Lecture #7 (Part 2) - Tablets Take Their Place in the PC market

Computers, using some AI techniques like those we discussed in Chapter 4, can learn.  In the classroom while a child is using a tablet PC to learn the basics of addition, how can software be developed to aid in the learning process? 

 

Based on the learning styles of a person, a software can be developed particular in 3 aspects to aid the learning process:

  

Aural (or Auditory) Learners

These learners generally prefer to hear information. They will typically learn most easily from lectures, group discussions, music, web chats, or talking things through. Often people with this style will process things by talking about them, rather than talk about things after they've processed them.

Aural learners benefit from the aid of a software by being able to clearly hear what is happening; being able to see what is happening is less important. They might choose to study by reading aloud with the aid of software, and they benefit from verbalizing what they've learned.

With the aid of software, a aural learner repeat the hearing process by listening to a proper pronunciation and attractive voice without the aid of a teacher and hence fasten the learning process

Visual Learners

Maps, charts, diagrams, graphic organizers, patterns and shapes—these are some of the best tools for visual learners. They tend to be "big-picture" people and are often interested in layout and design. Individuals who prefer this learning style generally can grasp information more quickly (and more thoroughly) when it is organized graphically than they would if that same information were explained aloud.

A software can assist in presenting the learning materials in the form of graphics, diagrams in helping visual learns to absorbs the learning materials in a more effective way. 

 

Kinesthetic Learners

The word kinesthetic means movement, and certainly these learners prefer to learn by doing something physical (such as a hands-on activity or a field trip). But there's more to it than that. Some researchers have defined this style as preference for learning related to experience and practice—in other words, they prefer their learning to be connected with reality. Certainly physical activities accomplish this.

A software can be designed to provide a interactive interface to allow a kinesthetic learners to experience the leaning process in order to strengthen their learning process.

  

Does this mean that teachers are no longer needed for some subjects?  Are teachers needed in earlier grades while computer-based training can take over in later grades?  Why or why not ?

 The teachers are still needed for some subjects whether in earlier grades or later grades. This is because despite the usefulness of the technologies, a human interaction is required to teach and facilitate the learning process. In addition, there are many values and knowledge can not be teach directly through a computer.

Question 2

End-user systems, like those that allow patrons to order meals on an iPad, must be “idiot proof.”  (We apologize for the crudeness of that term.)  That is, systems must be usable without training and created in such a way, for example, that a patron at one table can’t accidentally change the order of a patron at another table.  What does this mean for systems development?

 

This means that the system must be developed in such a way which is intelligent enough a place an order. 

Can complex and complicated end-user systems be developed and deployed on tablet PCs so that people can use the systems without training and without intervention by a knowledgeable person such as a waiter or waitress?

Yes. The development of the system should heading to a more complicated and complex end-user system without training and without intervention by a knowledgeable person such as a waiter or waitress.

As discussed above, we still need to emphasized on the human interaction when come customer service particularly in a service industry. 

Question 3

What security issues are involved in allowing people to pay with tablet PCs?  Does this payment process make it easier for someone to steal your credit card information? 

 The securities issues involved can be the theft of personal information which is private and confidential and causing financial losses by using tablet PC.

Are you comfortable using a restaurant-supplied technology to enter your credit card information?  Why or why not ?

Not confortable. This is because the restaurant supplied technology is not 100% guaranty the information will be prevented from theft or be used for other purposes. 

Question 4

What will happen to offshore outsourcing for software development?  Can outsourcing firms in India and China for example be expected to develop software systems for use in U.S. schools?  Can those same firms be expected to develop systems that meet FAA rules and restrictions ?

Offshore outsourcing will help the further boost of software development because there is sharing of information, expertise and intellectual.

There is no any issue for India and China to develop software system use in US schools. Although there is a geographical barrier but through an effective communication, those developed software can meet the standard and requirements in US.

Yes, those same firms can be expected to develop system which meets the rules of FAA and restriction so long as a good communication and the compliance matter are met by the developer.