unit 1: introduction to information and communications

Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Lesson 3: Convergent Technologies and Evolution of the Web

Contents

Engage 1 Introduction 1 Objectives 2

Explore 3

Explain and Elaborate 4 Convergence of Technology 4 The Evolution of the Web 8

Extend 11 Activity 1 11 Activity 2 12

Evaluate 13

Wrap Up 16

Photo Credits 17

Bibliography 17

Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology

Engage

Introduction

Fig. 1. The evolution of cellular phones

Technology is a very dynamic aspect of our lives. It is evident that the specifications and

functions of the electronic devices that we use in our daily lives grow exponentially with our

growing needs and wants. The case is the same for our gadgets’ designs and sizes. The

electronic devices of today match our flexibility when performing tasks as well as our

mobility. What can you say about the design and power of cellular phones today compared

to the cellular phones ten years ago? A decade ago, a phone the size of which could fit in

your pocket was called a mobile phone or a cellular phone, but now it is labeled as a

smartphone. What do you think are the characteristics that it has to deserve the name

smartphone?

We can probably agree that the web technology of recent times has brought us a

productive, convenient, and efficient way of searching for information or communicating

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with our peers. The innovative strategies used by the developers of the Internet have

delivered almost endless possibilities to its users. What do you think did the websites of

1990 look like? Do you believe that people from three decades ago shared the same

experience that we have nowadays when using the Internet? If you think the experience is

not the same, what do you think are the differences?

Objectives

In this lesson, you should be able to do the following:

● Define convergent technologies.

● Discuss the 3C’s of convergent technologies.

● Differentiate a website from a web page.

● Differentiate static web page from dynamic web page.

● Evaluate the technologies of Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0.

DepEd Competency

Compare and contrast the nuances of varied online platforms, sites, and content to best

achieve specific class objectives or address situational challenges. (CS_ICT11/12-ICTPT-Ia-b-1)

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Explore

8 minutes Amazing Gadgets

Watch the YouTube video published by RGHtechTv entitled “Top 7 Tech Under Rs 250 | Tech

Gadgets and Accessories” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cw05IHymCE. Take note of

each gadget presented in the video and prepare to present your observations in front of the

class.

Guide Questions

1. Which of the presented gadgets in the video did you like most? Why?

2. Which of the gadgets presented in the video do you think is the most useful to a student

like you? Explain your answer.

3. What can you say about the sizes and designs of the gadgets presented in the video?

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMSjmfCoxs47kHr2bzOYsiQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cw05IHymCE


Explain and Elaborate Convergence of Technology So what is technological convergence? It refers to a state in which two or more technology entities and functions are combined into one device or system. The modality of technological convergence is observable in three categories, namely: computing technology, content technology, or communication technology.

What do you think is the importance of technology convergence?

The 3Cs of Technological Convergence

The modality of technological convergence is classified into three categories, namely, computing technology, content technology, and communication technology.

Computing Technology The technology convergence in terms of computing technology refers to the improvements made on electronic devices or gadgets by combining the functions of two or more devices into one gadget. In the late ’80s, a tech-savvy person had to carry several electronic devices on one occasion to perform different functions. During those times, a person had to bring a camera for taking pictures, a cellular phone for calling and receiving messages, a calculator to perform mathematical computations, a portable gaming console for games, a wristwatch to tell time, and a walkman to listen to music. Thanks to the convergence of technologies, we can now use a smartphone or a tablet that can perform the functions of six or more devices. Thanks to the convenience brought about by the convergence of technology, we need only to purchase and own one electronic device that we use and maintain, compared to the handful of tools mentioned earlier.

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Fig. 2. A Sony Walkman and Cassette, a portable audio player in the 90’s

Content Technology The category of technology convergence known as content technology combines different media formats such as text, pictures, sounds, and videos into one multimedia content. The goal of multimedia content nowadays is to appeal to as many senses used by an individual as possible to obtain information, such as seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling. Take J.R.R. Tolkien's “The Lord of the Rings” novel, for example. Ebook technology allowed the story initially published as a printed book to be digitized. The novel can now be read using a smartphone or a tablet as a .pdf or .pub file. With audiobooks technology, this novel was converted into an audio format, allowing the audience to listen to a pre-recorded reading of the book. The novel's popularity led to the creation of a movie in which the audience could watch the story unfold in an audio-visual experience. Lastly, “The Lord of the Rings” novel has also been adapted into a popular interactive game in which the players can play the role of Frodo, Legolas, Gandalf, or Aragorn.

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Fig 3. The main screen of the video game Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth

Communication Technology The convergence of technology in terms of communication technology refers to the fast and effective transfer of information through the collaboration of different communication technologies. These include radio frequencies, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, ethernet, and fiber optics, just to name a few. We can now listen to our favorite radio stations that are aired using FM or Frequency Modulations by using wireless earphones that employ Bluetooth technology. It is also possible to take pictures using a tablet, share the image with friends using a network powered by a hotspot signal, and then post it to a social media website using a Wi-Fi connection.

How is technology convergence helping to make our lives easier? Give examples related to the 3Cs.

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Website versus Web Page

The Internet is a handy invention that has proven its worth since the time of its conception. It is a very reliable technology that aids people in communicating, researching for information, and disseminating information. But did you know that the Internet is just an enabling technology and that what helps us perform our tasks are websites? Websites are composed of hyperlinks and sometimes web applications that are published by individuals, institutions, and business organizations. A website consists of one or more web pages that refer to the individual links or pages of a website. It acts like the pages of a book. Once a user clicks a link or presses a button on a website, it instructs the site to jump from one web page to another web page, thus changing the display on the computer screen. A web page can be of either static or dynamic nature. These natures are identified by their method of displaying web pages when being requested or clicked by the user. Understanding the difference between these two will help us see the developments made in the evolution of the web.

Static Web Page versus Dynamic Web Page Static web pages are characterized by their fixed content, which means that it shows the same content every time the web page is accessed. All the elements like textual information and multimedia content are hard-coded and embedded in the web page, making it difficult to update or modify. If the author of the website decides to make changes in one of its web pages, the whole site will be inoperable for a period to give way for the coding or updating of the content. Dynamic web pages, on the other hand, are known for being changeable, which means that its content can change each time the web page is accessed. The elements like text, graphics, audio files, and videos are saved in the server, making it very easy to update. For example, a user clicks a link that will show an explanation about the water cycle; the website will request the said multimedia content from the server, and from there, the server will post the video on the site. If the author notices an error on the information displayed on the website, he only has to upload the modified version of the text to the server and delete the one that contains the error.

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Which one do you prefer, static or dynamic website? Why?

The Evolution of the Web

Web 1.0 Web 1.0 was the first generation of websites that was marked as read-only web. The websites developed with this technology were all static web pages, which meant that the content was fixed and difficult to update or modify. The Web 1.0 websites were mostly used by business organizations and industries for the purpose of advertising their products. Websites created during this time only served as an information portal where users could only search and browse for information on the screen. The internet users in this setup were considered as observers or consumers due to their inability to interact with the website. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are tools used to develop websites under web 1.0. HTML is the programming language used to encode how a web page will be presented as a website, while CSS is used to encode how the web page will look in terms of layout, fonts, and colors.

Fig. 10. An example of a website that uses Web 1.0 technology

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How do you think is Web 1.0 relevant to the current state of the Internet?

Web 2.0 Web 2.0 is the second generation of websites that is referred to as the writable web. Websites belonging to this type have transformed web pages from static websites to dynamic websites. These contain web pages that are capable of updating their content in real-time using applications embedded in the system. Web 2.0 is also referred to as social web because of its capability to engage its users through interaction, collaboration, and information sharing. It gave birth to social media websites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress. The websites that are created in this genre have upgraded the role of users in web participation from mere consumers of information into authors and contributors of information and media content.

Fig. 11. A laptop displaying the screen of Twitter website

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Web 3.0 Web 3.0 is the executable web of web evolution. This generation of websites can deliver

customized service, perform real-time analysis, and generate reports with the use of

technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Machine learning

equipped ICT devices with the ability to learn and interpret the meaning of words and

choices made by the user in his or her online activities. The information generated during

the analysis will provide the system with a rich view of the customers' identity and his or her

internet-related activities that will eventually result in more effective and efficient service.

Artificial intelligence is a system that enables computer devices to think and act like

human beings. With artificial intelligence in place, the website can respond quickly and

execute tasks objectively without the need for human intervention.

Take a look at this situation: when a user researches online about the latest rubber shoes

made by a particular shoe brand, the search engine does not only display multimedia

contents related to shoes, but also generates a report about the search made by the user.

The report will then be submitted to website owners and business owners for analysis. The

website owner will now have information regarding how many people visited his website.

On the other hand, the search the user made will now be linked to his or her profiles, giving

business owners the idea of what products they can sell to the user, thus creating an

effective marketing strategy.

Do you think that artificial intelligence and machine learning are beneficial? What are the pros and cons of having these technologies?

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Extend

Activity 1 The class will be divided into four (4) groups. The task is to create an illustration about the

multiple functions of a modern smartphone. Prepare to present your drawing to the class.

Guide

To create an effective illustration, first list down the functions of the smartphone and

illustrate it after. The list will serve as a guide to ensure that all functions are

depicted in your output.

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Activity 2 With the same group as the previous activity, use your research skills and look for websites

that fall under Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0 if there are. Present your research to the

class.

Guide

Websites and applications evolve rapidly. Web 1.0 uses static pages used to show

some information during the early days of the Internet. Web 2.0 allows more

dynamic and interactive websites. Web 3.0 depicts the rise of artificial intelligence

and machine learning as a future trend.

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Evaluate

A. Answer the following completely in your own words.

1. What is technology convergence?

2. Enumerate the 3Cs of technology convergence.

3. What is the difference between a website and a web page?

4. What is the difference between a static web page and a dynamic web page?

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5. Write the accurate term used to describe the different generations of websites. Write

the term in the column labeled “Web Generation”.

Web Generations Web Generation

Web 1.0

Web 2.0

Web 3.0

B. Answer the following comprehensively.

1. As a user of modern technologies like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, explain the

benefit that the said electronic devices give you in terms of their size and design?

2. It is observable that the capabilities and functions of smartphones and tablets are

almost equal to the features and powers of a desktop computer. Is it safe to say that

in the foreseeable future all desktop computers and laptops will be replaced by

smartphones and tablets? Why or why not?

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3. It is the year 2030 and you are working as a teacher of Empowerment Technologies.

How are you going to describe the technologies of the year 2020?

4. Give a brief impression of the look and features of websites today.

5. Assume that you are a web technologist who was invited to a convention that

discusses innovations and changes to the recent generation of websites. What

upgrades or fixes are you going to suggest to be included in the release of web 4.0?

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Wrap Up ___________________________________________________________________________________________

● Technological convergence refers to a state where two or more technology entities and functions are combined into one device or system.

● The 3Cs of technology convergence are computing technology, content technology, and communication technology.

● The technology convergence in terms of computing technology refers to the improvements made on electronic devices or gadgets by combining the functions of two more devices into one gadget.

● The convergence of technology applies to content technology by combining different media formats such as text, pictures, sounds, and videos into one multimedia content.

● The convergence of technology in terms of communication technology is observable with the fast and effective transfer of information through the collaboration of different communication technologies like radio frequencies, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, ethernet, and fiber optics.

● A web page refers to the individual links or pages of a website that act like the pages of a book.

● Static web pages are characterized by their fixed content, which means that a web page shows the same content every time it is accessed.

● Dynamic web pages are known for being changeable, which means that a web page’s content can change each time it is accessed.

● Web 1.0 was the “read-only phase” of web evolution that is characterized by static web pages that only display text and graphics on the screen, leaving the users with limited to no interaction.

● Web 2.0 refers to the “writable phase” of web evolution. In this generation of

websites, users can interact with the web pages by filling forms, posting comments,

or sharing multimedia content on web pages.

● Web 3.0 is the "executable phase" of web evolution that employs technologies such

as semantic web, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mobile media.

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___________________________________________________________________________________________

Photo Credits

Tuned on Gray Laptop Computer by picjumbo.com is licensed under Pixabay via Pexels.

Bibliography

Getting, Bryan. “Basic Definitions: Web 1.0, Web. 2.0, Web 3.0”. PracticalEcommerce.

https://www.practicalecommerce.com/Basic-Definitions-Web-1-0-Web-2-0-Web-3-0

(accessed February 2, 2020).

Sharma, Mardukhant. “Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 with their difference”. GeeksforGeeks.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/web-1-0-web-2-0-and-web-3-0-with-their-difference/

(accessed February 2, 2020).

Staff, Amelia. “Static vs, Dynamic Website: What is the difference”. Amelia.

https://wpamelia.com/static-vs-dynamic-website/ (accessed February 2, 2020).

Jain, Palak. “What’s the difference between Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3.0?”.

WebLinkIndia.Net.

https://www.weblinkindia.net/blog/whats-the-difference-between-web-1-0-web-2-0-w

eb-3-0 (accessed February 2, 2020).

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https://www.pexels.com/photo/tuned-on-gray-laptop-computer-163097/

https://www.pexels.com/@picjumbo-com-55570

http://pixabay.com/

http://www.pexels.com/

https://www.practicalecommerce.com/Basic-Definitions-Web-1-0-Web-2-0-Web-3-0

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/web-1-0-web-2-0-and-web-3-0-with-their-difference/

https://wpamelia.com/static-vs-dynamic-website/

https://www.weblinkindia.net/blog/whats-the-difference-between-web-1-0-web-2-0-web-3-0

https://www.weblinkindia.net/blog/whats-the-difference-between-web-1-0-web-2-0-web-3-0


Delgado, Hugo. “Evolution of the Web 1.0, 2.0 & 3.0 - Differences & features”. akus.net.

https://disenowebakus.net/en/web-evolution (accessed February 2, 2020).

Fallows, Deborah. “Part 5. Functions of the internet: How men and women use it as a tool to communicate, transact, get information, and entertain themselves”. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2005/12/28/part-5-functions-of-the-internet-how-men-and-women-use-it-as-a-tool-to-communicate-transact-get-information-and-entertain-themselves/ (accessed February 2, 2020).

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https://disenowebakus.net/en/web-evolution

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2005/12/28/part-5-functions-of-the-internet-how-men-and-women-use-it-as-a-tool-to-communicate-transact-get-information-and-entertain-themselves/



unit 1: introduction to information and communications

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