Master every topic — entertainment, ethics, security, health, environment and social impact — with interactive notes, diagrams, and practice activities.
8
Topics Covered
30+
Practice Questions
6
Tab Sections
5
Simulations
🎬 ICT in Entertainment
ICT has completely changed how we consume entertainment — from stunning 3D films to digital music, video games and simulation experiences.
🎥
3D – Three Dimensional
Advanced technology lets film producers make scenes look life-like on screen using three-dimensional rendering. Viewers need special 3D spectacles to experience the depth effect.
🔮
Holographic Image Processing
A scene recorded on camera can be projected as a hologram at a completely different location. Widely used for horror scenes and live stage events to create stunning illusions.
🎨
Cartoon Films
Loved by all ages! 3D features and advanced animation software have dramatically improved the quality and realism of cartoon films. Think Pixar and DreamWorks quality!
🎵
Digital Audio Materials
Computers power modern music — recording, rhythm creation and mixing are all done with software. Songs are stored on CDs, flash drives and streamed via home theatre systems.
🎮
Digital Games
Highly popular on both computers and mobile phones. 3D and 4D (four-dimensional) games are now the most sought-after, providing immersive interactive experiences.
🕹️
Simulation Games
Based on everyday activities in artificially created natural settings. Used for sports training, military exercises, investigations, planning and commercial simulations.
🃏 Flashcard Review — Hover to Reveal
Hover over each card to see the explanation.
3D Technology
Makes scenes appear life-like using three-dimensional rendering; requires special 3D spectacles to view.
Holographic Projection
Projects a scene recorded elsewhere as a floating hologram — commonly used in horror films and live concerts.
Digital Audio
Songs are recorded, mixed and edited using computer software, then stored on CDs, flash drives or streamed.
4D Games
Four-dimensional digital games add physical sensations (seat motion, wind, water) to the 3D visual experience.
Simulation Games
Recreate real-world scenarios artificially — used in military training, flight simulation and sports coaching.
🐝 Think About It!
Name TWO ways ICT has changed how you personally enjoy entertainment compared to how your grandparents did. Consider: music streaming vs. vinyl records, Netflix vs. cinema-only viewing, mobile gaming vs. outdoor play.
⚖️ Legal & Ethical Issues
ICT use raises important legal and ethical responsibilities. Understanding these protects you and others in the digital world.
Issues with ICT Use
Physical ProblemsHarmful SoftwareEnvironmental IssuesHealth IssuesLegal IssuesSocial IssuesIssues of Values
6.2.1 Legal Issues
🗂️ Data Theft
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) stolen from a device is called data theft.
Stealing or keeping flash drives, cameras, or phones containing personal names, phone numbers, or photos without permission
Accessing private files or databases without authorisation
🔓 Unauthorised Access
Gaining access to computer systems illegally by stealing or manipulating usernames and passwords. An entire organisation's data can be compromised this way.
💡 Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property relates to mind creations — innovations and brand-new products. The creator has the legal right to ownership. Presenting or selling others' creations as your own is stealing intellectual property.
🔑 A patent is a government-issued licence that legally protects an innovation. Inventors must apply to the national patent office.
💰 Computer Fraud
Dishonest misrepresentation of facts to cause loss or gain a benefit. Examples:
Employees entering false data into systems
Altering, destroying, or suppressing output to hide unauthorised transactions
Identity theft — using someone else's NIC, credit card or personal info without permission to commit fraud
6.2.2 Issues Related to Values
📋 Plagiarism
Stealing someone else's creative work and presenting it as your own. Very common with internet content. Use information ethically by:
Citing — mentioning the rightful owner and their work
Quoting — using inverted commas ("…") to identify borrowed sections
Referencing — listing all sources at the end of your essay or article
🎭 Scenario Simulation — What Would You Do?
📧 You received an email from your "bank" saying your account will be closed unless you click a link and verify your card number and PIN immediately. The email looks very official with the bank's logo.
✅ Correct! This is a phishing attack. Banks never ask for credentials via email. Always call the bank using the number on the back of your card. Never click suspicious links.
❌ Dangerous! Clicking the link is exactly what the attacker wants. This is a classic phishing email designed to steal your banking credentials.
⚠️ Not Safe! Replying confirms your email is active and invites further attacks. Delete the email and contact your bank directly.
⚠️ Risky! Forwarding spreads the phishing link. Instead, warn friends verbally and report the email to your bank's fraud department.
🛡️ ICT Security
Protecting your computer system involves both physical measures (hardware) and logical measures (software). Both are equally important.
Physical Security Measures
🔋 Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
Provides backup battery power when electricity fails, preventing data loss and hardware damage.
🔌
Main Supply 230V
→
🔋
UPS (Battery)
→
🖥️
Computer System
🔥 Hardware Firewalls
Built into broadband routers, hardware firewalls filter ALL data entering or leaving a network. Messages that don't meet security criteria are automatically blocked.
🌐 Internet
⇄
🔥 FIREWALL Filters all data
⇄
🖥️ Computer Network
↑ All incoming and outgoing data passes through the firewall for inspection
🚪
Controlled Access (Locked Doors)
Locked computer lab doors prevent unauthorised physical entry, protecting hardware and stored data from theft or tampering.
📷
CCTV Cameras
Cameras installed inside labs allow real-time monitoring or video recording for later review. Acts as a strong deterrent against theft and misuse.
⚡
Surge Protector
Controls voltage supply to computers. The standard supply is 230V. When voltage spikes above this, the surge protector prevents damage to electronic components.
🌿
Environmental Factors
Keep computer areas free from dirt, dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Environmental damage can cause irreversible hardware failure.
Logical Security Measures
🔑
Passwords
Secure data and prevent unauthorised access. Strong passwords mix letters, symbols and numbers. Example: Gr@de11#ICT is much stronger than grade11
🛡️
Software Firewalls
Installed on individual computers (like Windows Firewall). Can be customised by the user to block outside attempts to control or access the computer.
💾
Backups
Copies of important data saved to an external hard disk, CD, DVD, flash drive or memory chip. It is also advisable to keep backups securely in another physical location to guard against total loss.
🎭 Security Scenario — Choose the Best Action
💼 A classmate in your computer lab leaves their workstation without logging off. A stranger walks in and starts using their computer. As the lab supervisor, what is the BEST immediate action?
✅ Correct! Remove the unauthorised person and lock the workstation immediately. This protects stored data from unauthorised access — a key physical and logical security principle.
❌ Waiting allows potential data theft or damage. Act immediately!
⚠️ Police may be needed eventually, but the immediate priority is removing access to the system first.
❌ Cutting all power could cause data loss for other students currently working.
💡 Remember the Sri Lanka Cyber Security Agencies:
• ICTA (Information and Communication Technology Agency) — establishes information security institutions
• ISMS (Information Security Management Systems) — jointly organised by ICTA, Sri Lanka Standards Bureau and Sri Lanka Emergency Computer Services
• Key websites: cert.gov.lk · techcert.lk · engage.icta.lk
🦠 Malicious Software / Malware
Malware is software designed to damage, disrupt or steal from computer systems. Knowing each type helps you protect yourself.
Reduced hard disk storage — malware fills space with unnecessary files
🦠 Computer Virus
Enters via programs and spreads rapidly. Entry points: USB flash drives, email, networks, memory chips. Runs as executable files — stays active in the system.
🪱 Computer Worm
Similar to a virus but spreads automatically without user action. Travels via email attachments, fake websites and instant messages independently.
🐴 Trojan Horse Spyware
Named after the Greek wooden Trojan Horse — appears harmless and enters the system without the user's knowledge. Causes discomfort by opening unnecessary windows, changing desktops, deleting documents and stealing data. Also allows other harmful software to enter. Enters via email attachments. Unlike viruses and worms, the Trojan Horse does NOT spread by itself.
📢 Adware
Displays unwanted advertisements on screen and collects commercial information. Less damaging than viruses but psychologically disturbing and slows the system.
🤖 Bots
Short for "robots." Autonomous software that communicates with other networks on its own. Collects personal data through internet messages and chats.
🔀 Browser Hijacker
Redirects your browser to different websites without permission to collect commercial and advertising data. Similar behaviour to adware but targets web browsing specifically.
🎣 Phishing
Deception through fake emails pretending to be from trusted organisations or friends. Contains links that steal banking credentials, passwords or money when clicked.
📧 Spam
Unauthorised bulk email — usually advertisements or messages from unknown senders. Fills mailboxes and may collect email addresses for fraudulent use.
🏆 "Prevention is better than cure" — The best strategy against malware is consistent prevention: updated antivirus, careful browsing habits, and regular system backups.
🎭 Identify the Malware — Test Your Knowledge
🤔 You notice your computer is opening random pop-up advertisements every few minutes, and your homepage has changed to an unfamiliar search engine. Which type of malware is most likely responsible?
✅ Correct! Changing the homepage and displaying ads are classic signs of a Browser Hijacker or Adware. Run a full antivirus scan and reset your browser settings.
❌ A virus typically damages files or programs, not redirect browsers or show ads specifically. Think again!
❌ Phishing uses deceptive emails to steal credentials — it doesn't change your browser settings.
❌ Worms spread through networks to other computers. The symptoms described point to a browser-targeting malware.
💪 Health & Environment
Prolonged ICT use affects our bodies. Understanding ergonomics and e-waste helps us use technology responsibly and stay healthy.
🧬 Ergonomics & Health Issues
Ergonomics comes from the Greek words ergon (job/action) + nomos (law). Its principle: "A job must be created to the comfort of the worker — not the other way around." Issues arise from continuous computer use exceeding 4 hours.
🦴
Musculoskeletal Problems
Non-stop computer use causes pain in muscles and bones throughout the body. The primary cause is incorrect posture while sitting at the computer. Affects back, neck, shoulders and wrists.
⚡
RSI – Repetitive Stress Injury
Pain extending from the shoulder down to the fingers. Affected areas show swelling and hardness making it difficult to move the mouse. Caused by incorrect posture and repetitive movements.
🤲
CTS – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness and pain in the fingers caused by pressure on the wrist. Incorrect positioning or use of the keyboard and mouse are the primary causes.
👁️
CVS – Computer Vision Syndrome
6–7 hours of continuous screen time causes eye irritation. Symptoms include dry eyes, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and pain in the head, neck or back.
🤕
Headache
Pressure on neck muscles and eye strain commonly cause headaches during and after computer use. Taking regular breaks significantly reduces this.
😰
Stress
Technology-driven workload increases cause stress, sleeplessness, tiredness and lack of appetite. Work-life balance with deliberate screen-free time is essential.
✅ Correct Posture Guide
1
Screen Height: Position the monitor at eye level or slightly lower on a suitable table.
2
Screen Distance: Keep the screen 45–70 cm (18–28 inches) from your eyes.
3
Back & Shoulders: Sit straight against the chair back with relaxed shoulders.
4
Feet: Keep legs vertical with the soles flat on the floor.
5
Keyboard & Mouse: Place at elbow level or lower. Type lightly and move wrists as needed.
💡
Eye Care Tips
Adjust screen brightness for comfort. Blink regularly. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
🚶
Take Regular Breaks
Stand up and walk short distances between work sessions. Those working 7–8 hours at computers should minimise additional screen time at home.
👶
Children's Screen Time
Fix specific play sessions and direct children to other activities. Balancing digital and physical play is essential for healthy development.
♻️ E-Waste: Harmful Elements & Environment
⚠️ What is E-Waste?
Electronic products that have reached the end of their useful life — computers, TVs, mobile phones, printers, CFL bulbs, scanners, keyboards, and other devices — are called e-waste. Improper disposal causes serious harm to humans and the environment.
CFL bulbs contain tiny particles of mercury — a highly toxic metal. Improper disposal releases mercury into the environment causing:
Damage to brain cells
Disruption of the nervous system
Skin allergies
Kidney, liver and central nervous system damage (when vapour is inhaled)
DNA and chromosome damage
☠️ Other Harmful E-Waste Elements
Improper disposal of other e-waste can cause: body swelling, nausea, stress, blood vessel problems and cancers.
Harmful elements found in e-waste: Arsenic · Barium · Beryllium · Cadmium · Chromium · Dioxins · Lead · Mercury · Selenium
✅ Proper E-Waste Disposal — The 3 Rs
📉
1. Reduce
Avoid unnecessary new purchases. Maintain existing electronic devices for as long as possible instead of frequently upgrading.
🔄
2. Reuse
Old but working devices can be sold or donated rather than discarded. One person's outdated device may be another's essential tool.
♻️
3. Recycle
Irreparable devices should be sent to certified e-waste recycling organisations such as ewaste.lk in Sri Lanka.
🌍 Social Issues & ICT
ICT shapes society in profound ways — creating both divides and opportunities, replacing skills while creating new ones.
📶 Digital Divide
What is the Digital Divide?
An economic and social inequality caused by differences in access to, ability to use, or availability of Information Communication Technology.
❌ Causes of Digital Divide
📚 Lack of education about ICT
🔧 Inability to use technology
💸 Poverty — cannot afford devices
🏭 Under-industrialisation
🌾 Rural location & lifestyle
✅ Digital Bridge Solutions
🎓 Digital literacy programmes
🏫 Free computer centres (Nenasala, Vidatha)
💻 Subsidised computer purchase schemes
🌐 Affordable internet access for all
🤝 Public & private sector partnerships
🤖 De-Skilling
What is De-Skilling?
Machinery and automation replacing skilled human labour, leading to unemployment and loss of human expertise. Knowledge accumulated over years becomes irrelevant when machines take over. Examples:
Factory machinery replacing skilled craftspeople
E-books closing down libraries and eliminating librarian jobs
Online distance learning reducing the need for physical teachers
Online health resources reducing lab service job opportunities
💼 ICT Employment Opportunities
Technology also creates high-level, well-paid job opportunities for those knowledgeable in ICT. Software Engineers are the most in demand locally and globally — those employed abroad are currently the largest contributors to foreign exchange earnings in Sri Lanka.
💻
Software Engineer ⭐
Most in-demand locally and globally. Highest foreign exchange earner for Sri Lanka. Requires deep knowledge of software development and ICT.
📊
Database Programmer & Analyst
Designs and manages database systems for organisations across all industries.
📱
Mobile Application Developer
Creates applications for smartphones and tablets — one of the fastest-growing ICT roles.
🔒
Network & Systems Security Specialist
Protects organisations from cyber attacks and unauthorised access.
🌐
Website Developer
Builds and maintains websites for businesses and organisations.
🎓
Technical Trainer
Teaches ICT skills to employees and helps bridge the digital literacy gap.
📋 Full List of ICT Employment Opportunities
💻 Computer Programmer
🖥️ Computer / Information Systems Analyst
📡 Data Communications Analyst
🗄️ Database Programmer & Analyst
🖱️ Desktop / Applications Support Specialist
📱 Mobile Application Developer
🔒 Network & Systems Security Specialist
🌐 Network Managers & Administrator
⭐ Software Engineer
💼 Technical Sales Specialist
🎓 Technical Trainer
📞 Telecom Manager
🔧 Telecommunications Line Installer
🖥️ Website Developer
📱 Social Media & Cyber Crime
📣 Social Media Benefits
Connects people globally and fosters communities
Blogs — share daily experiences and raise awareness
Forums — open discussion platforms for sharing opinions
Promotes products and businesses effectively
Enables sharing of images, videos, and music worldwide
⚠️ Cyber Crime Examples
Uploading others' images without permission
Releasing unsuitable photographs or videos of women or young girls to frighten, threaten or blackmail
Publishing information that can harm a person's reputation
Misleading people with wrong information and images about others to cause personal discomfort
Using social media to give out false information and attract others to finally destroy lives
Using unfair means to gain access to others' personal accounts and stealing personal information
🔐 Protecting Yourself on Social Media
Be careful in selecting social media over the Internet
Be cautious about making friends through social media over the Internet
Be careful in presenting personal information to social media
Avoid accessing suspicious e-mails
Do not click on suspicious links that come through e-mail
Ignore anonymous e-mails
Do not allow social media to access the e-mail address book
Do not use personal e-mail to access social media
Avoid installing applications in your computer that come through social media
Think twice before using social media
Make little children and friends aware about the harm social media can cause
🎭 Scenario — Protect Your Privacy
📲 A stranger on social media sends you a friend request and seems very friendly. After a few days they ask for your home address, claiming they want to send you a "prize" because you "won" a competition you never entered.
✅ Excellent decision! This is a classic social media scam designed to extract personal information (and potentially home addresses for robbery or worse). Block, report, and never share your location with strangers online.
❌ Very dangerous! This is a scam. You never entered a competition. Sharing your home address with strangers online can lead to serious safety risks including robbery and harassment.
⚠️ This puts your neighbour at risk. The safest action is to block and report the account entirely.
⚠️ Discussing with a friend is ok, but sharing the details publicly or with the stranger is dangerous. The correct action is to block and report.
📝 Practice & Quiz
Test your understanding of Chapter 6. Answer all questions and check your final score!
Score: 0 / 0
🔗 Match the Term to the Definition
Click a term on the left, then click the matching definition on the right.
TERMS
Phishing
Plagiarism
Ergonomics
Digital Divide
UPS
Trojan Horse
DEFINITIONS
The science of designing work environments to suit the worker's comfort and safety
Malware that disguises itself as safe software but causes harm — does not self-replicate
Deceptive emails pretending to be from trusted sources to steal banking credentials
Social and economic inequality arising from differences in ICT access or ability
Stealing another's creative work and presenting it as one's own
Device that provides backup battery power when main electricity supply fails
Matched: 0 / 6
🧠 Extended Response Questions
Think through these exam-style questions. Click "Show Answer" to check key points.
📚 Chapter Summary
All the key points from Chapter 6 at a glance. Tick each one as you review.
🎬 Entertainment
Technology is used in many ways to entertain — films, games, music
3D, holographic projection, cartoon animation are ICT-enabled film tools
Simulation games recreate real activities in artificial environments
Digital audio uses software for recording, mixing and editing music
⚖️ Legal & Values
Data theft involves stealing Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
Patent rights protect intellectual property legally
Plagiarism is presenting others' work as your own — avoid by citing, quoting, referencing
Identity theft uses others' NIC or credit card info without permission
Correct posture prevents most computer-related health problems
Screen distance: 45–70 cm; at eye level or slightly lower
Take regular breaks; limit screen time to avoid CVS
♻️ E-Waste
End-of-life electronics are e-waste: PCs, phones, TVs, CFL bulbs
Mercury in CFL bulbs damages brain, nerves, liver, kidneys and DNA
Harmful elements: Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium and others
Proper disposal: Reduce → Reuse → Recycle
🌍 Social Issues
Digital divide = inequality in ICT access due to education, wealth or location
Digital bridge = initiatives (Nenasala, Vidatha, Computer Resource Centres) to overcome the divide
De-skilling = automation replacing skilled human labour causing unemployment
14 ICT job roles listed; Software Engineers are most in demand and top foreign exchange earners
Cyber crime arises from irresponsible social media use — 11 protection rules in the syllabus
📖 Key Terms Glossary
Term
Definition
PII
Personally Identifiable Information — data that identifies an individual (name, NIC, phone number, photo)
Malware
Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems
Firewall
A security system (hardware or software) that monitors and filters all data entering or leaving a network
Patent
A government-issued licence protecting an innovation and granting the inventor exclusive ownership rights
Ergonomics
The science of designing work to fit the worker's physical and psychological needs for comfort and efficiency
CVS
Computer Vision Syndrome — eye irritation and related symptoms from prolonged screen exposure (6–7 hours)
CTS
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — numbness and pain in the wrist and fingers from repetitive keyboard/mouse use
E-Waste
Electronic products that have reached the end of their useful life and require special disposal
Digital Divide
Economic and social inequality due to unequal access to or use of Information and Communication Technology
Phishing
A cyber attack using deceptive emails posing as trusted sources to steal personal or financial information
Plagiarism
Using someone else's intellectual work and presenting it as your own without proper attribution
RSI
Repetitive Stress Injury — pain from shoulder to fingers caused by repetitive computer use and poor posture
🎉 You've completed Chapter 6! Make sure you can explain each concept in your own words and apply them to real-life scenarios. Good luck in your examination!
ICT shapes society in profound ways — creating both divides and opportunities, replacing skills while creating new ones.
What is the Digital Divide?
An economic and social inequality caused by differences in access to, ability to use, or availability of Information Communication Technology.
❌ Causes of Digital Divide
✅ Digital Bridge Solutions
What is De-Skilling?
Machinery and automation replacing skilled human labour, leading to unemployment and loss of human expertise. Knowledge accumulated over years becomes irrelevant when machines take over. Examples:
Software Engineer ⭐
Most in-demand locally and globally. Highest foreign exchange earner for Sri Lanka. Requires deep knowledge of software development and ICT.
Database Programmer & Analyst
Designs and manages database systems for organisations across all industries.
Mobile Application Developer
Creates applications for smartphones and tablets — one of the fastest-growing ICT roles.
Network & Systems Security Specialist
Protects organisations from cyber attacks and unauthorised access.
Website Developer
Builds and maintains websites for businesses and organisations.
Technical Trainer
Teaches ICT skills to employees and helps bridge the digital literacy gap.
📋 Full List of ICT Employment Opportunities
📣 Social Media Benefits
⚠️ Cyber Crime Examples
🔐 Protecting Yourself on Social Media