Real-world examples
Travel cards
Travel cards can be used for more than just travel. I use them to gain entry to local public parks across the city — a unique and novel use for them. They just need topping up and then swiping at an entry gate, which is all very efficient.
Computing topic links: Digital literacy/becoming a digital citizen
Live webcam footage of tourist destinations
You can view live webcam footage of many tourist attractions to see how busy the area is, which can help you decide whether or not to visit that day.
Computing topic links: Digital literacy/becoming a digital citizen
Car park payment via WhatsApp
I’m sure we are all up to speed with the increase in the use of mobile apps to pay for parking. However, I recently discovered that you can also pay for parking by sending a correctly formatted WhatsApp message to the number of the local authority. Mind-blowing! In general, I have seen a vast increase in the number of businesses using WhatsApp as more than just the messaging platform most of us know it as.
Computing topic links: Communication and networks
Automation apps
When the sun bears down brightly in my classroom and makes the projector screen too difficult to view, automation apps come into play. Blinds can be lowered from the ceiling at the push of a button on a school tablet (or on a daily schedule), which really helps to quash the excuses when students say they can’t see the questions on the board to complete the displayed exam questions!
Computing topic links: Algorithms and programming
USB ports on public transport
While using contactless payment for local transport is quite commonplace in today’s connected cities, other transport perks are not as well known. We rely on our devices, so it can often be a saviour when we find USB ports on modes of public transport across the city, including metros, trams, and buses. They have saved me, and many students I teach, numerous times!
Computing topic links: The bigger picture
Digital loyalty cards
Let’s not forget that teacher staple — coffee! On many mornings, I use a digital loyalty card stored in my phone’s wallet to collect as many points as possible in the hopes of a free coffee in the near future!
Computing topic links: Digital literacy/becoming a digital citizen