Question 4, Summer 2023, Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Information and Communication Technology, Paper-1

Camille’s child, Sarah, uses websites and video sharing sites for her school work.

(a) State one way of reducing the environmental impact of the use of servers that host online services.(1)

One effective way to reduce the environmental impact of servers hosting online services is to power them with renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, to minimize their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.

(b) Sarah participates in an online meeting as part of a lesson.

(i) State two peripheral output devices Sarah requires to participate in the online meeting. (2)

1 Sarah needs a computer monitor to view the video and content being presented during the online meeting, as the monitor displays the visual information and allows her to see other participants in the meeting.

2 She requires speakers or headphones to hear the audio from the meeting, including the voices of other participants, any presentations, and other auditory content shared during the online meeting.

(ii) Sarah uses wired connectivity.

Her video is not synchronised with video from other participants.

Which one of these would cause this issue? (1)

A Higher bandwidth

B Higher latency

C Less interference

D Using wired connectivity

B Higher latency 

(c) Explain one drawback to learning of enabling the comments section of an online video content service. (2)

One drawback of enabling the comments section on an online video content service is that learners might miss important content because they can become distracted from the video content by engaging with the comments. 

(d) Sarah is researching changes in global temperatures.

Here is an image of her use of a search engine.

(i) Explain one way the search can be improved. (2)

One way to improve the search is to use the term 'global' instead of 'UK' because this change would make the results more relevant by broadening the scope of the search to a global context, which may yield more comprehensive and diverse information on the topic.

(ii) Describe how one peripheral device can support users of the search engine who have accessibility needs. (2)

An appropriate peripheral device for users with accessibility needs could be a Braille keyboard. This device supports the accessibility need of individuals with visual impairments by allowing them to input and receive information in Braille, a tactile writing system used by the blind or visually impaired. The Braille keyboard provides a means for these users to interact with search engines and access online information in a format they can read and understand through touch. 

(e) Sarah’s sister plays games with friends online.

Describe one key feature of online gaming that develops social skills. (2)

One key feature of online gaming that develops social skills is the ability for players to talk, coordinate with other players, and work towards a common goal. This collaborative aspect of online gaming encourages teamwork, as players often need to work together to achieve in-game objectives. Through these interactions, gamers develop and enhance their collaboration and communication skills.

(f) Discuss the reliability of information from online sources. (8)

The reliability of information from online sources is a multifaceted issue, influenced by a range of factors, including the expertise of the source, the variety of sources consulted, the accuracy of information, the cultural context, and potential bias. To delve deeper into this topic, we can compare expert opinions to layperson opinions and consider the breadth and depth of sources, accuracy, multicultural context, and potential biases.

Expert opinions are typically more reliable than layperson opinions. Experts have in-depth knowledge and experience in their fields, making their contributions well-informed and credible. When seeking reliable information, it's often wise to prioritize expert sources, as they offer a depth of understanding that laypeople may lack. However, expert opinions are not infallible, and it's important to consider the qualifications and credentials of these experts, as well as potential conflicts of interest.

Reliability is enhanced when information is gathered from a diverse range of sources. Relying on a single source, even if it's an expert, can lead to bias or a limited perspective. A broad array of sources, including peer-reviewed journals, reputable news outlets, government agencies, and academic institutions, can provide a more comprehensive view of a topic, improving the reliability of the information.

Verifying the accuracy of information from online sources is crucial. Online content is sometimes unverified, and misinformation can spread rapidly. Fact-checking through credible organizations and cross-referencing information with multiple reliable sources helps ensure accuracy. Peer-reviewed publications and data from authoritative bodies often provide more reliable information, as they undergo rigorous review and verification processes.

The reliability of information is affected by its international and multicultural context. Different regions and cultures may have distinct perspectives, practices, and norms. Information should ideally be contextualized and include international or multicultural viewpoints, especially when discussing global issues. A lack of such context can lead to a skewed or incomplete understanding of a subject.

Online sources can exhibit bias by under-representing or misrepresenting certain cultures or contexts. This bias can be unintentional but still has a significant impact on the reliability of the information. To mitigate this issue, it's essential to actively seek out diverse perspectives and sources, challenge stereotypes and prejudices, and critically evaluate the representation of different cultures and contexts in the information.

In conclusion, the reliability of information from online sources is contingent on various factors. Expert opinions are generally more reliable, and a wide range of sources should be consulted for a comprehensive view. Verification is essential to ensure accuracy, and information should be considered within its international and multicultural context. Guarding against biases and under-representation is also crucial to obtain a more reliable and balanced understanding of the topics presented online.

(Total for Question 4 = 20 marks)