Qualification:
Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (AAQ)
Certificate:
Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129)
Unit:
F161: Developing Application Software
1.1 - Application Platforms
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Reality Platforms
Websites
Computer Games
There are three types of application platforms you need to know, starting with devices based around merging technology and reality -augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). You also need to understand how websites and computer games are used as application platforms.
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You need to know the uses of these application platforms as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
What You Need to Know
Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality / Mixed Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is technology that overlays digital images or information onto the real world.
Virtual Reality (VR) uses a computer-generated 3D environment that fully immerses the user, usually with a headset.
​Mixed Reality (MR) is a blend of AR and VR where digital objects interact with the real world in real time.
AR, VR and MR devices have a wide range of uses, the main three being educational, instructional and for research.
Websites
Websites can be used as platforms to deliver applications directly through a web browser, removing the need for users to install software on their device. This allows applications to be accessed easily across different devices and operating systems using an internet connection. There are four categories of websites to know:
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E-Commerce
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Instructional
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Educational
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Social Media
Computer Games
Computer (video) games can be used as application platforms by combining software functionality with interactive gameplay and immersive environments. Games can increase user engagement and allow complex ideas, simulations or training activities to be delivered in a more intuitive and motivating way.
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Games are highly engaging, increasing user motivation and time spent using the application but game development is often complex, time-consuming and expensive, requiring specialist skills in a range of job roles.
Questo's Questions
1.1 - Application Platforms:
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1. Give the key features and uses for each reality-based device - AR, VR and MR. [4 marks each]​
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2. Give three advantages and disadvantages of using a website as an application platform. ​[6]
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3. A school is considering making a computer game application to encourage students to learn about rainforests. Consider two advantages and disadvantages of using computer games as an application platform in this scenario. ​[4]
There are over 1 billion websites on the internet, but fewer than 20% are actively maintained, meaning most websites are abandoned, inactive or placeholder pages.
Did You Know?
