Artificial intelligence and extended reality Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology revision
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In plain words
Two technologies are changing everyday life faster than any others in this syllabus: machines that seem to think, and devices that put you inside a computer-made world or add one on top of the real one.
6 things to know
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer system that carries out tasks that would normally need human intelligence, such as recognising speech or images and making decisions.
- Uses of AI: voice assistants, self-driving vehicles, recommending films and products, spotting fraud, and helping doctors to diagnose illness.
- Effects of AI: tasks are done faster and without tiring, but jobs may be lost, people may lose skills, and decisions made by a machine can be wrong or biased.
- Virtual reality (VR) places the user in a completely computer-generated world, using a headset. It is used for training pilots and surgeons, for games and for viewing buildings before they are built.
- Augmented reality (AR) adds computer-generated images to a view of the real world, usually through a phone camera or glasses. It is used to show furniture in your own room, or directions on the road ahead.
- Extended reality is the name for virtual and augmented reality together.
Worked example
A trainee pilot practises landing in a storm using a headset and a moving seat. Which technology is this, and why is it used?
- The pilot sees only a computer-generated world, so it is virtual reality.
- Dangerous situations can be practised with no risk to the pilot or to an aircraft.
- It is cheaper than flying a real aircraft, and the same situation can be repeated as often as needed.
Tips and tricks
- Virtual reality replaces the real world. Augmented reality adds to it. That one distinction answers most questions.
- Give effects on everyday life for both sides: benefits such as safety and convenience, and drawbacks such as cost, lost jobs or less contact with people.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Artificial intelligence and extended reality: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
What is virtual reality?
A headset blocks out the real world.
An app shows how a new sofa would look in your own living room, using the phone's camera. This is:
A computer-made image is added to the real view.
Which is a use of artificial intelligence?
Speech recognition simulates a human ability.
Which is a possible negative effect of artificial intelligence?
Work once done by people may be automated.
Why is virtual reality used to train surgeons?
Dangerous or difficult procedures can be repeated safely.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
2 questions, 4 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Artificial intelligence and extended reality
Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology 0417 · 4 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
Describe the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality.[2]
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Virtual reality puts the user in a completely computer-generated environment. Augmented reality adds computer-generated images to the user's view of the real world.
Give one positive and one negative impact of artificial intelligence on everyday life.[2]
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Positive: tasks such as finding information can be done faster. Negative: some jobs may be replaced.
Answers: Artificial intelligence and extended reality
- 1. Virtual reality puts the user in a completely computer-generated environment. Augmented reality adds computer-generated images to the user's view of the real world.
- 2. Positive: tasks such as finding information can be done faster. Negative: some jobs may be replaced.