Lesson No.3 ICT in Science, Mathematics, Modeling and Simulation

Lesson No.3 ICT in Science, Mathematics, Modeling and Simulation

1. Write a short note on role ICT in Science with examples.. Ans. The use of Computers, the associated Hardware, Software and other digital equipment allows ICT to be used in Science in the following areas: Collection of Scientific Data: Using ICT tools such as the Internet, email, newsgroups, blogs and conferencing, the collection of data is faster, easier and more accurate. This improves the quality of results. Example: Computer controlled equipment can be used to directly record and store real time measurements. To establish certain abstract concepts: Some concepts which cannot be proved easily explained can be understood very well through computer technology. Example: The Structure of the Atom can be more easily explained using a PowerPoint presentation or an animation. For demonstration of experiments: In Science many experiments cannot be demonstrated live. However using ICT one can easily understand these experiments. Computer Simulations are used extensively for demonstration of various concepts. Example: The study of Volcanoes, the human digestive system, or our Solar System becomes easy using ICT tools. For Prediction: Since collection of data becomes easy using ICT tools, we can use this data to predict events. The existing data can be extrapolated to understand things for which there is no direct information available. Example: ICT is used extensively in Weather Prediction and Remote Sensing applications. For Interactive Education: Understanding scientific concepts becomes easy when interactive methods are used. Students can interact with the software and easily grasp complex scientific topics. Example: Most educational software provides teaching in an interactive way.

2. Write a short note on role ICT in Mathematics with examples. Since the computer is capable of performing a large number of complicated calculations in a short time, it is easy to use ICT in learning Mathematics. ICT is used in Mathematics in the following areas. Use of GUI: The use of a GUI provides a quick way to visually study the effect of changing values or parameters in a given calculation. Example: 3-D image of graphs, cuboids, etc. Observing Patterns: Using a Mathematics software allows us to observe the effects of changing values. These varying values can be then studied for invariance and covariance. Example: Using Geogebra, we can draw a geometric figure and then study the effect of changing the lengths of the sides or of the angles. Observing Links: The Mathematics software allows formulae, tables of numbers and graphs can be linked readily. By changing values we can observe the connection between them. Example: In Geogebra we can input two equations and plot them in the Graphical View. The connection between these two equations will then be shown graphically. Visualizing images: ICT has several tools which allow one to manipulate diagrams dynamically. This encourages them to visualize diagrams or graphs as they develop. Example: A 3-D image of a Cuboids can be used to solve Pythagoras’ theorem. Exploring Data: By using Computers a student can work with real data that can be represented in different ways. Students can take part in online surveys for collecting information and exploring it in a graphical way.

3. Define Modeling.     What is Modeling? Explain with suitable examples Modeling is a computer program that attempts to display a real life system. It is a virtual version of something in a real world. It is the representation of three dimensional objects on the computer, using software designed for the purpose. Examples: ·         War Games and Disaster management in which computer offers a safe, inexpensive means of creating or recreating events without the loss of life or property. ·         Computer Models of a ship can be built. This can be viewed in 3-D on the Computer with a facility to Zoom and rotate in selected areas. This allows us to study which Computer Model is best and then decide to build a real ship. ·         Computer car model is used to investigate its engine life. ·         A weather system model can be used to predict storms.

4. Define Simulation.     What is Simulation? Explain with suitable examples Simulation is the technique of studying the behavior of a real world system by building a computer version of it. The use of a simulator also begins with building a Computer Model of a Real life system. One or more Variable of the Model is changed so that we can study its effect. Simulation can be used to show the eventual real effects of alternative conditions and courses of action in a particular system. Examples ·         Testing of Explosive materials ·         Simulation of Nuclear explosion ·         Pilot training system ·         Games of War, Racing, etc.. ·         The laws of physics relating to fluid dynamics can be programmed in the Model of a ship. The user can then change variables such as speed or weight of the ship and study the stability of the ship under different situations.

5. Compare modeling and simulation. Differences: Modeling Simulation 1 A Computer Model is a digital representation of a real life system. Using mathematical formulae and graphics programs, a virtual version of a real world system can be created. Simulation is the technique of studying the behavior of a real world system by building a computer version of it. One or more Variable of the Model is changed so that we can study its effect. 2 A model is considered to be static because it does not change. A simulator on the other hand is considered to be dynamic because the variables that govern the performance of the model change. 3 A computer model tries to represent a real life situation. A simulation can also be used to study imaginary or impossible situations. (e.g. life on Mars) 4 For example, Computer Models of a ship can be built. This can be viewed in 3-D on the Computer with a facility to Zoom and rotate in selected areas. This allows us to study which Computer Model is best and then decide to build a real ship For example, the laws of physics relating to fluid dynamics can be programmed in the Model of a ship. The user can then change variables such as speed or weight of the ship and study the stability of the ship under different situations. Similarities: (A) Both computer modeling and simulations are computer applications which represent a real world or imaginary system. (B) Both computer modeling and simulations help designers to save time and money.

6. Explain the benefits of Modeling and Simulation. ·         Since both modeling and simulation involves building Computer Models, rather than real ones, they result in a huge savings in cost. ·         Modeling and Simulations are cheaper, faster and easier than making and testing different real life models. ·         It can be used at any time and tested for number of times. ·         It is fast, easy to use and improves the efficiency of the user. ·         It has having many different aspects or features and is flexible and dynamic.

1. Potential of ICT

Answer in brief

i. Define Information Communication Technology.

Ans -> The term Information and Communication Technologies  refers forms of technology that are used to transmit, process, store,  create, display, share or exchange information by electronic means. ICT include such technologies as radio, television, video, DVD, telephone, satellite systems and computer and hardware and software as well as equipment and services associated with these technologies such as video conferencing, email , blogs, etc.

The six elements of ICT are  (1) People, (2) Information,(3) Communication, (4) Procedure, (5) Hardware, (6) Software.

ii. Define information highway.

Ans -> The information superhighway is an ever-growing global information and communication network of fibre optic cables that links computer and other communication networks, such as telephone networks, cable television networks and satellite communication networks.

       Information as well as audio and video services are available through the Internet. All types of information are digitalized and packetted before transmission over the Internet, each packet contains packet routing and assembly instructions called protocols. The protocols give the destination, return address and how the receiving computer can rearrange packets back in to the original information.

iii. Define Knowledge society.

Ans -> The term knowledge society generally refers to a society where knowledge is the primary production resource instead of capital and labour. A knowledge society creates, share and uses knowledge for the prosperity and well-being of its people.

iv. Write two roles of educator to promote literacy.

Ans -> The key ways in which educators will need to mentor and guide learners in ICT environment are as follows:

·         Planner - Proper planning and execution is necessary to ensure that future generation is equipped with the skills to derive maximum benefit from the use of ICT.

·         Teaching - Students should experience computer aided teaching.  Students should also have the opportunity to use various software in practical class and do assignment for effective learning.

·         Examiner – With the help of ICT, tutorial assignments and test papers as well as their results, can be posted online.

Answer the following questions.

i. Explain the scope of ICT

Ans ->  Education is a lifelong activity ICT enables flexible learning environment.  The advantages of ICT in education are as follows.

*  The world wide web (WWW) is a vast collection of knowledge, Even a villager can search WWW for the latest information, reference books, teaching techniques, information about curriculum and text books, etc are readily available on the Internet.

*  Open universities, distance education resources through ICT are the new avenues for employed people to acquire knowledge. ICT enables learning anywhere anytime with an economic manner.

*  Television is one of the best communication mediums to educate students, farmers etc. TV showing video clips of  difficult experiments or advanced surgical methods, innovative agricultural procedures etc.

*  Educational Cds, DVDs help students from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG)

*  LCD projectors can be used for computer aided teaching and interactive learning in the classroom.

*  Online examinations and tests will solve problems, such as availability of personnel, human mistakes etc.

ii. Explain knowledge society for ICT, education and development.

Ans -> Knowledge has replaced industrial organization and production as the major source of productivity. Knowledge society, where knowledge is the primary production resource instead of capital and labour. Globalization and the changing world economy are driving a transition to knowledge based economic growths.

     Education is very important in the knowledge society.  It is seen as (i) a source of basic skills, (ii) foundation for development of new knowledge and innovation, and (iii) A mechanism for socio-economic development.

     ICT is the enabler for both innovation and education-with our which a knowledge society cannot be realized, supported or further developed.

iii. What are challenging skill requirements?

Ans ->  Because of computerisation and globalisation, the labour force need  to be higher skilled and information literate. Thus education systems need to emphasise developing the following key skills.

1.  Basic skills:  Teaching advanced skills must be preceded by a strong foundation of basic reading writing and mathematics.

(a)  Reading - As computer technology and increased global competition accelerate the rate of economic change the need for reading has increased correspondingly.

(b)  Writing - Effective and repaid information exchange through documentation or emails requires the ability to write clearly and persuasively.

(c) Mathematics - Computers have transformed concrete processes in to numerical abstractions.  The use of these abstract models now pervades many jobs and has turned many people into mathematics consumers.

2.  Advanced skills:  These involve tasks that cannot be accomplished by following a set of rules and, therefore, cannot be computerised.

(a)  Expert thinking involves information processing to solve problems for which there are no rule-based solution and must be solved through understanding of the underlying relationships.

(b)  The skill of complex communication involves social interactions to acquire information, explaining and making effective arguments.

iv. Explain the transformative impact of ICT.
Ans-> ICTs are able to reach students in any place at any time. This has a potential to promote revolutionary changes in the traditional educational model.

* 1.A school may adopt a dual shift system. Students will attend school for half a day and spend the other half in educational activities at home, in a library, or in any other unconventional setting.

* 2. ICT can provide courses for small rural or urban schools to teach mathematics, science and foreign languages through multimedia CDs or online.

* 3. Teachers can use radio, TV or online instruction and multimedia materials for teaching among several schools.

* 4. With the help of ICT, experts from distant cities can teach the online courses.

* 5. ICT can make multi-grade schools viable in areas with low population density. Teacher can attend certain students for individual attention and other students can listen to educational program or interact with multimedia computer software.

    What is a Blog?