control Technologies

Control technologies abound in modern society. They are found in our homes, classrooms, schoolbags and streets. They typically take inputs from users or the environment before performing some kind of processing to create an output. Input is not considered essential for an item to be deemed a control technology.

The images above are all sourced from the NSW Department of Educations' Crack The Code slideshow, copyright 2017. Click on the images to learn more about these technologies...

Activities...

For each of the devices pictured above, use an IPO chart to record the type of hardware technology used for input, processing and output. You may need to do a Google Search to investigate how each item works. The IPO chart should identify:

• • Input - What sensors are used on this device (eg. buttons, voice recognition, touchpad)?

  • Processing - What decisions will the device need to make about the input received (eg. when button is clicked or when belly is squeezed)?

  • Output - What should happen - (lights, sound, movement, signal transfer)?

Brainstorm as many other control technology devices as possible. Record the IPO for each one. Can you think of any control technologies that do not require an input? Prepare PMIs (Pluses, Minuses and Interesting points) for each of these control technology devices.

Extension:

• Explain the function performed by each control technology you have evaluated and describe how it works.

• Assess the implications of using these technologies on individuals, society and the environment. Include both positive and negative implications where applicable.