AQUILEO PARRA SCHOOL

ENGLISH ACTIVITY
NINTH GRADE

These are the twelve expositions topics related to ICTs

1. Look up at the dictionary the unknown words and translate them on the reading
with a different color.
2. Read
3. Underline the main ideas
4. Use a cmap, a video, a genially, ppt or another tool that you know to do your
presentation about the twelve exposition topics related to ICTs.
5. Write an essay about ICTs positive or negative impact on daily lives and benefits

I. Technology and Communication

A. Vocabulary unknown B. The main ideas

How has technology helped communication? The advancement of technology has made
communication unbelievably fast and convenient. It’s incredible to look back and see how
much easier communication has gotten over the years. Communication tools offer one of
the most significant examples of how quickly technology has evolved.
In the past, writing a letter, sending faxes, or finding a wired telephone was the best way
to communicate remotely with someone. To connect with someone in society today, you
have many more efficient options at your fingertips. You can send them a message on
social media, text them, video chat, email, or put a call through.
These new methods can help you keep in touch with loved ones, especially if you’re aging
in place or living alone. Video chat helps caregivers check on seniors who may not need
continual check-ups in person. Social media is a great way to keep in touch in general,
allowing you to see what your loved ones are doing through the photos and updates they
post.

Social Media
Who hasn’t heard of Facebook, Twitter, or Skype? They’ve become household names.
Even if you don’t use these platforms, they’re a part of everyday life and not going away
anytime soon. Regardless of your location, messages via social media get delivered on
these platforms at the same rate and speed whether the recipient is right beside you or on
the other side of the globe. You can also send voice messages through these platforms,
and it is delivered in nanoseconds.
Messaging Apps
The way we use mobile phones has changed dramatically as well. In addition to social
media platforms, there are numerous other applications specifically designed for
communication. If social media isn’t for you, WhatsApp and other messaging apps enable
you to quickly message family and friends and even make calls over Wi-Fi.
You can email through your phone or send SMS text messages through your mobile
provider, but many smartphones have their own messaging platforms built directly into
the phone. On Apple iPhones, I Message allows you communicate with anyone else who
has an iPhone for free using Wi-Fi or cellular data. I Message has gotten increasingly
sophisticated over the years. Sending photos, videos and emojis are just the basics with
what you can do, and the platform has now expanded to include gaming, voice notes, and
various app integrations to send information more quickly.
Messaging Apps can be a great option if you have friends in other countries or if you don’t
have a phone plan.

II. Smartwatches, smart phones and digital boards

Communication has even evolved beyond mobile devices and personal computers. We
can now send messages through tablets, voice assistants, smartwatches, and more. The
smartwatch is a relatively new technology that captures almost all the capabilities of
smartphones in a convenient touch-screen watch. You can receive notifications, track your
activity, set alarms, and even call and text directly through these wearable devices.

Smartwatches can also serve as a way to communicate with emergency responders.

Medical alert companies like Mobile Help and Medical Guardian have partnered with
smartwatch developers or created proprietary technologies to provide seniors the safety
of a medical alert right on their wrist. These watches include many of the same features as
a typical smartwatch, such as activity tracking and personal messaging.
Even the makers of popular smartwatches on the market outside of the medical alert
industry providing people the ability to communicate quickly in the case of an emergency.
The Apple Watch Series 4 and its subsequent versions have built-in fall detection, which
will automatically alert emergency assistance. In addition to its automatic response
capabilities, Apple Watch technology also allows users to initiate an emergency call from
any location worldwide manually. Apple’s Medical ID Health app can provide emergency
responders access to your medical conditions and designated emergency contacts.
Technology allows us to communicate instantly with people in our neighborhoods or
around the globe. This innovation not only keeps us connected but can help us live safer
and healthier lives.
III. Technology and Paying Bills and Transferring Money

No more do you have to enter a bank to withdraw money or transfer it to someone. Many
banks have already made transactions possible online and accessible to people
everywhere. Companies like PayPal and Venmo have created platforms where people can
send and receive money from any location using the Internet.
Paying bills has also become simplified thanks to technology. You can automatically
schedule payments when they are due rather than having to remember to mail a check.
With your cell phone and a banking app, you can manage all of your necessary bill
payments online.
Setting up automated payments through a banking app is especially helpful for seniors
who may have memory problems. Caregivers or loved ones can help set up recurring bill
payments so there’s never a question if a bill will be paid on time or not.

It’s even simple to pay for things using only your smartphone. With Apple Pay and Google
Wallet, you don’t need to carry cash when you go shopping. These apps securely link your
bank account to your mobile phone. The same machines you use to swipe your credit card
at the store now allow mobile payments from your phone.
Keeping up with all of these innovations may seem like a hassle, but these technologies
can simplify your life to help you worry about fewer things. With all of the payment
capabilities available these days, you could leave home without your wallet and be just
fine.

IV. Technology and Watching TV

Technology has changed how we watch television today. Cable companies are
continuously rolling out new features allowing viewers to pause and rewind live TV and
record their favorite programs to watch later.
With your mobile devices, you can watch, or “stream” the TV shows you want, when you
want, and how you want. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon
Prime Video all offer access to cable TV shows and original content for a low monthly
price. Disney is also getting into the streaming game, with the recent announcement of
their new streaming service Disney+. Streaming is just another way to watch your favorite
shows, but it uses the Internet instead of cable. It can be a more cost-effective way to
watch television. Unlike traditional cable tv packages, you don’t have to pay for large
cable bundles with channels you don’t use. Streaming services offer movies and TV shows
that are grouped by genre, making it easy to find your favorites.
With streaming, you can watch on the go – all you need is an Internet connection. Many
of the streaming services we listed above have mobile applications that allow you to
download content directly to your device. This option allows you to watch even if you go
somewhere without Internet access.

More and more TVs these days are even designed for streaming. “Smart TVs” have Wi-Fi
capability, which allows them to connect to streaming services using the Internet. Smart
TVs will enable you to access more programs and even save money. With a Smart TV, you
can access both streaming services and cable channels. To save money, you can also opt-
out of cable altogether. It all depends on your budget and what you enjoy watching.
New TVs are also capable of displaying picture quality far beyond what you’ve
experienced in the past. A standard definition TV displays 720 horizontal pixels. Today, it’s
more common for TVs to have 4k resolution, which is 4,000 horizontal pixels. That means
TVs today show a picture with nearly 6x more definition than standard-definition TVs
making for a much better viewing experience and can make your favorite shows and
movies that much more enjoyable.

V. Technology and Entertainment

Books
Paper books aren’t going anywhere. However, e-reader devices have made reading easier
when you’re on the go. An e-reader device like a Kindle or Nook can hold thousands of
books without taking up space in your home. It’s a great way to have multiple options on
hand if you’re going on a trip or vacation.
Audio books are an especially great way to enjoy classic and new books alike. Though
you’re not reading, you’re still able to consume a great story through an audiobook. For
aging seniors, audio books are great when it becomes more challenging to read the small
type in books.

Music
When it comes to music, technology has also helped consolidate the devices we use. We
can access our music no matter where we are. In the same vein as books, vinyl records,
CDs, cassettes, and other physical albums will always have their place. They serve a unique
purpose in enjoying music. However, just as it’s possible to stream movies and TV shows,
you can also stream your favorite songs and albums.
Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have made it possible to access millions of artists
all at a monthly fee. While it isn’t the same as owning your favorite album, streaming
allows you the opportunity to listen to music easily. The number of devices with music
streaming capabilities continues to grow. You can use your smartphone, computer, car,
portable speakers, and even TVs to listen to your favorite songs

Technology Has Changed How We Date

How has the Internet improved our lives? One way is through the ease of meeting new
people.
With the proliferation of online dating sites, you can register on a website, find a match,
and start to communicate at your own pace. Many people don’t meet face to face until
they decide there is a connection. This vetting helps you prioritize your time and protect
your privacy while still getting to know someone new.
For better or worse, technology has also made it possible for you to find other people’s
personal information on the Internet through social media. You can gain access to the
information you want to know about a particular person. Some people who aren’t used to
social media may view this as an unnecessary new part of life. However, it’s helpful to get
to know people and keep up with them through busy schedules. Especially for seniors,
online dating is useful during a stage of life where it’s typically more challenging to meet
new people.
Online dating platforms have millions of registered users and have received lots of good
reviews from every part of the world. Dating platforms have helped people connect with
their matches in a way where neither party has to waste the other person’s time. It is
comfortable, straightforward, safe, and it works.

VI. Technology at Home - Home Devices

All of the technology mentioned above has been made possible because of the Internet.
New websites, platforms, and applications will continue to revolutionize the way we live
our lives. However, the latest Internet technology isn’t always accessible on screens, and
it’s called the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things allows everyday objects to be
synced up to the Internet through Wi-Fi. This synching makes their usual functions
accessible remotely and automated through data available on the world wide web. It may
sound complicated, but it’s the same technology we’ve been using for years, just now
accessible through different objects.
The Internet of Things can help to significantly improve aging in place and at-home safety,
especially for seniors living with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and
arthritis. IoT devices are designed to monitor health at home, aid with mobility, and
provide continuous monitoring.
Some examples of objects that use IoT today include driverless cars, fitness trackers like
Fitbit, thermostats, and doorbells. Objects that use IoT are also commonly referred to as
smart objects (think of smart TVs).
We’ll use the example of a smart thermostat to describe how it works. By connecting to
the Internet, you’re able to use a smart thermostat remotely through your computer or
smartphone. These systems usually have their own applications that you can open and
control no matter where you are. For example, what if you’d like to cool the house down
while you’re away? All you would have to do is open the smart thermostat app to tell it
what to do.

Because these devices are so “smart,” you usually don’t need to do much when using
them. The sensors on these thermostats are specifically designed to optimize your home
for energy efficiency. Once you set your desired temperature, the thermostat can work on
its own to keep your home at the best temperature. The thermostat won’t waste energy
by staying on longer than needed.

VII. Technology and Dates (REPEATED)

How has the Internet improved our lives? One way is through the ease of meeting new
people.
With the proliferation of online dating sites, you can register on a website, find a match,
and start to communicate at your own pace. Many people don’t meet face to face until
they decide there is a connection. This vetting helps you prioritize your time and protect
your privacy while still getting to know someone new.
For better or worse, technology has also made it possible for you to find other people’s
personal information on the Internet through social media. You can gain access to the
information you want to know about a particular person. Some people who aren’t used to
social media may view this as an unnecessary new part of life. However, it’s helpful to get
to know people and keep up with them through busy schedules. Especially for seniors,
online dating is useful during a stage of life where it’s typically more challenging to meet
new people.
Online dating platforms have millions of registered users and have received lots of good
reviews from every part of the world. Dating platforms have helped people connect with
their matches in a way where neither party has to waste the other person’s time. It is
comfortable, straightforward, safe, and it works.

VIII. Technology and Shopping

When you’re too busy or don’t want to leave home, online shopping is an easy way to buy
what you need. You’re only a couple clicks away from getting the things you need thanks
to the many options for online retail. There is no hassle and no need to make several trips
to different stores.
If you aren’t as mobile as you used to be, online shopping makes it so everything you need
can be delivered directly to your doorstep. While we still encourage as much daily exercise
as possible, it can be too hectic and even hazardous sometimes for seniors to be out
running so many errands.
Your average yard sale is even now online. With websites like Craigslist and Facebook
Marketplace, you can browse listings from people in your area. These are people who are
looking to get rid of their used furniture, clothes, appliances, and more. Using these
websites, you can view items based on what you need and your budget. Just like the
technologies we listed above, these online marketplaces use secure payment methods
that don’t require cash.
IX. Voice Assistants

If smart devices seem overwhelming to you, there may be an easy solution: voice
assistants. These include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. With a voice
assistant, you can control all of the smart devices in your home and access the Internet by
speaking voice commands. It’s as easy to use as having a conversation.
When it comes to shopping, these devices allow you to create a shopping list out loud and
then have it automatically transferred to your phone. This makes the whole process easier
for seniors with mobility issues with writing or who would rather speak out loud than
make a list on a phone. Many of these devices even integrate directly with online shops.
With the Amazon Alexa, you can immediately make Amazon purchases without ever
having to go online.
To make everything in your home easier to access, you can integrate your voice assistant
with any smart device to make it accessible via your voice. If your home needs
temperature adjusting or you want to turn some lights off, you can do it all through a
series of simple voice commands.
They’re also handy to have inside your home for one of the most basic uses of the Internet
– finding information. All you need to do is ask your voice assistant a question, and it will
give you an answer found online.
Most phones these days are also equipped with different versions of voice assistants. If
you’re hesitant about purchasing a unique voice assistant device, try testing out the
software that lives on your phone. You can ask it to set reminders and alerts through your
phone without having to search through settings. For seniors, voice recognition
software can significantly improve the ability to live independently by making everyday
tasks easier, aiding with medication reminders, and simply providing a more accessible,
intuitive way to use technology.

X. Technology and Food Delivering

A lot of the technology we’ve already described helps make our lives easier by saving time
and effort. Another example of this type of technology is food delivery. We all lead busy
lives that could use some extra time. The ability to have things brought to your home is
especially helpful for seniors or those with disabilities or sickness. One aspect of our lives
that we often take for granted is the ability to head over to the grocery store.

Grocery Delivery
Food delivery can come in many different forms. Currently, many mobile apps allow you
to order delivery from your favorite restaurants. We’re not talking about your standard
pizza delivery. These apps pay people just like you to pick up takeout almost anywhere. A
few examples of these apps include Postmates, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.
Many of these same apps and others offer grocery delivery, such as Instacart and Shipt. A
lot of grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger even offer delivery or pick-up
options. The best grocery delivery plans for seniors are helpful if you love to cook but
can’t make it to the grocery store that often. It can also help if you find it difficult to leave
the house but still want to make home-cooked meals.

Meal Kit Delivery

Lastly, you can also use subscription-based food delivery companies to get meals sent to
your doorstep every week. These come in different forms. For example, companies like
Blue Apron and HelloFresh deliver meal kits with all the ingredients for a set of recipes. It’s
like getting customized groceries delivered with step-by-step instructions. Meal kits can
help seniors by cutting out a lot of the preparation needed to make a meal. You still might
need to do a little additional cutting and preparing, but it won’t be as intensive as going to
the grocery store and starting from scratch.

Pre-Made Meal Delivery

If you don’t cook, some companies that deliver pre-made meals. Some examples of these
companies include Magic Kitchen, Silver Cuisine, and The Good Kitchen. While frozen
tends to mean less nutritious, these companies have put a lot of time and research into
developing delicious recipes. They still taste great after being reheated yet also contain
the nutritional value for different needs, including vegetarians, people with diabetes, and
seniors. These options remove the need for time-consuming grocery shopping and
cooking.
For seniors, it’s common to have particular nutritional needs as you age and start to live
with deficiencies or conditions like diabetes. Senior meal delivery companies make it easy
to stay healthy without sacrificing your mobility or personal time.

XI. Technology and Transportation

Driverless Cars
Driverless cars have been in development for years, but this technology has yet to become
commonplace. When it does, it will lead to fewer accidents on the road. It will also make
transportation more accessible to everyone.  People will be able to use cars even if they
have disabilities or live in areas without public transportation. Driverless cars will use
sensors to understand when to brake, speed up, turn, and park.
Though this technology still has yet to be perfected, we’re already seeing examples of its
early stages in most new cars today. Since the technology being used isn’t completely
driverless yet, it’s called driver assist. Using cameras and sensors, this technology can help
you park, detect blind spots, warn you if you’re merging into another lane, and even
automate the entire parking process – even parallel parking. 

Ride Sharing
Until the development of technology for driverless cars is ready, people will still be using
planes, trains, and regular automobiles to travel. Technology has made some of these
options more accessible. One of the most popular types of apps used today is for ride
sharing. Popular ride sharing apps companies like Lyft and Uber. The technology in their
apps allows people to hail a ride from anywhere, just like a taxi cab. The best part about
these apps is that the driver is trackable from a GPS map. Rides are also accessible nearly
everywhere, even in areas where there usually aren’t any taxis. The companies let
everyday people with modern cars apply to become drivers. Once they pass a background
test, they’re eligible to start giving rides through the app.
Some people are hesitant to take rides from strangers. For your security, the apps have
rating systems in place to ensure the drivers are doing their jobs well. The companies also
continually update their security measures to make sure riders are safe.
Using The Gig Economy
Transportation apps like these are also an excellent way for seniors to make some extra
money through the gig economy. When you’re on the other side of the app as a driver,
you can set your schedule to fit your lifestyle and take as many or as few rides as you’d
like. Aside from money, taking on a gig job can help keep you active through using
technology, communicating daily with customers, and getting out around your town.

XII. Technology and Safe

One of the best ways technology has changed our lives is in keeping us safer. Through
technology, we’re living longer than ever before. While there have been countless
technology advances in hospitals and medicine, there are also new technologies we can
use at home. These enhance our everyday lives with safety and protection.

IoT Safety Devices

For seniors or people with disabilities, IoT devices are some of the best technologies for
keeping them safe at home. One great example is fall detection technology. Through
wearables or floor and bed sensors, small devices are capable of knowing when someone
falls. Once these sensors go off, caregivers are alerted through intercoms or mobile alerts.

Medical Alert Systems

Outside of IoT devices, simple medical alerts can keep the elderly or disabled safe. At its
most basic level, a medical alert is usually a base station that comes with a wearable
emergency button. The user presses the button when they need assistance, and a
caregiver or loved one nearby is alerted to check on them.
Medical alert systems come as either monitored or non-monitored devices. A non-
monitored device works as we described above, and a series of numbers are pre-
programmed as emergency contacts. With non-monitored devices, you won’t be put in
touch with 911 responders unless your emergency contacts call them for you.
Companies like MobileHelp and Medical Guardian provide monitored medical alert
systems. These companies provide the medical alert equipment while also hosting a staff
of remote monitoring operators (either outsourced or in-house). Typically, you don’t have
to pay for the equipment, but the companies require a monthly fee to be able to provide
the monitoring service.

Monitored alert devices are a huge benefit to older adults or seniors staying home by
themselves. The devices allow help to be only the click of a button away should family
members or caregivers be too far or unable to assist. The monitored devices also
sometimes come with connectivity apps so that family caregivers can stay up to date with
senior care. The apps will show when emergency buttons are pressed and can also provide
activity monitoring through home or wristband sensors.

Home Security Systems

Smart security systems at home can also keep you safe from intruders. When these alarms
go off, they can begin recording with a camera around your home and will also alert
security professionals. These systems also connect to an app that you can access on your
phone. You can view live footage of what’s going on in your home or disable alarms
remotely.
If you aren’t interested in a full security system, you can also make a one-time purchase
on a security camera or security doorbell like Ring Doorbell and Nest Camera. These
require easy installation to your front door and work by providing direct notifications to
your home when it senses someone’s there. There’s even an intercom built in so you can
communicate with visitors and see them through the camera without having to open the
door.
For seniors who live alone, these simple devices offer much-needed security and can be
especially helpful for seniors who aren’t always able to frequently get up and open the
door.

https://www.aginginplace.org/technology-in-our-life-today-and-how-it-has-changed/