solutions to the problems identified
Introduction
Now that you understand the problem, you can start imagining solutions.
1. Generating Solutions
Think of as many possibilities as you can before picking one. For the school records problem, ideas might include a spreadsheet, a simple database, an SMS receipt system or a mobile app. Ask what already exists, as you might be able to use or adapt a tool. A free spreadsheet could solve a problem that does not need a costly new app.
2. Researching Existing Solutions
| Source | Example |
|---|---|
| the internet | search for similar projects |
| people | ask ICT teachers |
| local organisations | ask a district office |
| case studies | learn from Ghanaian start-ups |
| trial use | try free tools |
3. Types of Solutions
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| website | information for many people |
| mobile app | services for smartphone users |
| SMS or USSD | users of simple phones |
| spreadsheet | small records and calculations |
| database | large records |
| sensor system | monitoring water or temperature |
| online form | surveys and reports |
4. Comparing Options
Comparing options
For a records system, compare a spreadsheet and a mobile app. The spreadsheet scores 5 for cost, 4 for ease and 3 for features. The app scores 2, 3 and 5. Which one is the better choice?
- Spreadsheet: 5 + 4 + 3 = 12.
- App: 2 + 3 + 5 = 10.
Answer: The spreadsheet is the better choice for now
Be honest about the costs of a solution, including equipment, data, training and maintenance. A solution that cannot be maintained will fail when the person who built it leaves.
5. Writing a Proposal
- State the problem and evidence.
- Describe your solution.
- Explain how it works and who will use it.
- List the resources and costs.
- Describe the benefits.
- Note risks and how to manage them.
A proposal persuades others to support an idea. Keep it short and clear. Use simple diagrams, and avoid unnecessary technical words. Check that it includes privacy and safety, particularly if it uses personal information. Share it with your stakeholders, and improve it with their feedback.
New words
- proposal
- A written plan to persuade others.
- start-up
- A new business, often using technology.
- maintenance
- Keeping something working.
- spreadsheet
- A program for tables and calculations.
Summary
- Generate many solutions and research what exists.
- Choose a type of solution to suit your users.
- Compare options and write a clear proposal.
Class activity: Proposal Pitch
- Write a one-page proposal.
- Pitch it to the class in two minutes.
- Answer questions.
You need: Desktop computer, Mobile phone, Printed photographs of a Ghanaian clinic, Market
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A written plan to persuade others is a…
- A. proposal
- B. virus
- C. backup
- D. printer
Show answer
Answer: proposalWriting.2. Which suits users of simple phones?
- A. SMS
- B. 3D games
- C. VR
- D. large downloads
Show answer
Answer: SMSAccess.3. Existing tools may solve a problem.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueResearch.4. Keeping something working is ______.
Show answer
Answer: maintenanceSupport.5. State four parts of a proposal.
Show answer
Answer: Problem, solution, costs and benefits.Any four.6. Why might a spreadsheet be better than an app?
Show answer
Answer: It is cheaper, easier to maintain and does not need programming.Judgement.
Homework
- Write a short proposal for one technology solution.