What the syllabus says you need to know…

the rest of the syllabus can be found in the specification document here: /wp-content/uploads/documents/cambridge-igcse-ict-2020-2022-syllabus.pdf

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1. Communication Applications

• Paper-Based: Newsletters, brochures, flyers, and posters are used for advertising, information sharing, and promotion. They are tangible and do not require a computer or internet but are limited by printing costs and distribution range.
• Computer-Based: Websites, multimedia presentations, cartoons, and music scores allow interactive, multimedia communication. They can be updated easily and accessed widely, but may require specialist skills and are subject to security risks.
• Mobile-Based: Phone calls, text messages, internet access, and apps (such as social media and VoIP) enable portable, instant communication. However, they depend on network coverage and can be costly for long-distance use.

2. Data Handling Applications

• Examples: Address lists, school records, club/society records, library systems, and surveys.
• Benefits: Data can be easily updated, sorted, searched, and backed up. It saves space compared to paper records and allows for flexible data analysis.

3. Measurement Applications

• Used in scientific experiments, weather stations, and environmental monitoring.
• Sensors collect data (e.g. temperature, humidity, pressure) and send it to computers for analysis, improving accuracy and efficiency.

4. Microprocessors in Control Applications

• Used in devices like washing machines, traffic lights, and turtle graphics (robotic drawing tools).
• Microprocessors receive input from sensors and automate responses, improving reliability and freeing up human effort.

5. Modelling Applications

• Computer Models: Simulate real systems (e.g. bridges, flight simulators, financial forecasting) to test and predict outcomes without real-world risk or cost.
• Benefits: Saves time and money, allows safe training, and helps in making informed decisions.

6. Applications in Manufacturing Industries

• Robots and automated machinery perform repetitive tasks, improving speed, consistency, and safety in production lines.

7. School Management Systems

• Used for managing student records, attendance, timetables, and communication with parents and staff.

8. Booking Systems

• Online systems for booking flights, hotels, events, and appointments. They allow real-time updates, reduce double-booking, and improve customer convenience.

9. Banking Applications

• Internet Banking: Allows customers to manage accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills online.
• Credit/Debit Card Processing: Automated checks for funds and fraud, instant transactions.
• Cheque Clearing: Electronic processing for faster, more secure transactions.

10. Computers in Medicine

• Used for patient records, diagnostic tools, medical imaging, and research. Improves accuracy, accessibility, and patient care.

11. Computers in Libraries

• Manage catalogues, track loans, and provide online search facilities for users.

12. Expert Systems

• Computer programs that simulate human expertise to solve complex problems (e.g. medical diagnosis, car engine fault finding).

13. Computers in the Retail Industry

• Stock control, point-of-sale systems, and online shopping improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.

14. Recognition Systems

• Types: MICR (cheque processing), OCR (scanned text), OMR (exam papers), RFID (tracking), and number plate recognition.
• Purpose: Automate data entry, improve accuracy, and speed up processing.

15. Monitoring and Tracking Systems

• Used for surveillance, tracking individuals (e.g. ankle monitors), monitoring buying patterns (cookies), and call monitoring for quality control or law enforcement.

16. Satellite Systems

• Examples: Satellite navigation (sat nav), GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
• Uses: Route planning, mapping, tracking, and location analysis for businesses and individuals.

Teaching Resources

These are mostly aimed at teachers, however, they could prove useful for the students themselves.

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