Transformative Technologies Course Notes 2021

1. TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGIES. Supplementary Course Notes.

[Audio] Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, which has brought about incredible progress in many aspects of life, such as healthcare, communication, and production. The industrial revolutions commenced a huge modification of our lives - from mechanisation of production in the first revolution to the development of integrated circuit chips and computers in the third revolution, also known as the digital revolution. Technology is continually evolving and offers new prospects, aiding us in tackling the toughest problems of our day..

[Audio] We will be examining the transformative technologies that are shaping industry, such as 4IR, Digital Transformation, Broadband, 5G, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, ChatGPT, Artificial Reality, Virtual Reality, Wearables, 3D Printing, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and Education. 4IR is the umbrella term that is used to cover this new wave of technological advancement, however in many cases, disruption seems more applicable than revolution. Digital Disruption is already happening, and this is affecting the separation of business models, products, services or experiences, due to data and technology. Businesses are being compelled to consider or alter their operations and strategies accordingly. Digital Transformation is the process of amending an organisation from before, and encompasses changes made by leadership, different thinking, innovation, digitisation and increased use of technology. To summarise, Digital Transformation can be categorised into four trends: Empowered Customers, the Value of Customer Data, Automation and Artificial Intelligence, and Advanced Analytics. Customers having more power, data being used to comprehend behaviour, and analytics being used to gain insights, are all by-products of this transformation..

[Audio] TDTs, or Transformative Digital Technologies, have had a major impact on customer service and industries. Examples of TDTs include Broadband, 5G networks, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Blockchain. Customers now expect personalized service, convenience, transparency and integration across services. Companies are attempting to meet these demands, as well as the effects of globalization, which have led to the evolution, redefinition and merging of industries. Broadband is considered the base of the other technologies, and without it these other TDTs would not be able to function. In the coming slides, we will look further into the impacts of TDTs on customer service and industries..

[Audio] Understanding the impact of transformative technologies is essential as we proceed with this course. The existing fiber networks on the continent, including the SAT-2 and WACS cable, provide faster speeds and increased capacity. 5G technology opens up the possibility of even higher download speeds and a more integrated experience with technology. Additionally, the Internet of Things or network of things make mass transit solutions and video surveillance more cost-effective and efficient. This combination of technologies help us maximize our potential in the digital age..

[Audio] Without greetings, without beginning with Today, and without thanks: Students, in this slide we will discuss the many transformative technologies that are driving industry forward. These include 4IR, Digital Transformation, Broadband, 5G, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, ChatGPT, Artificial Reality, Virtual Reality, Wearables, 3D Printing, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and Education. We will focus on Artificial Intelligence or AI, and the benefits and examples of AI in everyday life. Dynamic road signage is one example of AI in action. Sensors and cameras on highways can display traffic status, lane closures and travel times automatically. Smart energy solutions are also being implemented to reduce energy emissions by monitoring power and water usage. We're all familiar with the numerous benefits of AI. AI can offer 24/7 availability, unbiased decisions, faster decision making, pattern identification and the automation of repetitive tasks. Banking is a great example of AI in action; when you travel and the bank detects unusual activity, that's AI at work. Photography is another place you'll find AI, with companies like Google or Facebook automatically making albums with a person's face. AI is beginning to revolutionize the world of agriculture in Africa. FarmDrive is a Kenyan data analysis start-up that uses mobile phones, alternative data and machine learning to close the data gap preventing financial institutions from lending to creditworthy smallholder farmers. That concludes our discussion of AI and its usage in the world of transformative technologies..

[Audio] We discussed transformative technologies that have revolutionized the way we educate. These technologies include digital transformation, broadband, 5G, internet of things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, chatGPT, artificial reality, virtual reality, wearables, 3D printing, blockchain, cloud computing, and cyber security. An example of remote sensing data is the Sowing App which helps farmers in their harvest. Blue River Technology's See & Spray machine uses computer vision and AI to manage crops. Benefits of these technologies include personalized learning, task automation, and closing of the skill gap. AI-embedded games, automated tasks in virtual classrooms, and ML-powered software solutions offer students with affordable and accessible opportunities to upskill. This concludes our discussion on transformative technologies in education..

[Audio] Facial recognition systems have become increasingly common due to their ability to compare similarity between two faces to verify a person's identity. They function by first determining if an image contains a face before attempting to verify it. Despite their advantageous qualities, facial recognition systems generate serious concerns regarding privacy since there is no control over how the data is used. Furthermore, there is evidence that facial recognition systems are often racially biased, as has been demonstrated in various studies. Therefore, it is imperative to take into account the ethical implications of using such technologies..

[Audio] Augmented reality is a technology that can be used to add digital elements to the real world. Snapchat is a great example of this, with users applying digital filters to their faces. An even more popular example is Pokémon Go, a game where users can see their surroundings with additional digital content. In education, augmented reality is being used to keep students engaged and interested in their studies. It can also help understanding of content, as teachers can create immersive experiences that ensure their students truly understand the material. Furthermore, it is cost effective and encourages collaboration, as AR content can be shared easily..