HPCOS81 Assignment 3 2025
Unique Number:
Due date:8 August 2025
EXPLORING THE DESIGN, USE, AND IMPACT OF COMPUTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
1. INTRODUCTION
The global Covid-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted social, economic, and
technological landscapes, prompting rapid changes in how computing technologies are
designed, deployed, and used. Within this shifting context, computing systems became
central to sustaining work, education, governance, and health services. The urgency to
adapt to remote modalities ushered in a ―new normal‖ where digital platforms and
infrastructure replaced many in-person processes (Dwivedi et al., 2020).
This research focuses on the design, use, and impact of computing technologies during the
Covid-19 crisis, with a particular emphasis on their role in South African society. The study
examines how computing innovations emerged in response to the pandemic, the challenges
users and developers encountered, and the broader societal implications of accelerated
digital transformation.
By investigating contexts such as education, small business, government services, and
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
EXPLORING THE DESIGN, USE, AND IMPACT OF COMPUTING IN SOUTH
AFRICA DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
1. INTRODUCTION
The global Covid-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted social, economic, and
technological landscapes, prompting rapid changes in how computing technologies
are designed, deployed, and used. Within this shifting context, computing systems
became central to sustaining work, education, governance, and health services. The
urgency to adapt to remote modalities ushered in a ―new normal‖ where digital
platforms and infrastructure replaced many in-person processes (Dwivedi et al.,
2020).
This research focuses on the design, use, and impact of computing technologies
during the Covid-19 crisis, with a particular emphasis on their role in South African
society. The study examines how computing innovations emerged in response to the
pandemic, the challenges users and developers encountered, and the broader
societal implications of accelerated digital transformation.
By investigating contexts such as education, small business, government services,
and cybersecurity, this study aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of
the technological and social changes driven by the pandemic. Drawing from global
and local literature, the research also seeks to contribute to debates on sustainable
computing practices, inclusive digital access, and the future of computing post-
Covid-19 (Ågerfalk et al., 2020; Davison, 2020; Pan & Zhang, 2020).
2. BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH
The Covid-19 crisis catalysed a massive digital shift, forcing individuals, institutions,
and governments to rely heavily on computing technologies for communication,
education, business continuity, and service delivery. The pandemic not only tested
the resilience of existing digital infrastructures but also revealed socio-economic
disparities in access, digital literacy, and technological readiness—especially in
developing countries like South Africa (Dwivedi et al., 2020; Papadopoulos et al.,
2020).
Unique Number:
Due date:8 August 2025
EXPLORING THE DESIGN, USE, AND IMPACT OF COMPUTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
1. INTRODUCTION
The global Covid-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted social, economic, and
technological landscapes, prompting rapid changes in how computing technologies are
designed, deployed, and used. Within this shifting context, computing systems became
central to sustaining work, education, governance, and health services. The urgency to
adapt to remote modalities ushered in a ―new normal‖ where digital platforms and
infrastructure replaced many in-person processes (Dwivedi et al., 2020).
This research focuses on the design, use, and impact of computing technologies during the
Covid-19 crisis, with a particular emphasis on their role in South African society. The study
examines how computing innovations emerged in response to the pandemic, the challenges
users and developers encountered, and the broader societal implications of accelerated
digital transformation.
By investigating contexts such as education, small business, government services, and
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
EXPLORING THE DESIGN, USE, AND IMPACT OF COMPUTING IN SOUTH
AFRICA DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
1. INTRODUCTION
The global Covid-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted social, economic, and
technological landscapes, prompting rapid changes in how computing technologies
are designed, deployed, and used. Within this shifting context, computing systems
became central to sustaining work, education, governance, and health services. The
urgency to adapt to remote modalities ushered in a ―new normal‖ where digital
platforms and infrastructure replaced many in-person processes (Dwivedi et al.,
2020).
This research focuses on the design, use, and impact of computing technologies
during the Covid-19 crisis, with a particular emphasis on their role in South African
society. The study examines how computing innovations emerged in response to the
pandemic, the challenges users and developers encountered, and the broader
societal implications of accelerated digital transformation.
By investigating contexts such as education, small business, government services,
and cybersecurity, this study aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of
the technological and social changes driven by the pandemic. Drawing from global
and local literature, the research also seeks to contribute to debates on sustainable
computing practices, inclusive digital access, and the future of computing post-
Covid-19 (Ågerfalk et al., 2020; Davison, 2020; Pan & Zhang, 2020).
2. BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH
The Covid-19 crisis catalysed a massive digital shift, forcing individuals, institutions,
and governments to rely heavily on computing technologies for communication,
education, business continuity, and service delivery. The pandemic not only tested
the resilience of existing digital infrastructures but also revealed socio-economic
disparities in access, digital literacy, and technological readiness—especially in
developing countries like South Africa (Dwivedi et al., 2020; Papadopoulos et al.,
2020).
