Wireless Technology - Assignment Example

? Wireless Technology Wireless technology Wireless technology refers to the transmission of data from one person to another in a field network, regardless the distance, without using wires or cables. It facilitates transmission of information and services and instant communication at any time. According to Gattiker (2004), this is done by designing special software’s that can detect and connect the network fields from any corner of the world. This has enabled different industries to connect with their corresponding industries from other parts of the world. For instance, the various sectors under which wireless technology has been implemented are the financial information and services, healthcare applications and services, as well as, Education and community empowerment (Gattiker, 2004). In this case, the main focus will be on the impact of wireless technology in education and financial industries. Education and financial industry have seized this opportunity and expanded access and service delivery to students and customers respectively. Over the years, advancements of wireless technology in these industries have been immense. In education sector, wireless technology covers diverse areas of learning experiences such as access to information, teacher’s organizational tools, teaching whether inside and outside the classroom, as well as, assessment applications (Gattiker, 2004). There are various strategies that have been put in place to facilitate the advancement of wireless technology in this sector. The first one is installation of free Wi-Fi networks all learning institution with the aim of encouraging their students to have with them tablets, smart phones and laptops which are Wi-Fi enabled. The second one is that governments from all over the world have also taken measures to either provide tablet computers for free or sell at subsidize cost to students. For example, in Texas and Michigan the government has established mega computer laboratories, as well as, subsidizing the cost of laptops and tablets for students. The third one is encouraging the use of net books in schools as another alternative for hardcopy books. Net books are more efficient because they can access many free websites. They are also quite flexible, such that, students in all levels can easily use them. The use of these net books helps in diversifying the learner’s educational opportunities and learning experiences (Moore & Library of Congress, 2006). The four one is the fact that more publishers and writing companies have launched e-textbooks where students are able to upload and download contents, as well as, links where they can view videos, images and tutorials. Lastly, Mobile e-learning is also another great advancement in the education sector. Software and web designers have expanded their research and have been able to come with useful applications that have proved effective in disseminating knowledge anywhere in the world. Currently, people are able to have classes while traveling or in another lecture room and in another country different from the lecture’s. Researchers have also been able to devise methods of learning where learners can creatively engage their minds in recalling information, enhancing understanding, synthesizing, analyzing and evaluating critically all the information accessible to them on their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. For instance, educational games available online (Gratton, 2007). The use of wireless technology in schools is taking shape very fast and still poses great potential in the future. Powered by its ability to provide information anywhere without extra cables or adaptors, wireless technology has the ability to change around tables in the education sector. Greater student improvement is designed to take shape, improve efficiency in data communications and flexibility in implementation of technology in the curriculum. However, these advancements have not progressed without certain challenges, drawbacks, as well as, scholars, critically assessing advantages and disadvantages of the advancements. Firstly, there has been a security concern in many educational institutions where people have hacked in to the school system and interfered with school data. This has caused loss or distortion of school information. Secondly, maintenance of the routers and all the other resources involved is very expensive hence increasing the schools overheads. Thirdly, installation of Wi-Fi networks as well as the infrastructural base is quite expensive and these networks are limited to certain areas. Lastly, there has been no comprehensive research that is capable of demonstrating the effectiveness of using this technology. This technology, therefore, needs more research to give clear direction to potential users and increase efficiency to those already using it (Powell & shim, 2009). Financial industry is one of the fastest growing industries in modern world. This has been brought about by increased entrepreneurial culture that has expanded economies of the world. As a result, the financial industry has attracted many players (Powell & shim, 2009). Each player wants to provide value added services to their customers to enable them have compete effectively and at the same time have an advantage over the competitors. This has been done by keeping abreast with the technology and at the same time finding other innovative ways of providing the customers with diverse value added access and capabilities. Wireless technology in the financial sector has been considered as one of these innovations. One of the most advanced sector in the in the financial industry is the banking secretor. For instance, one can deposit money to a mobile account, pay for goods using the same mobile money, and carry little cash in the pocket which has enhanced security. Banks have also instituted mechanisms of sending short messages to their customers when their balances gets low or when they have received money from whichever sources. Wireless technologies are also associated with the use of 3G and 4G networks especially the mobile technology. These have, in addition, provided a powerful way of reaching the unbanked and the under banked. These categories of people are now able to bank their money conveniently. Cheque deposits, balance enquiries, and account transfers are done using wireless technology. This enables financial institutions to provide cost effective, convenient, easy, and efficient customer services which translates in customer satisfaction (Gratton, 2007). Wireless technology has also greatly contributed to the expansion of the role played by financial sector in the economy. Wireless technology has been considered as one of the most flexible tool in all kinds of markets. These roles include money transfers, bank accounts and conducting business intelligence (Gratton, 2007). More complex business operations have also been made immediate by accessibility of wireless technology. These business operations include accessing marketing information, financing services, insurance services, and, payments. For example, Small businesses can now use electronic money transfer to reduce reliance on cash. This improves their security, cash flow management, and also making it easier and safe for their customers to make huge deposits (Moore & Library of Congress, 2006). A major challenge facing the financial sector despite the advancement is that, very few people especially from the remote places know of their existence. Others have not come to reality with technology hence, not accepted to use it. This is more so in developing countries. This technology faces technical disadvantage, in that, the technology is at its initial stages and attempt to implement it has led to serious flaws that have had serious business implications such as collapsing of businesses (Powell & shim, 2009). These flaws are also occurring because of the scanty information concerning its current use, best practices and the potential that it presents. Just as in the education sector, security of data remains a major concern in the financial sector. Some people have hacked in to bank systems and interfered with the system and the bank has end up losing a lot of money. Others have hacked into accounts of individual customers and made away with their cash making the customers reluctant to use and trust wireless technology. In conclusion, it is evident that education and financial industry have taken advantage of the modern wireless technology and maximized on them to enhance delivery of services. This has been prompted by the numerous opportunities that the technology offer. Though the two, have not come along without disadvantages, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages by a great margin. However, there is need for researchers and technocrats to put more effort in addressing all the challenges that face them. References Gattiker, U. E. (2004). The information security dictionary: Defining the terms that define security for E-business, Internet, information, and wireless technology. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers Gratton, D. A. (2007). Developing Practical Wireless Applications. Burlington: Elsevier Moore, L. K., & Library of Congress. (2006). Wireless technology and spectrum demand: Advanced wireless services. Washington, D.C: Congressional Information Service, Library of Congress. Powell, S., & Shim, J. (2009). Wireless technology: Applications, management, and security. Dordrecht: Springer. Read More