Computers in A Networked Society U5

WUC 118/03
Computers in a
Networked Society
Unit 5 Living in the
21 Century
st
with
Technology
Contents
Unit overview 1
Unit objectives 2
5.1 Open Educational Resources, Massive Open Online Courses 3

and Mobile Learning
Objectives 3
Introduction 3
The purpose of the OER movement 4
The benefits and challenges of OER 5
Massive Open Online Courses: Definition and types 6
What is mobile learning? 9
The benefits and challenges of m-learning 10
Suggested answers to activities 12
5.2 E-commerce 13
Objectives 13
Introduction 13
E-commerce: Definition and purpose 13
Types of e-commerce 15
The pros and cons of e-commerce 18
Suggested answers to activity 22
5.3 Creativity and productivity enhancement 24
Objectives 24
Introduction 24
How does technology enhance creativity? 24

How does technology enhance productivity? 26

Suggested answers to activity 30
5.4 Technology-related health and social issues 31
Objectives 31
Introduction 31
Technology-related health risks 31
Social issues that technology has created 33
Suggested answer to activity 36
5.5 Keeping up with technology 37
Objectives 37
Introduction 37
Why is it important to keep abreast of technology trends? 37
The latest Internet technologies 40
Suggested answer to activity 43
Summary of Unit 5 44
Course summary 45
Unit practice exercise 47
Suggested answers to self-tests 48
Suggested answers to unit practice exercise 57
References 59
Glossary 60
Unit Overview
This unit is divided into five sections. The first section discusses the
various types of online learning resources and courses that are available
to us, such as Open Educational Resources, Massive Open Online
Courses and mobile learning.
As e-commerce has become part of our lives, it is important for us to

understand the purpose and the different types of e-commerce. In the
second section, e-commerce is covered in detail and its pros and cons
are listed.
A brief discussion of how technology enhances productivity and creativity

is provided in the third section.
The fourth section explains how technology affects our health and creates
social issues that we have to grapple with.
Since technology is growing constantly, it is important for us to know

technology trends. The final section of this unit covers the latest trends
in computer technology.
1 WUC 118/03 Computers in a Networked Society

Unit Objectives
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Differentiate between Open Educational Resources,

Massive Open Online Course and mobile learning.
2. Identify the benefits and challenges of using Open

Educational Resources and mobile learning.
3. Discuss the purpose of e-commerce and list the types of

e-commerce.
4. Describe how technology enhances productivity and

creativity.
5. Explain the health and social issues that technology has

created.
6. Describe the latest trends in computer technology.
UNIT 5 Living in the 21st century with technology 2

5.1 Open Educational
Resources, Massive Open
Online Courses and
Mobile Learning
Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
1. Define Open Educational Resources.
2. Discuss the benefits and challenges of Open Educational

Resources.
3. Describe the various types of Massive Open Online

Courses.
4. Explain the benefits and challenges of mobile learning.
Introduction
Open Educational Resources (OER), Massive Open Online Courses
(MOOCs) and mobile learning (m-learning) serve various purposes such
as providing free educational resources and distance learning. The main
users of these technologies are working adults, tertiary-level students,
teachers and university professors. These technologies are not only
used in educational institutions but are also used by various industries
for training purposes. In this section, the various aspects of OER, MOOC
and m-learning will be discussed.

The purpose of the OER movement
OER provides openly licensed and public domain resources for teaching,
learning and research which can be used for free. OER consists of
complete course materials, textbooks, software, videos and other
educational resources which are usually shared through the Internet.
The OER movement also provides tools for creating, using, reusing
and sharing educational material. The movement is growing rapidly
because it is supported by various foundations and institutions around
the world.
The use of open-source course management systems like Moodle is

evidence of the success of the OER movement. It has also assisted
in open-content initiatives such as the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology’s (MIT) OpenCourseWare project. The MIT OpenCourseWare
project is the oldest and highest-profile OER initiative (it was initiated in
2002) and its model has been replicated by many colleges and universities
globally.
Various foundations and institutions fund OER programmes. The initial

grant for MIT’s OpenCourseWare project was given by the Hewlett
Foundation and since then various foundations and governments have
taken an interest in contributing to OER projects. Today, OER initiatives are
in the position to expand access to quality education. OER programmes
have contributed to education in many ways, including:
• Expounding the value of open access to educational

resources and provoking the world’s leading universities into
accomplishing their social missions.
• Creating a sense of “openness” and forming the essential

legal infrastructure for OER.
• Bringing learning to a broader population of students via

open online textbooks and courses.

• Providing educational resources to a large number of
teachers around the world.
• Producing and assisting a community of educators and

learners devoted to the acceptance that openly licensed
educational resources are able to deliver excellent quality at a
lower cost and advanced learning outcomes.
Web Reference
To learn more about OER, try typing the keywords “OER Commons”
in your Web search engine or go to the following site:
https://www.oercommons.org/
The benefits and challenges of OER

Using OER broadens our knowledge and fosters pedagogical innovation
and relevance. It gives teachers the opportunity to use alternative
textbooks while maintaining instructional quality. By adopting OER,
students save on textbook and supplemental material costs. Educational
institutions also reduce their costs by not having to subscribe to or
purchase pricy educational materials. OER are often up-to-date resources
that help us to keep up with the latest changes in our fields of study. As
OER are open to everyone, people around the world will be using the
same high-quality resources regardless of their location and financial
circumstances. Another benefit of adopting OER is that there will be
continuous improvement and development of the resources based on
feedback from various institutions and students.

Although OER brings benefits to teachers, students and self-learners,
it is hard for them to judge the quality and relevance of the resources.
Many users are persuaded that the resources are of good quality simply
because they are provided by reputable educational institutions. There
is no universal standard for OER accuracy and quality at this time.
Sustaining OER is a challenge because funding may cease after a few

years and no proper sustainability model fits OER although there are
various kinds of OER providers. It is thus vital for institutions to plan
for the long-term stability and viability of their OER programmes before
embarking on such programmes.
Activity 5.1
Form a group of 2 or 3 learners and discuss the following

questions:
1. How are OER different from other online educational

materials?
2. What are the possible drawbacks of using OER?
3. Have you benefited from using OER?
Massive Open Online Courses: Definition and types

A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a Web-based distance
learning programme which is free and designed for a large number of
geographically dispersed students. In 2008, Dave Cormier and Bryan
Alexander coined the term “MOOC” to refer to an open online course
designed and taught by George Siemens (Athabasca University) and
Stephen Downes (The National Research Council).

The following are the features of MOOCs:
• Course participants are most likely to be distributed all over the

world.
• The contents of the course are located or can be found all over
the Web.
• Participants can interact not only in online classrooms but also

via personal blogs, social networking sites, websites and other
online methods.
• Course materials are free except for the assessments.
The following are the types of MOOC:
• An xMOOC is structured on the traditional classroom. It has

pre-recorded lecture videos with assessments. It is more
teacher-centred rather than a community of students. An xMOOC
focuses on knowledge duplication rather than knowledge
creation. However, xMOOCs cover more and more topics every
day and such courses can be found on edX, Udacity, Open2Study,
Coursera and NovoEd.
• The “c” in cMOOC stands for “connectivist”, which means that

learners in cMOOCs use digital platforms like social media, blogs
and wikis to make connections with other learners. Through these
platforms, learners share and build knowledge. The participants
play dual roles as teachers and learners as they exchange
information with each other and engage in discussions.
Figure 5.1 shows the definition of MOOC and the types of MOOCs.

cMOOCs Open xMOOCs
MOOCs apply technologies

Connectivist and platforms which are already Non-connectivist
MOOCs available on the Internet and MOOCs
freely accessible to everyone.
Focuses on the “open”

Emphasises the content and
aspect of the concept and MOOCs the “online” aspect of the
the ability to learn by creating
concept
networks of connections
Massive Online Courses
An unlimited number of students Courses are conducted on the Has predefined learning goals
can enrol in the courses (could Internet and there is rarely an and paths, although they may
reach thousands) offline version vary throughout the course
Figure 5.1 MOOCs — definition and types

Source: Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (http://openaccess.uoc.edu/webapps/o2/bitstream/10609/21661/6/MOOCsDefinition.png)
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license.

Web Reference
To know more about the free courses that are available on edX,
go to the following site:
https://www.edx.org/
What is mobile learning?

Mobile learning (m-learning) is learning through the Internet by using
personal mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.
Learning materials can be obtained via mobile apps, online educational
hubs and social interactions. By using mobile apps and tools, students
can download course instructions, complete and upload assignments,
and work in online social groups to complete tasks. M-learning is not only
flexible for students to use; it provides ways for educational institutions to
deliver knowledge and educational content to students on any platform,
at any place and at any time.
M-learning is ideal for delivering small chunks of learning, brief texts,

and short assessments and case studies to participants on a spaced
basis. It is suitable for the younger generation, especially those who do
not prefer conventional teaching. Since communication through a mobile
device is an expected function of daily life for most young people, using
it as a learning platform can motivate and encourage them to complete
their courses.

The benefits and challenges of m-learning
M-learning provides new opportunities for learning. Learners can access
information using various types of mobile devices at any time and place
and at their own pace. It gives them the opportunity to continue to
learn while on the move. It promotes divergent thinking because of the
constant change in learning environments. The way in which collaborating
participants think advances due to the unexpected challenges, new
ideas and opportunities presented by m-learning. It also enhances
interaction between instructors and learners and provides learners with
wider access to resources such as online conferences, industry experts
and professionals. With m-learning, learners can practice and undergo
focused self-centred learning. Due to the micro-learning approach and
higher engagement nature of m-learning, it is easier for participants to
initiate, complete and retain learning better.
One drawback of using m-learning is that it gives students the opportunity

to cheat if there is no monitoring system in place. Non-technical students
may find it more challenging to use m-learning compared to technically
savvy students. Students and instructors who do not have an Internet
connection on their mobile or have limited bandwidth will feel isolated
when they are unable to communicate with other instructors and
students. In addition, there will always be unexpected distractions during
m-learning due to notifications, messages and calls that may be received
while accessing educational content online.
To access online courses may require a mobile device to have a high level
of functionality. If their current mobile device has limited functionality,
students may need to invest in a more expensive device. If there is no
proper device standardisation, m-learning could be a challenge since
instructors may have problems in keeping all their students at the same
level if their smartphones and tablets use different operating systems
and hardware. This may cause some students to be unable to engage
in online discussions or to access coursework.

Activity 5.2
Try out a MOOC on your mobile phone or tablet and then give
your opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of MOOCs and
m-learning.
Summary
This section explored Open Educational Resources (OER), Massive

Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and mobile learning (m-learning).
You should now be aware of the benefits and challenges of OER
and m-learning and be able to identify the various types of MOOC.
Self-test 5.1
1. Define MOOC.
2. Explain the various types of MOOC.
3. Describe m-learning.
4. List the benefits and challenges of m-learning.

Suggested answers to activities
Feedback
Activity 5.1
This is a discussion activity, so answers will vary. Students who

have used OER should share their experience with their course
mates.
Activity 5.2
You should provide your opinion based on your trial of at least

one MOOC using a mobile device.

5.2 E-Commerce
Objectives
1. Explain the concept of e-commerce.
2. Describe the various types of e-commerce.
3. State the pros and cons of e-commerce.
Introduction
Many companies use e-commerce platforms to trade in goods and
services electronically. E-commerce is carried out with low overhead
costs and it often does not even require a company to have a physical
storefront. Today, many of us use e-commerce to buy and sell goods
and services. It is thus important to understand the various types of
e-commerce and the pros and cons of using it.
E-commerce: Definition and purpose

E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the marketing, buying and selling
of goods and services on the Internet. The concept of e-commerce
encompasses various categories of business activities, namely
electronic data interchange, online funds transfer, data collection,
Internet marketing, online transaction processing and supply chain
management. The infrastructure of e-commerce consists of computer

networks in which computers and other electronic devices are connected
via telecommunication networks. E-commerce can be defined from the
following perspectives:
• From the perspective of communication, e-commerce uses

computer networks or other electronic modes to deliver
information, products, services, orders and payments.
• From the perspective of business processes, e-commerce is a

technology that applies automation to business transactions
and workflows.
• From the perspective of service, e-commerce is a tool to provide

for the needs of firms, consumers and management. It reduces
transaction costs, improves the quality of services, and boosts
the speed of delivery.
• From the online perspective, e-commerce enables the buying

and selling of products, services and information via the Internet.
The following are examples of how companies and their customers have
benefited from e-commerce:
• The revenue of Amazon.com has grown tremendously since it

started its online bookstore in 1995. It celebrated its 20th birthday
with a market capitalisation of more than US$245 billion.
• Courier companies like FedEx and UPS provide an easy way for
their customers to track packages and pick-up schedules via
the Web.

E-commerce enables businesses to gain customers worldwide. Potential
customers will have the opportunity to be aware of a business through
its online presence. With e-commerce, businesses are able to provide
dedicated services and they and customers can frequently interact even
after the sales process is completed.
Many businesses dive into e-commerce without understanding why

customers are embracing particular technologies. It is important for
businesses to understand their customers’ preferences if they want
to have effective and successful e-commerce strategies. Businesses
must always know what is attracting customers to certain technologies,
assess whether their online engagement channels are effectively fulfilling
customers’ needs and check whether they can provide the required
technology to engage customers. Usually, customers are drawn to
technologies and devices which provide the following: convenience,
experience, relevance and value.
Types of e-commerce
Before considering the various types of e-commerce, let us first
understand the following e-commerce licensing models:
1. On-premise e-commerce requires one-time licensing fees

and an initial setup investment in hardware and installation
services. Additionally, it requires annual fees for software
updates, support, data migration and maintenance. On-premise
e-commerce platforms are reliable in terms of performance
and are simple to customise and secure.
2. Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud-based e-commerce

delivery model which is paid for on a subscription basis. Every
application is hosted and managed in a service provider’s
data ntre. It is affordable and upgraded by the provider.
However, it lacks data security and subscribing companies
do not have full control over the system.

3. Open-source e-commerce is a free platform and enables users
to configure the software on their servers. Users can install,
maintain and secure their own servers. To use this platform
requires basic technical knowledge of Web design and
development. The user can access and modify the source code,
which is free of charge. There is a wide range of add-ons available
to increase the functionality of open-source e-commerce
platforms and it is easy to customise their source code. However,
an open-source website’s performance depends on how much
the business is willing to spend on hosting.
The following are the various types of e-commerce:
1. Business-to-Business (B2B)
The B2B environment enables companies to sell their goods

and services online to other companies. For instance, Heinz
sells sauces to McDonald’s using e-commerce.
Heinz
Supplies (Business)
McDonald’s Order
(Business) processing
Orders
Website
Sells
Consumers

2. Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
In the B2C environment, companies sell their goods and

services online directly to consumers. Anyone can view
B2C e-commerce Web stores. For instance, Dell sells their
computers to end users via their own website.
Dell
Supplies (Business)
Order
Consumers processing
Orders Website
3. Business-to-Government (B2G)
B2G e-commerce is conducted between the public sector

and businesses. For instance, a business organisation can
sell goods and services to government agencies, go through
licensing procedures or pay taxes via a B2G website.
Business Website Government

4. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)
In C2C, a consumer sells products to another consumer. For

instance, consumers sell and buy products from each other
on eBay.
Places advertisement
eBay
(C2C platform)
Sell product Buy product
Product
Consumer A Consumer B
Money
5. Mobile commerce (m-commerce)
In m-commerce, consumers use mobile wireless technology

devices such as smartphones to buy and sell products and
services. For instance, mobile banking can be performed using
smartphones.
The pros and cons of e-commerce
The following are some of the pros and cons of e-commerce.
Pros
1. E-commerce acts as an equaliser by allowing start-up and

small and medium enterprises to enter the global market.

2. E-commerce enables mass customisation by applying
easy-to-use ordering systems which permit consumers to
select and purchase goods that are customised to their
personal and unique specifications.
3. E-commerce allows consumers to shop or carry out other

transactions from anywhere in the world, round the clock, 365
days a year. Additionally, consumers have a wide selection of
retailers, goods and services to choose from, thus enabling them
to make direct comparisons.
4. Consumers have the opportunity to access vast amounts of

information on goods and services online. There is price
transparency, so consumers can make appropriate buying
decisions.
5. E-commerce provides consumers and companies with the

opportunity to interact with each other and to build their
relationship.
6. E-commerce permits many innovative business models and

decreases the time between the commencement of an idea
and its commercialisation. It enables efficient processes by
minimising administrative overhead, simplifying processes,
increasing process flexibility and introducing new business
partners.
7. E-commerce benefits society in many ways, such as by

providing individuals the opportunity to work from home,
allowing people from rural areas to buy goods and services
that were unavailable to them in the past, and providing public
services like health care at lower cost and improved quality.

Cons
1. To develop an e-commerce platform in-house requires a large

investment and a considerable amount of knowledge.
Organisations that spend on the development of an e-commerce
platform must be able to quantify the benefits such as increased
sales and improved marketing and customer service. The
benefits can only be achieved once the e-commerce platform
is established and recognised in the market.
2. Hosting e-commerce on the right platform is vital. If the platform

frequently crashes, no one will be able to buy from the website
and this will lead to frustrated customers not returning.
3. There are consumers who are reluctant to buy from an unknown

faceless seller, and many of them prefer to physically touch and
see the actual products before they commit to purchasing
them. Many consumers do not trust electronic payment
systems and paperless transactions.
4. Purchasing products from e-commerce websites is quick and

easy but receiving the products may take a long time. Sometimes,
purchased items might not reach their destination, and this will
affect both the customers and the business.
5. Consumers expect immediate responses to their messages

but most e-commerce companies are not able to provide fast
replies. For example, they are unable to respond immediately
due to the time zone the customer is in or when there are
no customer service representatives available. This may cause
consumers to become impatient and shop somewhere else.

Activity 5.3
Please refer to http://www.retail-square.com/shops/home-plus

to answer the following questions.
1. Why did Home Plus create virtual stores?
2. Explain the virtual store’s process flow (how the user

interface is displayed, consumers’ actions, etc).
3. Describe how the virtual store impacts consumers and

businesses.
Summary
This section discussed e-commerce and explained its purpose.

The various types of e-commerce and licensing models were
covered. Although e-commerce provides significant benefits
to consumers, businesses and the economy in general, it has
its challenges. At the end of this section, the pros and cons of
e-commerce were discussed.

Self-test 5.2
1. Explain the concept of e-commerce.
2. List the three factors that are required to have efficient and
successful e-commerce.
3. Describe the various types of e-commerce.
4. State at least three pros and three cons of e-commerce.
Suggested answers to activity
Feedback
Activity 5.3
1. Home Plus created the virtual store to help people in their

daily lives and to free them from the usual hassles of grocery
shopping.
2. Consumers will choose grocery items from the display which

looks exactly like that in an actual store. They will use
smartphones to shop by scanning the QR code on items.
The selected items will automatically be listed in the online
shopping cart. Finally, the items will be delivered to the
consumers’ doorsteps.

3. Impact on consumers: They can shop while waiting for their
train; it gives them the opportunity to rest after a long day of
work rather than running errands; they don’t need to go to a
store.
Impact on businesses: Consumers can use their smartphones

to browse the Home Plus mall, online sales will increase due
to the convenience.

5.3 Creativity and
Productivity Enhancement
Objectives
1. Explain how technology enhances creativity.
2. Explain how technology enhances productivity.
Introduction
Many of us do not realise that technology enhances our creativity and
productivity in various areas. The more we explore new technologies,
the more our creativity and productivity are boosted. In this section,
how technology enhances creativity and improves productivity will be
discussed.
How does technology enhance creativity?

The technological era has changed our mindset in various ways and
it has enhanced our creativity. Creativity and technology complement
each other. Creativity comes from how we observe the world and how
we interpret it. It brings us new concepts and ideas. Technology enables
us to see the world differently by accessing information from anywhere
in the world.

Technology makes us creative since it opens our minds up to more
complex ideas and provides us with ways to come up with innovative
products and applications. For instance, writing a blog can enhance your
creativity and bridge the gap with society. By sharing your thoughts and
opinions online and interacting with your readers, your thinking process
can be enhanced and you can become more innovative.
The digital revolution has produced a huge number of innovative products

and services which have transformed our daily lives. These innovations
have levelled the gap between supply and consumer demand. For
instance, 3D printing has increased creativity by enabling designers to
produce prototypes of innovative products quickly and cheaply.
Figure 5.2 3D printing

Source: Pixabay
Many universities are using technology to enhance their students’

learning. For instance, they use video conferencing to enable guest
speakers from around the world to share their knowledge and experience
with students. By introducing various technologies into their classrooms,
universities can raise the quality of discussion and involve students more
deeply. Technology has changed teaching styles and helped lecturers
to be more creative and innovative in preparing educational materials.

Technology has also provided a creative way to manage agricultural
farms. Agricultural drones are deployed to check for storm damage,
monitor the progress of crops, and ensure that crops and herds are
healthy.
Figure 5.3 Agricultural drone being used to monitor crops

Source: Pixabay
Technology helps in almost every creative endeavour these days. For

instance, the movie industry uses computers to create special effects
in movies. The music industry uses Auto-Tune and pitch corrector
technology to enhance songs. With the wide range of tools available
to them, designers and artists have become creative and innovative
in producing trendy designs and unique structures. With the help of
technology, many of us can learn to think out of the box and create
amazing things.
How does technology enhance productivity?

It is important for businesses and organisations to adopt new technologies
and dare to be innovative since using technology will increase their
productivity. There are various ways for a business or organisation to
increase productivity by applying technology; for instance, by using
computing, data management and automation.

Technology enables smooth collaboration among employees, business
partners, vendors and consumers and it improves efficiency and reduces
costs. Employees can complete many tasks from anywhere and at
any time. Allowing employees to use computers, phones and tablets
in comfortable areas will not only please them but lead to increases in
productivity. Since employees are online, installing a video conferencing
solution on their computers and phones will help a company to reduce
travelling costs and time. Moreover, companies are moving towards giving
their employees the option to work offsite so that they can reduce the
overhead costs that are needed to maintain large workspaces.
Companies can provide excellent customer service by streamlining

customer communications using technology. Fast and knowledgeable
services can be provided by using technology. Connecting Customer
Relationship Management (CRM) applications to employees’ devices
gives them easy access to customer details and enables them to track
the status of a prospect. These applications not only increase consistency
in customer relations, they also enhance productivity and profitability.
Customer relations technology helps companies to be organised and
efficient.
As organisations and businesses are connected to online databases,

employees can easily insert and access data from anywhere. For
instance, cloud-based time-tracking software permits employees who
are frequently on the road to keep track of their mileage, hours and
expenses. Other cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and
Evernote help employees to be well organised. These services help to
reduce the tedious work of storing, arranging, securing and finding files.
Many organisations use collaboration suites like Microsoft Teams or Slack
to enhance productivity. Such suites provide all-in-one environments in
which employees can discuss, plan and execute work. They increase
productivity by minimising meeting time and motivating employees to
communicate.

Technology has also improved the education system. Many working
adults now have the opportunity to further their studies through online
virtual classes and borderless education. Such educational technologies
save students travelling costs and time.
By using 3D printing technology, businesses can fulfil customers’

requirements by producing prototypes rapidly and at a low cost. Products
can be produced on demand and close to where they are required. This
helps to reduce inventories and improve logistics.
Activity 5.4
Label the following statements as either true or false.
1. Technology and creativity complement each other.
2. Technology does not open our minds to complex ideas.
3. Innovation has levelled the gap between supply and

consumer demand.
4. Universities are providing creative teaching materials and

changing learning styles by using technology.
5. Permitting employees to work in comfortable areas and use

their own devices will not increase their productivity.
6. To save on overhead costs, companies are moving towards

the option of allowing employees to work offsite.
7. Customer Relationship Management decreases consistency

in customer relations, but it enhances productivity and
profitability.

8. Connecting with online databases will make us more
organised and efficient in completing our tasks.
9. Organisations that use collaboration suites are more

efficient and increase productivity by minimising meetings
and motivating employees to communicate.
10. The 3D printing technology is unable to produce prototypes

in a short period and meet consumers’ demands.
Summary
This section discussed how technology has changed our

mindsets and boosted our creativity in various areas. It makes
us innovative and encourages us to think outside the box in
developing products and services. Technology also makes us
productive in many ways.
Self-test 5.3
1. Differentiate between creativity and technology.
2. Discuss how technology makes you creative.
3. Explain how technology brings productivity to the workplace.

4. Describe how technology helps companies to provide
excellent customer service.
5. Explain how working adults can further their education

while working.
Suggested answers to activity
Feedback
Activity 5.4
1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. True
10. False

5.4 Technology-related
Health and Social Issues
Objectives
1. Discuss how technology affects our health.
2. Explain the social issues that technology has created.
Introduction
Being overly connected to technology can lead to psychological
problems such as the expectation of instant gratification, narcissism,
distraction and even depression. Apart from affecting our mental health,
overuse of technology has other negative repercussions on our physical
health (e.g., vision problems and neck strain). This section discusses
technology-related health risks and social issues.
Technology-related health risks

The rapid growth of technology is affecting the health of Millennials
(people born from 1977 to 1995) due to their hyper-connected lives. It is
also affecting the health of other generations, for instance, Gen Z (people
born after 1996), Gen X (1965 to 1976) and others. However, these are
the people who best capitalise on new technologies by effectively finding

and sifting through huge amounts of information quickly. Unfortunately,
there are times when technology can cause us to become impatient,
distract us and make us yearn for continuous entertainment.
A professor from California State University named Larry Rosen (2013)

stated that many people can currently be diagnosed with “iDisorder”. A
person with iDisorder shows signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders
such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), addiction, narcissism
and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the overuse
of technology. A person with iDisorder is an obsessive person who
frequently checks for text messages, is anxious to constantly update his
or her Facebook status, or is addicted to smartphone games. Students
are losing focus due to their being connected to social media frequently
and being preoccupied with wondering whether anyone is trying to
contact them or comment on their status.
Technology not only affects a user’s mental health but it also has negative
repercussions on physical health. For instance, spending hours a day
browsing the Internet, reading on electronic readers, typing on laptops
and texting on smartphones can affect our eyesight. Staring at bright
screens for hours can lead to headaches, dry eyes and eye strain.
Bending our heads down for hours while working on laptops creates poor
posture for the neck and holding smartphones between the neck and
shoulder can strain our necks. Many of us are constantly plugged into our
iPod, smartphone or laptop to listen to music or watch movies, but using
earphones can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. Some of us like to place
our smartphone beside the bed while sleeping and this causes hyper-
vigilance. This happens when you are subconsciously expecting phone
calls or text messages, and can lead to sleep deprivation or insomnia.
We spend a lot of time typing on keyboards, swiping on smartphone

screens or texting messages but we do not realise that by doing all that
we are putting stress on our muscles, tendons and nerves, especially
those in our hands, shoulders, neck, wrists and arms.

Figure 5.4 Spending hours on the smartphone affects our health
Source: PxHere
Spending hours in front of a screen working, watching movies or playing

video games can lead to obesity. This is due to the lack of movement
and the propensity for eating junk food while sitting in front of a screen.
Obesity can cause diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and
other health problems.
If we use technology wisely and are aware of its health impacts, there is
a greater chance that we will not suffer from physical and mental health
problems caused by technology.
Social issues that technology has created

Technology has caused a reduction in social skills and communication
breakdowns because many of us are engrossed with our tablet,
smartphone or laptop. For instance, when people sit down together for a
meal nowadays, there is often minimal interaction among them because
most of them will be staring at their device’s screen. We create our own

world and isolate ourselves from the people around us by listening to
music on our iPod or reading something on a smartphone screen.
Another common social issue is fraudulent activity such as identity theft.

In identity theft, the personal details of someone are stolen by criminals
and used for malicious reasons. In addition, terrorists and organised
criminals exploit technology for their own agendas. We depend on the
Internet for various purposes, however, every move that we make online
can be tracked and our location can be traced via our Internet Protocol
(IP) address.
Cyberbullying not only involves children and teenagers, it also affects

adults. There are victims of cyberbullying who have become depressed
and they tend to suffer in silence. Cyberstalking is also on the rise; stalkers
use e-mail, social networks or digital devices to harass, annoy or threaten
their victims. Cyberstalking victims suffer from anxiety, depression and
isolation, and are extremely cautious of their surroundings.
Online gambling impacts every generation and leads to social issues

and financial problems. Many people are addicted to online gambling
and struggle to break away from this addiction.
Due to the increased demand for new technologies, many manufacturing

and processing companies have grown rapidly. While they work hard
to create technologies to fulfil our needs, they also release harmful
chemicals and gases into the environment, and these cause problems
such as global warming and air pollution. The demand for smartphones
and other devices grows day by day, and while this is good news for
manufacturers, it is unfortunately bad news for Mother Nature. Such
devices need natural resources like aluminium, and once these are
extracted from the earth, they will never return. Future generations and
the economy will be affected when these natural resources are exhausted.

Activity 5.5
Form a group of 2 to 3 students and share your experiences

on how technology has affected our health and created social
issues.
Summary
This section discussed how technology can negatively affect our

physical and mental health and how we must be careful not to
become its victims. Technology has also created numerous social
issues that we and future generations will have to face.
Self-test 5.4
1. List psychiatric disorders which are caused by the overuse

of technology.
2. Explain how technology affects our physical health.
3. Identify the social issues that technology has created.
4. How can technology-related health risks be avoided?
5. How can manufacturers and processing industries reduce

their impact on nature?

Suggested answer to activity
Feedback
Activity 5.5
Answers will vary as this is a discussion activity. You can share

your experiences or explain your findings from your preferred
sources.

5.5 Keeping Up With
Technology
Objectives
1. Explain why keeping up with technology trends is

important.
2. Describe the methods to keep up with technology.
3. List the latest Internet technologies.
Introduction
Technology pervades every facet of our lives and it is inescapable. It
determines how we work, play and live our lives. This section explains
why it is important for us to keep up with technology trends. It also briefly
describes the latest Internet technologies.
Why is it important to keep abreast of technology

trends?
Keeping up with trends in technology is vital for any company and it
influences company growth. Technology gives companies networking
capabilities and they will have the opportunity to branch out into
new areas. Companies that embrace new technology will have new
opportunities.

By following trends in technology, technology-oriented businesses can
spot future product demands. If a company does not keep abreast of
technology, it may be giving its competitors an edge. This is especially
important to companies that wish to build a successful online business
which depends on the latest technology and its ability to reach people
in new and innovative ways.
To help businesses stay organised and protect their customers’

confidential information, advanced office systems and secure cloud
servers are needed. This is where technological innovation assists
companies to streamline their processes and significantly reduce the
need for paper files. Following technological trends helps companies
to be at the same level as their competitors or more sophisticated than
they are.
Knowing technology trends will help companies to provide better service

to their customers. For example, social media websites such as Twitter
and Facebook have created new avenues for companies to communicate
with their customers at any time and wherever they may be. Being up to
date with technology trends helps companies to learn new techniques
and strategies to provide the best customer care.
On a personal note, there will be a positive effect on our career

development if we keep up to date with the latest technology trends
and innovations. Having the latest knowledge and skills will help us in
our careers and increase our job security.
The education system also benefits from keeping up with technology

trends. It helps educational institutions to improve their teaching style
and to learn new techniques. It helps teachers and students to be more
creative and innovative. Many educational institutions have opted to
provide online courses and this helps working adults to obtain further
education without having to leave their jobs.

The following are ways to keep up with constantly growing technology:
• Joining online forums will help you to keep up with technology.

In these forums, you can share opinions, ask questions and
express doubts. Global forums give you more information and
results.
• Following people in the technology world who are on Twitter or

any other social media will help you to keep up with technology
trends. Read their updates and the comments that other people
post in response.
• Subscribe to online newsletters which provide technology

updates.
• Use Web search engines to do research, and observe your

surroundings to discover new gadgets and technologies that
people are using.
• To get deeper into the world of technology, it is important to

attend seminars. Doing this gives you the opportunity to
explore and discuss technology topics and to meet people
who share your interest in technology, thus enabling you to
gain their perspective, experience and knowledge.
Web Reference
To know more about technology trends, search the Web by

typing the keywords “technology trends” in your search engine
or go to the following website:
http://www.businessinsider.com/9-tech-trends-2017-billions-
2016-10/#ai-and-advanced-machine-learning-1

The latest Internet technologies
Although the Internet is one of the most important inventions of the
modern era, not everyone in the world has access to it. In order to widen
access to the Internet, new technologies are emerging to connect the
entire world and provide better and faster services. For example, the
founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, wants to connect the whole
world to the Internet by using giant soaring drones. The Connectivity
Lab at Facebook has developed a solar-powered drone with a wingspan
as big as that of a Boeing 747. In June 2016, it successfully tested a
drone called Aquila. Facebook believes that in the near future, these
energy-efficient drones will each be able to provide Internet access to
a 60-mile (96-km) diameter area on Earth while staying in the air for up
to 90 days at a time. The goal is to have a fleet of these drones provide
Internet access to remote regions of the planet.
Meanwhile, a group of researchers at MIT have developed a new wireless

Internet technology which is 330 percent faster and has double the range
of existing Wi-Fi technology. It is called MegaMIMO 2.0 and it uses several
transmitters and receivers to relay data simultaneously. The researchers
believe that this technology will lead to better and faster Internet access,
improved backups and reduced network congestion.
Li-Fi (light-based Wi-Fi) is a new technology which can be 100 times

faster than conventional Wi-Fi. It uses frequencies that are higher than
the radio wave frequencies that traditional Wi-Fi uses. Li-Fi signals can
be directed to a single user and this keeps Internet activity more private
(Figure 5.5). Because it is easy to restrict, it is used in locations like
schools and hospitals. Li-Fi is also being tested in museums, shopping
malls and public areas in France, Estonia, Belgium and India.

Figure 5.5 Li-Fi environment
Source: Ahmadamro (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/
Lifi_environment.jpg)
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0
International license.
Another growing technology is the virtual assistant, such as Siri and

Cortana. Apple has permitted Siri to be used by third-party developers.
As a result, you can now tell Siri to pay someone through Venmo, for
example. Cortana can be used with a group of Microsoft Office apps.
According to Grand View Research, the global intelligent virtual assistant
(IVA) market will reach US$12 billion by 2024.
New IT systems are required to enable online devices to communicate

with us and other devices on the Internet of Things (IoT). One such system
is the Mesh App and Service Architecture (MASA). It will support apps that
can communicate with each other, work together, learn and collaborate.
Cisco Jasper’s IoT network, and Salesforce and Microsoft’s IoT cloud
services are early examples of the application of this technology.

Activity 5.6
Although this section covers some of the latest technologies on

the Internet, there are more technologies that are currently being
developed. Team up with a classmate and search for the most
recent technologies on the Internet. Share your findings with your
partner.
Summary
This section explained why keeping up with trends in technology

is essential for organisations, businesses and individuals. The
ways to keep up with constantly growing technology were also
discussed. Several of the latest computer-related technologies
were also described.
Self-test 5.5
Label each of the following statements as either true or false.
1. It is not important for a business to keep up with trends in

technology because it does not influence the business’s
growth.
2. Keeping up with technology trends helps you to spot future

product demands.

3. Technological innovation does not assist companies to
streamline their processes or reduce the need for paper
files.
4. Knowing the latest trends in technology helps you to

provide excellent customer service and care.
5. According to Facebook, energy-efficient drones will each

be able to provide a 60-mile diameter area on Earth with
Internet access.
6. MegaMIMO 2.0 will not lead to better and faster Internet

access.
7. Li-Fi signals are directed to multiple users and expose their

activities to the public.
8. Virtual assistants are growing and Apple has permitted Siri

to be used by third-party developers.
9. Mesh App and Service Architecture (MASA) enables apps

to communicate with each other, work together, learn and
collaborate.
Suggested answer to activity
Feedback
Activity 5.6
Answers will vary. You should share your findings with your
partner.

Summary of Unit 5
Summary
The first section of this unit discussed the fundamentals of

computers, the various types of computers and how computers
impact society.
The second section defined e-commerce and explained its

purpose. The various types of e-commerce and their licensing
models were described in this section. In addition, the pros and
cons of e-commerce were listed.
The third section explained how technology enhances creativity

and productivity.
The fourth section discussed technology-related health risks and

social issues that technology has created.
The final section explained why it is important for us to keep up

with technology trends, and listed several of the latest technologies
on the Internet.

Course Summary
Summary
Congratulations on completing this course. We will now briefly

recap what you have learned in the five units of this course.
In Unit 1 you learned about the information processing cycle

and the various types of hardware device that are used to input,
process, output, and store data. You explored various types of
computers and learned how computer technology affects society.
You also briefly studied the history of computers and the Internet.
You discovered what information systems are and how they are
used in organisations by different levels of users.
In Unit 2, you examined the various types of input, output and

storage devices. You learned to differentiate between hardware
and software and looked at how computers represent data. You
became aware of the functions of operating systems. In addition,
you learned about the different types of mobile applications,
the history of mobile phones and computer security. In the last
section of this unit, you learned to use MS Office spreadsheet and
presentation applications.
In Unit 3, you explored the various methods of displaying

information on the Web and the different types of Internet services.
You examined the different types of social media and networking
and the challenges of social media. You discovered how the
Internet of Things (IoT) works and the issues of IoT. You also
learned the rules of netiquette and the guidelines for safe Web
surfing.

In Unit 4, you studied the various types of cybercrime and the
precautions to be taken to protect yourself from cybercrime. You
examined the cyberlaw Acts that have been enacted in Malaysia.
In addition, you learned to identify the different types of intellectual
property (IP) rights and looked at the codes of ethics for computer
use and how to manage and dispose of computer waste.
In the final unit of this course, you explored Open Educational

Resources (OER), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and
mobile learning (m-learning). You also learned about the different
types of e-commerce and their pros and cons. You saw how
technology enhances creativity and productivity in our daily lives
and became aware of the health risks and social issues that
technology has created. In the final section, you learned why
keeping up with technology trends is important and how to do it.

Unit Practice Exercise
1. Explain the purpose of Open Educational Resources (OER).
2. Differentiate between Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and

mobile learning.
3. State the methods that can be used to keep up with technology

trends.
4. List some of the health issues that are caused by technology.

Suggested Answers to Self-tests
Feedback
Self-test 5.1
1. A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a Web-based

distance learning programme which is free and is designed
for a large number of geographically dispersed students.
2. An xMOOC is structured on the traditional classroom where

lecture videos are pre-recorded with tests, assessments or
quizzes. It is more professor-centred than for a community
of students. The xMOOC focuses on knowledge duplication
rather than creating knowledge. However, xMOOCs are
striving to cover more topics every day and these courses
can be found on edX, Udacity, Open2Study, Coursera and
NovoEd.
The “c” in cMOOC stands for “connectivist”, which means

that learners in cMOOCs use digital platforms like social
media, blogs and wikis to make connections with other
learners. Through these platforms, learners share and build
knowledge. The participants play dual roles as teachers and
learners as they exchange information with each other and
engage in discussions.

3. Mobile learning (m-learning) is learning through the Internet
by using personal mobile devices such as smartphones
and tablet computers. Learning materials can be obtained
via mobile apps, online educational hubs and social
interactions. By using mobile apps and tools, students can
download course instructions, complete and upload
assignments, and work in online social groups to complete
tasks. M-learning is not only flexible for students to use; it
provides ways for educational institutions to deliver
knowledge and educational content to students on any
platform, at any place and at any time.
4. Benefits:
• Learners can access information by using all types of

devices at any time of the day and at their own pace.
• Learners can access courses on-the-go and are not

limited to one place.
• Creates divergent thinking because participants

experience unexpected challenges, new ideas and
opportunities.
• Enhances interaction between learners and instructors.
Challenges:
• If there is no proper monitoring system, it gives

students the opportunity to cheat.
• Non-technical students will find it challenging to use

m-learning.

• Students and instructors that do not have mobile
connectivity or have limited bandwidth will feel isolated
or left out of the loop.
• To access online courses requires devices with high-level

functionality; students may need to invest in an
expensive mobile device.
• There will always be unexpected distractions during

m-learning due to notifications, messages or calls that
may come in while a student is accessing online course
material.
Self-test 5.2
1. E-commerce is not only about buying and selling online, it

encompasses various categories under one platform, namely,
electronic data interchange, online funds transfer, data
collection, Internet marketing, online transaction processing
and supply chain management.
2. Always know what is attracting consumers to certain

technologies; research whether your online engagement
channels are effectively fulfilling consumer’s needs; and
check whether you can provide the required technology to
engage consumers.

3. Business-to-Business (B2B):
The B2B environment enables companies to sell their goods

online to other companies; for instance, Heinz selling sauces
to McDonald’s.
Business-to-Consumer (B2C):
In the B2C environment, companies sell their products

and services online to end users. Anyone can view B2C
e-commerce Web stores. For instance, Dell sells their
computers to end users via their Web store.
Business-to-Government (B2G):
B2G e-commerce is conducted between the public sector

and businesses. For instance, a business organisation can
sell goods and services to government agencies, go through
licensing procedures or pay taxes via a B2G website.
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C):
In C2C, a consumer sells products to another consumer via

the Internet. For instance, consumers sell and buy products
from each other on eBay.

Mobile commerce (m-commerce):
In m-commerce, consumers use mobile wireless technology

devices such as smartphones to buy and sell products and
services. For instance, mobile banking can be performed
using smartphones.
4. Pros: E-commerce acts an equaliser; it allows consumers to

shop or carry out transactions from anywhere in the world;
consumers have the opportunity to access vast amounts of
information.
Cons: To develop an e-commerce website in-house requires

a large investment and a lot of knowledge; consumers expect
immediate responses to their messages; there are consumers
who are reluctant to buy from an unknown faceless seller.
Self-test 5.3
1. Creativity comes from how we observe the world and how

we interpret it; creativity brings us new concepts and ideas.
Technology enables us to see the world differently and to
access information from anywhere in the world.
2. Technology opens our minds up to more complex ideas

and helps us to come up with innovative products and
applications. Our thinking process is enhanced the moment
we share our thoughts and opinions on a blog, Twitter or
other applications. With the digital revolution, we can create
a large number of innovative products and services for
consumers. Through technology, teachers are improving

their teaching and students are enhancing their learning
styles. By introducing various technologies into the
classroom, a university raises the quality of class discussion.
3. Allowing employees to work in comfortable areas and

permitting them to use their own devices can lead to a
huge increase in productivity. This motivates and satisfies
employees so they will perform their jobs efficiently, and
saves the organisation the overhead costs of maintaining a
large workspace. Employees will be more organised in
carrying out their tasks if the organisation is connected to
online databases. Using cloud services eliminates the
tedious work of storing, arranging, and locating files, and
other issues. Using collaboration suites helps employees
to be more productive, reduces meeting time and motivates
employees to communicate freely and share their opinions
and ideas.
4. Technology can provide excellent customer service and

satisfy their needs by streamlining customer communications.
Technology can deliver fast and knowledgeable services if
employees’ devices are connected to CRM applications.
These applications provide easy access to customer details
and permits employees to save time by keeping track of
the status of prospects. CRM applications not only increase
consistency in customer relations, they enhance productivity
and profitability.
5. Working adults have the opportunity to further their studies

through online, virtual classes and borderless education. It
saves them travelling time and they are able to attend classes
while on the move.

Self-test 5.4
1. Psychiatric disorders caused by the overuse of technology

include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), addiction,
narcissism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD).
2. Technology has negative repercussions on our physical

health in the following ways:
• Spending hours browsing the Internet, reading on

electronic readers and texting on mobile devices can
affect our eyesight. Furthermore, staring at bright
screens for hours can lead to headaches, dry eyes and
eye strain.
• Bending our head down for hours while working on a

laptop and holding a smartphone between the neck
and shoulder can lead to poor posture and neck strain.
• Using earphones to listen to music or watch movies on

smartphones or laptops can lead to hearing loss and
tinnitus.
• Placing smartphones beside the bed while sleeping

can cause us to suffer from hyper-vigilance and may
lead to insomnia.
• Without realising it, we put stress on our muscles, tendons

and nerves while swiping and texting on smartphones.

• Spending hours in front of a screen working, watching
movies or playing games may lead to obesity, diabetes,
heart attack and high blood pressure due to minimal
movement and eating while being in front of the screen.
3. A decline in social skills, communication breakdowns,

fraudulent activities, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, gambling
and loss of natural resources.
4. You should share your opinion on how technology-related

health risks can be avoided.
5. You should share your opinion or findings on how industries

can reduce their impact on nature.
Self-test 5.5
1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. False

7. False
8. True
9. True

Suggested Answers to
Unit Practice Exercise
Feedback
1. The purpose of OER is to provide openly licensed and

public domain resources for teaching, learning and research
which can be used for free.
2. A MOOC is a Web-based distance learning programme

which is free and designed for a large number of participants
whereas m-learning refers to education through the Internet
using mobile devices.
3. Methods that can be used to keep up with technology

trends:
• Joining online forums will help you to keep up with

technology. In these forums, you can share your
opinions, ask questions and express doubts. Global
forums give you more information and more results.
• Following people in the technology world who are on

Twitter or any other social media will help you to keep up
with technology trends. Read their updates and the
comments that other people post in response.
• Subscribe to online newsletters which provide

technology updates.

• Use Web search engines to do research, and observe
your surroundings to discover new gadgets and
technologies that people are using.
• To get deeper into the world of technology, it is important

to attend seminars. Doing this gives you the opportunity
to explore and discuss technology topics and to meet
people who share your interest in technology, thus
enabling you to gain their perspective, experience
and knowledge.
4. Heath issues caused by technology include: iDisorder

(psychiatric disorders); physical health issues such as
headaches, failing eyesight, hearing loss, sleeping disorders,
stress on the muscles, tendons and nerves; and obesity.

References
Czerniewicz, L, Deacon, A, Fife, M, Small, J and Walji, S (2015) CILT
Position Paper: MOOCs, http://www.cilt.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/
image_tool/images/83/FA_MOOCs_final%20July2015.pdf (Accessed
20 Oct 2017).
Digital Responsibility (2016) Health and Technology, http://www.

digitalresponsibility.org/health-and-technology/ (Accessed 20 Oct 2017).
Kenneth, C (2017) E-Commerce: Business, Technology and Society,

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Matkin, G W (2006) The Open Educational Resources Movement: Current

Status and Prospects, https://ce.uci.edu/pdfs/dean/matkin_apru_paper.
pdf (Accessed 20 Oct 2017).
Rosen, L D (2013) iDisorder: Understanding Our Obsession with

Technology and Overcoming Its Hold on Us, New York, NY: St. Martin’s
Press.

Glossary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity A disorder that causes people to
Disorder (ADHD) be unable to keep their attention on
something, and be hyperactive and
impulsive.
Global warming The observed increase in the average

global temperature in the recent past
due to human activity such as the
release of carbon dioxide, methane
and nitrous oxide. Global warming is
also known as climate change.
Narcissism Excessive interest in oneself and in

one’s own physical appearance.
Obsessive-Compulsive An anxiety disorder in which people

Disorder (OCD) have recurring, unwanted thoughts,
ideas or sensations (obsessions) that
make them do something repetitively
(compulsions).
Tinnitus Hearing a ringing sound in the ear

when there is no actual external sound.

COURSE TEAM
Course Team Coordinator: Ms. Azrina P. Jamal Mydin
Content Writer: Mr. Saravanesh Supramaniam
Instructional Designer: Mr. Yeap Hock Aun
Academic Members: Dr. Ooi Chia Yi, Prof. Phalachandran Bhandigadi and Ms. Deehbanjli
Lakshmayya
COURSE COORDINATOR
Ms. Tan Cheng Peng
EXTERNAL COURSE ASSESSOR

Associate Professor Dr. Norhaziah Md. Salleh, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
PRODUCTION
In-house Editor: Mr. Yeap Hock Aun
Graphic Designer: Ms. Audrey Yeong
Wawasan Open University is Malaysia’s first private not-for-profit tertiary institution dedicated to
adult learners. It is funded by the Wawasan Education Foundation, a tax-exempt entity established
by the Malaysian People’s Movement Party (Gerakan) and supported by the Yeap Chor Ee Charitable
and Endowment Trusts, other charities, corporations, members of the public and occasional grants
from the Government of Malaysia.
The course material development of the university is funded by Yeap Chor Ee Charitable and
Endowment Trusts.
© 2017 Wawasan Open University
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without prior written permission from WOU.
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WUC 118/03

5.1 Open Educational Resources, Massive Open Online Courses 3

The purpose of the OER movement 4

The benefits and challenges of OER 5

Massive Open Online Courses: Definition and types 6

What is mobile learning? 9

The benefits and challenges of m-learning 10

Suggested answers to activities 12

E-commerce: Definition and purpose 13

The pros and cons of e-commerce 18

Suggested answers to activity 22

5.3 Creativity and productivity enhancement 24

How does technology enhance creativity? 24

5.4 Technology-related health and social issues 31

Technology-related health risks 31

Social issues that technology has created 33

Suggested answer to activity 36

5.5 Keeping up with technology 37

Why is it important to keep abreast of technology trends? 37

The latest Internet technologies 40

Suggested answer to activity 43

Unit practice exercise 47

Suggested answers to self-tests 48

Suggested answers to unit practice exercise 57

As e-commerce has become part of our lives, it is important for us to

A brief discussion of how technology enhances productivity and creativity

Since technology is growing constantly, it is important for us to know

1 WUC 118/03 Computers in a Networked Society

1. Differentiate between Open Educational Resources,

2. Identify the benefits and challenges of using Open

3. Discuss the purpose of e-commerce and list the types of

4. Describe how technology enhances productivity and

5. Explain the health and social issues that technology has

6. Describe the latest trends in computer technology.

UNIT 5 Living in the 21st century with technology 2

By the end of this section, you should be able to:

1. Define Open Educational Resources.

2. Discuss the benefits and challenges of Open Educational

3. Describe the various types of Massive Open Online

4. Explain the benefits and challenges of mobile learning.

3 WUC 118/03 Computers in a Networked Society

The use of open-source course management systems like Moodle is

Various foundations and institutions fund OER programmes. The initial

• Expounding the value of open access to educational

• Creating a sense of “openness” and forming the essential

• Bringing learning to a broader population of students via

UNIT 5 Living in the 21st century with technology 4

• Producing and assisting a community of educators and

The benefits and challenges of OER

5 WUC 118/03 Computers in a Networked Society

Sustaining OER is a challenge because funding may cease after a few

Form a group of 2 or 3 learners and discuss the following

1. How are OER different from other online educational

2. What are the possible drawbacks of using OER?

3. Have you benefited from using OER?

Massive Open Online Courses: Definition and types

UNIT 5 Living in the 21st century with technology 6

• Course participants are most likely to be distributed all over the

• Participants can interact not only in online classrooms but also

• Course materials are free except for the assessments.

The following are the types of MOOC:

• An xMOOC is structured on the traditional classroom. It has

• The “c” in cMOOC stands for “connectivist”, which means that