Revision of SSCE Past Questions II SS3 Digital Technologies Lesson Note

In Section C of your exam, you will often find a story. For example: “Mr. Okon wants to start a cyber cafe in a village with no internet. What should he do?”

How to answer:

1. Identify the Problem: Is it a lack of hardware, software, or connectivity?
2. Suggest the Hardware: Don’t just say “computer.” Be specific: “System units, monitors, a heavy-duty router, and a server.”
3. Suggest the Solution: For a village, you might suggest Satellite Internet (VSAT) because cables might not reach there.

Exam Tip: Always mention Safety. If you’re setting up a lab or office, mention a Fire Extinguisher (CO2) and Good Ventilation/AC.

ICT in the Real World (E-Everything)

The examiners love asking how computers have changed specific industries. You need to know at least two benefits for each:

• E-Learning (Education): * Students can learn at their own pace.
  1. Access to a world of information via the internet.
• E-Banking (Finance):
  1. No need to stand in long queues (saves time).
  2. 24/7 access to your money via ATM or Mobile Apps.
• E-Commerce (Trade):
  1. You can buy things from Lagos while sitting in Kano.
  2. Businesses don’t need a physical shop, which reduces costs.

Health, Safety, and Ethics (Ergonomics)

“Ergonomics” is a big word that just means “Setting up your workspace so you don’t get hurt.”

Common Health Issues and Solutions:

• Eye Strain: Caused by looking at the screen too long. Solution: Use an anti-glare screen or take breaks (the 20-20-20 rule).
• Back Pain: Caused by sitting badly. Solution: Use an adjustable chair that supports your lower back.
• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Pain in the wrists from typing. Solution: Use a wrist rest or an ergonomic keyboard.

Ethical Issues: Be ready to define Plagiarism (copying someone’s work without credit) and Software Piracy (using “cracked” software without paying for it).

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Sometimes the question asks: “The computer is on, but the screen is black. What are three things you should check?”

The “Check the Basics” Strategy:

1. Power: Is the monitor actually plugged in and switched on?
2. Cables: Is the VGA or HDMI cable loose at the back of the CPU?
3. RAM: (Advanced) If the computer is beeping, the RAM might need cleaning or reseating.

Preventive Maintenance: Tell the examiner about Dusting (using a blower), Software Updates, and Disk Defragmentation (which rearranges files so the computer runs faster).

Information Transmission & The Future

Finally, review how information moves from point A to point B.

• Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, and Satellite.
• Wired: Twisted Pair (LAN cables), Coaxial (TV cables), and Fiber Optics (the fastest, uses light).

The “Impact” Question: If asked about the impact of ICT on society, mention both sides:

• Positive: Faster communication, job creation in tech, and better healthcare.
• Negative: Job loss (machines replacing people), cybercrime, and less physical social interaction.

Summary Checklist:

• Practicality: Always suggest solutions that make sense for the person in the story.
• Keywords: Use words like efficiency, accuracy, automation, and storage.

Clarity: Use bullet points. Examiners have thousands of scripts to mark; make yours easy to read!