Session Five

The main topic of the day was information and communication technology. We went through some areas of interest. What interested me most was the Internet which has one of the biggest impacts on human kind. How we have moved on from a basic web 1.0 to a more interactive web 2.0 plays a major part in our lives as web 2.0 has become a distinct aspect of our daily activities. But the biggest change would be the web 3.0. The idea of web 3.0 excites me, however, it also sounds a little scary. The main question that always comes to my mind regarding advancement in technology is that: Where should we stop before either the human touch is lost or we may be taken over by these very “robots”? May be it might be too much of influence of science fiction movies but if things we did not imagine have been achieved, I am sure even these fears may come true. I also found the idea of knowledge management quite enlightening.

Prof showed us a video on Project Natal. VERY EXCITING! But after reading prof’s blog I kind of agree with Kenny (one of my classmates) that having a computerized person as a companion for kids and elderly a good idea but it may have its implications. As much as parents and teachers can control the use and effects of such technology on children we don’t know how children’s mind work! They may form a bond with such a character and despite all our attempts we might not be able to break that bond. This would definitely affect how the child will interact with others and perceive the world. And in a negative way.

We had a discussion on digital poverty. I feel that even though ICT is a very powerful economic tool to remove poverty in developed countries by educating the people or by allowing greater access to information it is not the answer yet. There are many more important needs in people’s lives. We can’t forget the basic needs of human kind which is food, water, shelter etc. Without these needs no ICT can help these people. May be ICT can be used in another way the help people with their basic needs. That is something I would like to read up on further.

Two presentations were quite interesting. The first was by Melissa on the future of television. The discussion in class seemed to show that a lot of people felt that this will not be a very successful innovation. However, I feel that it might just do well. In TWC class we may be so influenced by the idea of having advances which are way above the television but many people out there aren’t. So the most little improvements in any technology that is part of our daily lives will most probably interest a lot of people out there. This is especially for people who can afford these innovations. A lot of folks out there are willing to use any technology or update their current ones as long as they can afford it.

The next interesting presentation was by Shaak. His article answered my question of the idea free. I was very very very interested, surprised and enlightened by this tactic or method companies use to attract customers. I think this idea is something that will stay all the way with me.

 I give this session a 9/10 as I got to learn a lot.