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Ethics, Culture & the Environment

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  • Open your Learning Journal
    Complete Task 1 in your Learning Journal
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What do I need to Learn?

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I need to learn how to understand and explain the issues in regards to Wireless Networking
I need to learn how to understand and explain the issues in regards to Cracking
I need to learn how to understand and explain the issues in regards to Wearable technologies
I need to learn how to understand and explain the issues in regards to Computer based implants
I need to learn how to understand and explain the issues in regards to Autonomous vehicles

Key Terms

Right to privacy Cookies informed consent Ethical issues Cultural issues Environmental issues UPS.

Task 1 - Cloud Storage Click to see more

Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impacts of Cloud Storage

Overview

Cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet. These servers, maintained by companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, provide users with a range of benefits including scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, there are important ethical, legal, and environmental considerations to examine.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ethical Issues:
    • Data privacy concerns, as personal or sensitive information is stored on third-party servers.
    • Transparency in how companies use, share, or sell stored data.
  • Legal Issues:
    • Adherence to data protection laws like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the EU.
    • Jurisdictional challenges due to data stored in multiple countries.
  • Environmental Issues:
    • Energy consumption of data centers and their carbon footprint.
    • Efforts by companies to use renewable energy for cloud operations.

Sample Exam Question

Question (10 marks): Discuss the ethical, legal, and environmental impacts of cloud storage. In your answer, include examples of how companies can address these issues.

Marking Scheme:

  • Up to 4 marks for identifying key ethical, legal, and environmental issues.
  • Up to 3 marks for explaining the issues with specific examples.
  • Up to 3 marks for discussing potential solutions or mitigations.

Additional Resources

Microsoft Sustainability in the Cloud

Google Cloud

Google Cloud Sustainability

AWS Cloud

AWS Sustainability Practices

Task 2 - Wearable Technologies Click to see more

Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impacts of Wearable Technologies

Overview

Wearable technologies include devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and augmented reality glasses. These devices collect and process user data, offering benefits such as health monitoring and hands-free interaction. However, ethical, legal, and environmental concerns.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ethical Issues:
    • Privacy concerns due to constant data collection by wearable devices.
    • Potential misuse of biometric data by third parties.
  • Legal Issues:
    • Regulatory challenges surrounding data security and protection.
    • Compliance with data protection laws such as GDPR.
  • Environmental Issues:
    • E-waste generated by obsolete or discarded wearable devices.
    • Manufacturing and disposal processes contributing to environmental degradation.

Sample Exam Question

Question (10 marks): Evaluate the ethical, legal, and environmental impacts of wearable technologies. Provide examples to support your arguments and suggest ways to mitigate these impacts.

Marking Scheme:

  • Up to 4 marks for identifying key ethical, legal, and environmental issues.
  • Up to 3 marks for providing specific examples of the issues.
  • Up to 3 marks for suggesting practical mitigation strategies.

Additional Resources

Apple Environmental Initiatives

Fitbit Sustainability Practices

Garmin Sustainability Efforts

Task 3 - Computer-Based Implants Click to see more

Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impacts of Computer-Based Implants

Overview

Computer-based implants include technologies such as cochlear implants, pacemakers, and brain-computer interfaces. These implants integrate with biological systems to enhance or restore functionality. While these devices provide life-changing benefits, they alsop>

Key Discussion Points

  • Ethical Issues:
    • Potential loss of personal autonomy if implants are controlled externally.
    • Privacy concerns with devices that monitor or transmit health data.
  • Legal Issues:
    • Liability in cases where a malfunction causes harm.
    • Ownership and control of personal data collected by implants.
  • Environmental Issues:
    • E-waste generated when implants are replaced or discarded.
    • Challenges in recycling the materials used in implants.

Sample Exam Question

Question (10 marks): Discuss the ethical, legal, and environmental impacts of computer-based implants, providing examples and suggesting ways to address these issues.

Marking Scheme:

  • Up to 4 marks for identifying key ethical, legal, and environmental issues.
  • Up to 3 marks for examples supporting each issue.
  • Up to 3 marks for suggesting potential solutions or mitigations.

Additional Resources

Cochlear Implants - Official Website

Medtronic Pacemakers

Neuralink - Brain-Computer Interface

Task 4 - Autonomous Vehicles Click to see more

Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles

Overview

Autonomous vehicles are self-driving cars that use artificial intelligence, sensors, and cameras to navigate withoutize transportation but come with significant ethical, legal, and environmental challenges.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ethical Issues:
    • Decision-making in crash scenarios (e.g., who or what to prioritize).
    • Potential job loss in industries like trucking and taxi services.
  • Legal Issues:
    • Liability when accidents occur: the manufacturer, programmer, or owner?
    • Adherence to traffic laws across different regions and countries.
  • Environmental Issues:
    • Impact of large-scale production of autonomous vehicles on resources.
    • Energy consumption of AI systems and sensors used in vehicles.

Sample Exam Question

Question (10 marks): Evaluate the ethical, legal, and environmental impacts of autonomous vehicles. Include examples and propose solutions to address these challenges.

Marking Scheme:

  • Up to 4 marks for identifying key ethical, legal, and environmental issues.
  • Up to 3 marks for examples supporting each issue.
  • Up to 3 marks for or mitigations.

Additional Resources

Tesla - Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo - Self-Driving Cars

Embark Trucks - Autonomous Freight

Task 5 - Exam help Click to see more

Answering Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impact Questions

1. Understand the Question

  • Read the question carefully and underline key words like "ethical," "legal," "environmental" and any specific technology mentioned (e.g., cloud storage, wearable technologies).

  • Ask yourself: "What does the question want me to discuss?" and "Do I need to give examples or solutions?"

    • 2. Use the "3-Point Plan" (Ethical, Legal, Environmental)

    For each point, follow this structure:

    • State the issue: What is the ethical, legal, or environmental concern?
    • Explain the issue: Why is it a problem? Who does it affect, and how?
    • Give an example: Add a simple, real-life example if possible.

    3. Plan Your Answer

    Use this structure to organize your response:

    • Introduction: Briefly explain the technology mentioned in the question and why it is important (1-2 sentences).
    • Main Body: Write a paragraph for each of the 3 points (ethical, legal, environmental). Follow the steps from the 3-Point Plan.
    • Conclusion: Summarize the main issues and, if the question asks, suggest 1-2 simple solutions.

    4. Example Plan for a 10-Mark Question

    Question: "Discuss the ethical, legal, and environmental impacts of wearable technologies. Provide examples to support your arguments."

    • as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are popular for monitoring health and fitness. However, they raise ethical, legal, and environmental issues that must be considered.
    • Ethical:
      • State: Wearable devices collect personal data, like heart rate and location.
      • Explain: This can be misused if companies share data without consent.
      • Example: A fitness tracker selling users' health data to insurance companies.
    • Legal:
      • State: Companies must follow data protection laws, like GDPR.
      • Explain: If data is stored insecurely, hackers could access sensitive information.
      • Example: A smartwatch app being hacked and exposing users' private data.
    • Environmental:
      • State: Wearables contribute to e-waste when discarded.
      • Explain: Materials used in these devices, like batteries, can harm the environment.
      • Example: Old smartwatches ending up in landfill sites.
    • Conclusion: Wearable technologies have benefits but also raise privacy, legal, and environmental challenges. Companies could use better security measures and eco-friendly designs to reduce these issues.

    5. Use Sentence Starters

    • For Ethical Issues:
      • "One ethical concern is..."
      • "This is a problem because..."
      • "For example, if..."
    • For Legal Issues:
      • "A legal issue with this technology is..."
      • "This is important because..."
      • "An example of this is..."
    • For Environmental Issues:
      • "The environmental impact of this technology includes..."
      • "This happens because..."
      • "For example, many devices..."

    6. Check Your Work

    After writing your answer, ask yourself:

    • Have you written about ethical, legal, and environmental points?
    • Have you explained each point clearly?
    • Did you give examples?
    • Is your answer in clear paragraphs?

    Guide created for AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525 specification.

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    Lesson Notes

    Ethics, Culture & the Environment
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    Revision

    Ethics, Culture & the Environment
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    Video

    Privacy Issues
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    Video

    Environmental Issues
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    Video

    Impacts and Risks