1. Implications of Global Communications

2. Learning Objective: By the end of this topic you should be able to: • discuss the implications of being able to communicate from anywhere in the world using mobile technology.

3. Discuss the implications of being able to communicate from anywhere in the world using mobile technology. Hints: • you need to be able to combine a number of sections from this part of the specification in order to answer questions that may be based ona particular theme. • you will need to answer a question based on this topic in the context in which the question is asked. • e.g, the question may be about how a child on holiday can use a mobile phone abroad. • implications should be both positive and negative.

4. Things to consider: • The specific scenario • Available technologies • ‘trigger tech.’ • cellular, satellite, GPS, Internet …. • email, IM, video conferencing, photo/video upload, … • Features & uses of these technologies (within the scenario) • Advantages of the technology/feature/use • why use it for/rather than ….? • Drawbacks of the technology/feature/use • ‘trigger terms’ • cost, availability/coverage, quality of communication …

5. Typical questions: • Discuss the implications for a child of using a laptop and mobile phone while on a school trip abroad • Discuss the implications for a manager of a large company being able to communicate with the company using mobile technology while on a business trip to Japan • Discuss the implications for army troops in the desert being able to communicate using mobile technology with their commanding officer based at the barracks.

6. G063 June 2011 Q16: The Mountain Rescue Organisation often sends members to assist in international relief operations. Discuss the implications for members of the Mountain Rescue Organisation of being able to communicate using mobile technology whilst assisting with international relief operations. [11]

7. G063 June 2011 Q16: Points for discussion may include for example; • never out of contact • mobile phone coverage most places • satellite phones for use in disaster area • digital cameras, video cameras, upload to website Possible Impacts may include for example: • never out of contact so can reassure families and rest of team at home when arrive and if any problems • can take lots of pictures not limited to films or carry lots of films around uploading to website or blog • not the right contract for use in that area • technology allows you to know what is happening in the rest of the world; can check up on flights; confirm bookings etc. Possible Consequences for discussion may include for example; • not completely relaxed; can take the work with you • people from home can contact you with other matters • prank texting • increase in insurance and claims if devices damaged or lost