Cloud Computing, AI, VR & AR Grade 12
Grade 12 Term 2 theory: cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality and virtualisation — all new Software topics in the updated CAPS.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence — such as learning, reasoning, decision-making and pattern recognition.
What is AI used for?
- Virtual assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa)
- Recommendations (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube suggest content)
- Fraud detection in banking
- Medical diagnosis support
- Autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars)
- Chatbots for customer service
- Image and facial recognition
Advantages of AI
- Processes vast amounts of data faster than humans
- Works 24/7 without breaks or fatigue
- Reduces human error in repetitive tasks
- Enables automation of complex processes
Disadvantages and Limitations of AI
- Can be biased if trained on biased data
- Job displacement — automating roles previously done by humans
- No true understanding or common sense — only pattern matching
- Security risks — AI can be used to create deepfakes or power cyberattacks
- Expensive to develop and maintain
- Privacy concerns with data collection required for AI training
Cloud Computing
Software, storage and computing power delivered as a service over the Internet, rather than installed locally.
You don't build a power station in your back yard — you just plug into the wall and pay for what you use, and someone else runs the generators. Cloud computing works the same way: instead of buying and maintaining your own servers, you rent storage and computing power from a provider (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) over the internet and pay only for what you use. It scales up when you need more and down when you don't, exactly like drawing more or less electricity from the grid.
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Scalable — capacity grows automatically | Requires internet connection |
| Affordable — pay only for what you use | Downtime affects all users |
| Accessible from any device anywhere | Security and privacy concerns |
| Maintained by experts; always updated | Ongoing subscription costs |
| Easy collaboration between users | Limited control over infrastructure |
SaaS — Software as a Service
Applications accessed via browser with no local installation. Examples: Google Docs, Microsoft 365, Gmail.
Effect on Hardware
Cloud reduces the need for powerful local hardware — thin clients and low-spec devices can run complex software via the cloud. Businesses no longer need to buy expensive servers.
Virtualisation
Running multiple virtual machines on a single physical computer. Each VM has its own OS, RAM, storage and apps, isolated from others.
Benefits
- Cost savings — fewer physical servers needed
- Test operating systems safely without affecting main computer
- Disaster recovery — VM images can be backed up and restored
- Green IT — fewer machines, less power and cooling
Virtual Reality (VR)
A fully artificial, immersive 3D environment created by software. The user is completely cut off from the real world.
| Use Case | Example |
|---|---|
| Training | Military simulations, surgical training |
| Education | Virtual field trips, interactive lessons |
| Entertainment | VR gaming, virtual cinemas |
| Healthcare | Phobia treatment, pain management |
| Engineering | Virtual prototypes, architectural walkthroughs |
Hardware Requirements for VR
- VR headset (e.g. Meta Quest, PlayStation VR)
- Powerful GPU for real-time 3D rendering
- Motion controllers / tracking sensors
- High-speed processor and sufficient RAM
- Input devices: joysticks, tracking balls, controller wands, data gloves, trackpads, motion trackers and treadmills — used to navigate and interact within the virtual environment
- Output devices: present VR content back to the user through visual (headset display), auditory (headphones) and even haptic (touch/vibration feedback) displays
Limitations of VR
- Software constraints — VR software has limited flexibility beyond what it was originally built to do
- Cannot simulate dynamic environments well — VR struggles to replicate the constantly changing nature of a real classroom or real-world situation
- Potential for addiction and social detachment — excessive VR use can become addictive and reduce real-world social connection because the experience feels artificial but immersive
Augmented Reality (AR)
Overlays computer-generated content on the real world — you still see reality, with digital elements added.
| Use Case | Example |
|---|---|
| Retail | Preview furniture in your room before buying |
| Training | Step-by-step repair instructions overlaid on equipment |
| Navigation | AR arrows overlaid on road view |
| Marketing | Interactive product advertisements |
Hardware Requirements for AR
- Battery life sufficient for extended use
- Bluetooth / Wi-Fi connectivity
- Wide field of view for realistic 3D overlay
- On-board storage capacity and an operating system or web browser to run the AR software
- Inputs/outputs such as buttons, eye tracking and an accelerometer, plus a microphone and speakers
- Visual tracking capabilities — so the device knows where to anchor digital objects in the real world
Limitations of AR
- Rendering meaningful, realistic graphics is challenging
- Scaling digital objects to the correct perspective is difficult
- Smartphones have limited storage, processing power and battery