002 - Extension and density of networks Part 1

Syllabus Point

Examine (AO3) the changes in a transport, internet or telecommunications network in terms of the extension of links and nodes and the intensity of use at a national or global scale.

Key Terminology

• Examine
• Links and nodes
• Digital divide

Image One - Hubs and Nodes

Taken From:

http://www.netage.com/networks/network/node-link.html

Define the terms above using the 'Command Term' posters in the classroom, the 'Global Interactions' text book by Guinness and the links provided.

Useful Links

• Links and Nodes
• Wikipedia Definition - Digital Divide

Activity One - Watch

We have come to rely on the internet in our daily lives and many of us would now struggle to live without it. In fact I would find it a challenge to teach without internet access these days as I have come to rely on the power of the information I can harness from it. But how did this powerful tool develop and how did it become to be classified as a human right to have access to it? Watch the youtube clip below and answer the following questions.

1. Watch the clip below and write notes on the history of the internet. Below is a list of dates to look out for:
   • 1960 - Marshall McLuhan (Canadian) stated the world would become a 'Global Village'.
   • 1970 - US Defence - ARPANET
   • 1989 - World Wide Web created by Tim Berners-Lee (British)
   • 1993 - 60 countries accessed the internet
   • 1998 - 147,800,800 users, 52% of those were in the USA
   • 2001 - 326 million users, 67% English speakers
   • 2003 - Skype developed by Zennstrom (Swedish) and Frils (Denmark)
   • 2004 - 801 million users, 35% English speakers
   • 2004 - Facebook developed by Zuckerberg
   • 2009 - 1.464 billion users, 17% China, 15% USA

2. Where is the physical part of the internet?

3. What socio-economic benefit does the internet bring? Record you ideas in the padlet for us to discuss as a group.

Activity Two - Skill

As you are all aware now being able to describe a graph is a fundamental geographical skill. When you describe remember to describe the overall trend illustrating it with figures, then describe the anomalies. Always back up your descriptions with data.

• Using the graph below, describe the change in internet users within the UK.

Image Two - A graph to show the internet users as a percentage of the population in 2011

1. Why has there been in an increase in internet users in the UK? Use the first three articles in the 'Useful Resources' section to help you.
2. The graph above shows the overall increase in internet users in the UK since the 1990s but it does not illustrate any variations. What factors create the a 'digital divide'?
3. What impact does a severed cable have on net access? Read the second Guardian article below to gain ideas.

Useful Resources

'Global Interactions' text book by Paul Guinness Page 47

Internet usage on the rise

The Guardian - Internet use doubled in 7 years

The BBC - Mobile internet use nearing 50%

The Guardian - Damaged undersea internet cable causes widespread service disruption

Exam Style Question

Using examples, explain the relationship between transport innovation and reduced friction of distance. (10 marks)

Thank you Leah Edwards for this