Introduction

Welcome to ICD2O! The goal of this course is to allow you to develop the knowledge and skills related to digital technology and computer programming that will support you in contributing to and leading the global economic, scientific, and societal innovations of tomorrow. Digital technologies play a major part in all aspects of our lives, and this course will support you in understanding how those digital technologies work and how they can be used and developed for the common good of society.

Illustration of people using technology around the globe.

This course enables you to explore how to use computing and critical thinking to address issues that are meaningful to you and your communities, and how to move from being a consumer of digital technologies to becoming an empowered creator.

In this course, you will learn and apply coding concepts and skills to build hands-on projects and investigate artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging digital technologies that connect to a wide range of fields and careers. Using critical thinking skills with a focus on digital citizenship, you will investigate the appropriate use and development of the digital technologies that you encounter every day, as well as the benefits and limitations of these technologies.

In Unit 1, we will examine the Internet of Things. In subsequent units, we will be exploring an introduction to coding, emerging technologies, and coding revisited.

In this learning activity, you will be exploring what the Internet of Things is and begin to explore how these devices have changed our lives and the world around us.

Connectivity

We hope you will enjoy exploring the ever-changing world of computing. Before we begin, take some time and consider how you are very much a part of, and connected to the internet.

Think

As we begin our journey, take a few moments to reflect on how you connect to the internet daily. What tools do you use? What benefits are these tools providing to your life? If available, share your ideas with a friend or family member. This will strengthen your communication skills.

To best support your learning from one unit to the next, you may find it helpful to create a learning journal.

Learning journal

As you progress through the course, you will use a tool to help you record your thoughts and ideas. Whenever you encounter the learning journal icon, you are encouraged to record your thinking and any other important information. How you use your journal is ultimately up to you!

Your learning journal entries can be presented in a variety of ways. They do not all need to be in the same format.

Press the Format Suggestions button to know more.

Your learning journal will be an important way to organize your learning. The content should be organized in a way that makes the most sense to you and will likely vary depending on the topic. This is a personal decision based on how you learn best, but it is important that you have a consistent place for your notes.

Press the Content Suggestions button to know more.

Ideally, you should record your answers in a way that will make sharing and accessibility easy as we progress through the course. Feel free to include images and even links to videos and resources directly in your journal.

Keeping organized will help you stay on track with your learning from start to finish!

What you should include in your journal

Each journal entry should include the following:

  • Part 1: Unit and learning activity number
  • Part 2: Identification of the prompt you are choosing to answer
  • Part 3: The required content, written by you with evidence of your learning

How you organize the three parts is up to you!

At the end of each learning activity, you should collect your learning journals in a safe place and refer to them for future reference.

Discover more

What is digital connectivity? Use your favourite search engine to help you define the following terms in your own words:

  • Digital Connectivity
  • The Internet of Things (IoT)

Now that you have a better understanding of what digital connectivity is, think about how you interact with a digitally connected item in your everyday life.

Learning journal

Digitally connected items in our daily lives

Create a description of a digitally connected item that helps (or would help) you in your daily life. Consider the following questions when formulating your answer:

  • What is the item?
  • How does it affect your daily life?
  • If this item is something you want to use instead of something you already use, how would your day change if you were to have the item?

Learning skills and work habits reflection

Success in this course can take many shapes and forms. One way of tracking your progress is to reflect on how you are using the 6 Learning Skills and Work Habits (Opens in a new tab).

Press the following tabs to learn more about each and how they apply to your success in this course.

The student completes and submits assignments based on timelines they set for themselves.

The student develops a plan that will help them complete learning activities and assignments.

The student seeks out information, technology, and resources that will support their learning.

The student independently monitors and self-assesses their progress in the course by reviewing their personal goals for the course.

The student responds and positively self-reflects on the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others.

The student approaches problems with an open mind and demonstrates a willingness to take their learning to the next level.

The student sets their own success goals for the course and monitors their progress.

The student can identify areas of improvement and determine next steps.

Take a moment and reflect on how you can successfully apply any of the 6 Learning Skills and Work Habits in this learning activity and throughout the course.

Acknowledgements(Opens in a new tab)

All about IoT and everyday life

Discover more

Use your favourite search engine to search for other examples of IoT devices. Check for devices used in different industries such as sports, environment, medicine, entertainment, and education.

IoT devices on a living room media unit.

How do IoT devices connect

Press the following tabs to explore the following questions which explain some of the connectivity methods for IoT devices.

A smart device that contains processors, sensors, and communication hardware is considered an IoT device. The device will collect, send, and act on data collected. Data is either sent via an IoT gateway to the cloud or used locally. Sometimes, IoT devices communicate with each other to complete tasks. IoT devices are intended to complete tasks without human intervention after they are set up. *

It may seem obvious that a connection to the internet is important for an IoT device. There are, however, many options when it comes to choosing how the IoT device will connect to the internet. The designer must weigh the pros and cons of each method based on what the device will do before choosing a connection method. Some examples of these options are cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, LPWAN, and Ethernet. Within some of these options, the designer must also choose a provider such as Bell or Rogers in the case of cellular services. *

The internet is only one of the ways that devices communicate with other devices and humans.

Here are a few examples of data being exchanged without an internet connection:

  • A car transmits its location to the smart city infrastructure system which, in turn, sends back information about traffic conditions.
  • A sensor in a water pipe detects leaks and sends alerts to a mobile phone.
  • A self-driving car transmits its location and status back to headquarters.
*

IoT can be wired or wireless. Usually, an ethernet cable is used to connect a device by wire. The decision of whether to connect via wire or wireless is based on a number of factors.

Why choose wired connectivity?

  • Reliability – The device is less likely to drop the connection, and the connection will not require debugging.
  • Speed – Wired connection is less affected by signal interference and speed is not dependent on the distance the signal needs to travel.
  • Security – Data will not be broadcast, so it is not at risk of being hacked.

Why wires may not be a good choice?

  • Cost – Connecting via a wire can be expensive due to labour costs and replacement costs if the wire is damaged or needs an upgrade.
  • Mobility – Once the wire is installed, the device can only move as far as the wire will allow.

Why choose wireless connectivity?

  • Set Up – It is a lot easier to set up a wireless connection than it is to install the cables needed for a wired connection.
  • Cost-Effective – Money can be saved on installing the cables.

Why wireless may not be a good choice?

  • Interference – The connection between wireless devices can be interrupted by other devices close by, causing a reduction in connection quality.
  • Speed – A wireless connection will not be as fast as a wired connection, and speeds can be impacted by proximity and obstacles such as walls and furniture.
*

Learning journal

Take some time and add some information to your first learning journal. Use the following prompts to record your learning so far about IoT connectivity.

IoT Connectivity

  1. Describe the types of ways IoT devices connect.
  2. Write a short description of the decisions designers need to consider when designing an IoT object.

Using IoT to empower Indigenous voices

Indigenous language is at risk of becoming extinct. By using new technologies, the languages can be preserved and passed down to future generations. One example of this application of technology was created by Danielle Boyer.

Career connection: Robotics inventor

Meet Danielle Boyer, an Ojibwe Robotics Inventor who makes robots and gives them away. Danielle is working to make technical and cultural education more accessible for Indigenous youth. Danielle founded The Steam Connection, a robotics education startup, which works to make technical education accessible for youth through the power of robotics. Danielle started by designing and using a 3D printer to create robots. Danielle has been named one of PEOPLE Magazine’s Girls Changing the World, a L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, an MIT Solve Indigenous Communities Fellow, and a Verizon Forward for Good Winner for her invention of biodegradable robotics components.

Danielle Boyer surrounded by robotic materials that her company, The STEAM Connection, design and manufactures.

Danielle Boyer, 2022

Danielle became passionate about creating access to education after witnessing the inequalities impacting the community. Danielle and the Steam Connection work to create environmentally sustainable robots. One example of this is a robot that sorts recyclables. Another way that Danielle is creating accessibility is by creating SkoBots, which is a wearable Indigenous language learning robot that sits on your shoulder and speaks languages.

To learn more about Danielle’s mission and SkoBots, explore the following video.

Note: in the video, there is mention of residential schools.

There are other examples of how Indigenous peoples are empowering themselves with the use of IoT.

Read

Read icon

Spend some time reading through the following resource titled Indigenous Peoples Teach the World First Nations Wisdom Through Technology(Opens in a new tab) to learn how a group of Indigenous peoples are using technology for storytelling and building cultural connections.

Recall the first learning journal prompt in the Minds On section when you shared a description of a digitally connected item that helps (or would help) you in your daily life. Think of how that object may contribute to a group of people’s lives or can change how we live.

Discover more

If your original object meets the criteria of contributing to society or changing how we live, you might find it helpful to search online to learn more about another IoT device that contributes to a group of people's lives.

Once you have spent some time thinking about your selected device, record your findings in the next learning journal entry.

Learning journal

In your learning journal, identify who would or does benefit from the use of your chosen IoT device. Record how this device contributes to a group of people's lives or changes how a group of people live. How does this device connect to a network? Describe the advantages of using this device as well as any disadvantages.

Assessing our understanding of IoT devices

Learning journal

Digitally connected items and society

Part 1

Now that you have spent some time researching how your object contributes to society, consider the following information and add any further detail to your previous journal entry:

  • What is the item?
  • How does it affect your daily life?
  • If this item is something you want to use instead of something you have used, how would your day change if you were to have the item?
  • What are its functions?
  • How would it integrate into the user's life?
  • How does this device contribute to a group of people's lives or change how a group of people live?
  • How does it connect to the internet?
  • What are the advantages of using this device? Are there any disadvantages?

IoT compared to non IoT devices

Learning journal

Add to your learning journal a comparison chart comparing the features and benefits of the connected device and a similar non-connected device. What are the pros and cons of each?

A template of four boxes: Top left titled pro of IoT device, top right con of IoT device, bottom left pro of non IoT device, and bottom right con of non IoT device.

Considerations may include:

  • costs
  • security
  • features
  • ease of use
  • reliability
  • resource use

Portfolio

When you are ready, take some time to review the learning journal entries from this learning activity. If available, share your entries with a friend or family member. This will strengthen your comprehension of new concepts and develop your communication skills.

Self-check quiz

Check your understanding!

Complete the following self-check quiz to determine where you are in your learning and what areas you need to focus on.

This quiz is for feedback only, not part of your grade. You have unlimited attempts on this quiz. Take your time, do your best work, and reflect on any feedback provided.

Press Quiz to access this tool.

Learning skills reflection

It is important to reflect on your learning at the end of each learning activity. It will help you understand where you are in your learning and what areas you may need to review further. Take a moment and reflect on how you have used any of the 6 Learning Skills and Work Habits (Opens in a new tab) in this learning activity.

You may wish to begin thinking about how you can develop and implement these Learning Skills and Work Habits in the next learning activity.

Conclusion

In this learning activity, you have learned about what the Internet of Things (IoT) is and have begun to explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of these technologies.

In the next learning activity, you will explore how to find good data online and use critical thinking skills to determine which products might be right for you.

Connecting to transferable skills

Ontario worked with other provinces in Canada to outline a set of competencies that are requirements to thrive. Ontario then developed its transferable skills framework as a set of skills for students to develop over time. These competencies are ones that are important to have in order to be successful in today’s world.

Read the following document entitled Transferable Skills Outline (Opens in a new tab) to explore the framework and the descriptors for each skill. Download, print, or copy the information in the document into your notes - you'll refer to it in each unit.

Press the following tabs to explore the skills.

Explore this!

Explore the following video to learn more about critical thinking and problem solving.


Definition

Critical thinking and problem solving involve examining complex issues and problems from a variety of different points of view in order to make informed judgments and decisions. Learning is deeper when the experiences are meaningful, real world, and authentic.

Students consistently:

  • solve meaningful, real-life problems
  • take steps to organize, design, and manage projects using inquiry processes
  • analyze information to make informed decisions
  • see patterns, make connections, and transfer learning from one situation to another
  • see the connections between social, economic, and ecological systems

Explore this!

Check out the following video to learn more about innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.


Definition

Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship involve the ability to turn ideas into action to meet the needs of a community. The ability to contribute new-to-the-world thinking and solutions to solve complex problems involves leadership, risk taking, and independent/unconventional thinking. Experimenting with new strategies, techniques, and perspectives through research is part of this skill set.

Students consistently:

  • formulate insightful questions to generate opinions
  • take risks in thinking; experiment to find new ways of doing things
  • demonstrate leadership in a range of creative projects
  • motivate others in an ethical and entrepreneurial spirit

Explore this!

Access the following video to learn more about self-directed learning.


Definition

Self-directed learning means: becoming aware and demonstrating ownership in your learning. Belief in your ability to learn (growth mindset), combined with strategies for planning, monitoring, and reflecting on your past, present, and future goals promote lifelong learning, well-being, and adaptability in an ever-changing world.

Students consistently:

  • are aware of how they learn best
  • ask for support when needed
  • set goals and make a plan to achieve their goals
  • practice new skills they want to improve
  • reflect on their own learning to determine strengths
  • learn to adapt to change and become resilient in the face of adversity
  • become managers of different aspects of their lives to enhance their health and overall well being

Explore this!

Explore the following video to learn more about collaboration.


Definition

Collaboration involves participating ethically and effectively in teams. Being versatile across different situations, roles, groups, and perspectives allows you to co-construct knowledge, meaning, content, and learn from, and with others in physical and online spaces.

Students consistently:

  • participate in teams in respectful and positive ways
  • learn from others; contribute to the learning of others
  • assume various roles on a team as needed being respectful of a diversity of perspectives including Indigenous ways of knowing
  • address disagreements and manage conflict in sensitive and constructive ways
  • network with a variety of people and groups on an ongoing basis

Explore this!

Check out the following video to learn more about communication.


Definition

Communication involves receiving and expressing meaning (e.g., reading and writing, viewing and creating, listening and speaking) in different contexts and with different audiences and purposes. Effective communication increasingly involves understanding both local and global perspectives, including using a variety of media appropriately, responsibly, and safely with regard to your digital footprint.

Students consistently:

  • communicate effectively in a variety of media
  • use digital tools appropriately to create a positive digital footprint
  • listen to understand
  • ask effective questions
  • understand the cultural importance of language

Explore this!

Access the following video to learn more about global citizenship and sustainability.


Definition

Global citizenship and sustainability involve understanding diverse worldviews and perspectives in order to address political, ecological, social, and economic issues that are crucial to living in a in a sustainable world. Being aware of what it means to be an engaged citizen and how the appreciation for the diversity of people and perspectives contributes to a sustainable world are part of this skill set.

Students consistently:

  • take actions and make responsible decisions to support the quality of life for all
  • understand the histories, knowledge, contributions, and inherent rights of Indigenous people
  • recognize discrimination and work to promote the principles of equity
  • contribute to their local and global community
  • participate in an inclusive, accountable, sustainable, and ethical manner, both in groups and in online networks

Explore this!

Explore the following video to learn more about digital literacy.


Definition

Digital literacy involves the ability to solve problems using technology in a safe, legal, and ethically responsible manner. Digitally literate students recognize the rights and responsibilities, as well as the opportunities, that come with living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world.

Students consistently:

  • select and use appropriate digital tools to collaborate, communicate, create, innovate, and solve problems
  • use technology in a way that is consistent with supporting their mental health and well-being
  • use digital tools effectively to solve problems and inform decisions
  • demonstrate a willingness and confidence to explore new or unfamiliar digital tools and emerging technologies
  • manage their digital footprint by engaging in social media and online communities respectfully, inclusively, safely, legally, and ethically

The transferable skills described in these videos have been adapted from the Ministry‘s definitions and descriptions that are available for viewing on the Ministry of Education‘s Curriculum and Resources site: Transferable Skills(Opens in a new tab)

Note the indicators that you think you will develop in this course. Throughout this course, you should revisit these skills to reflect on which ones you develop and if your original predictions were correct.

As you continue through this unit and the rest of the course, keep your notebook updated and be mindful of opportunities to apply and develop transferable skills.