Information and communications technology (ICT), I believe, has been the major driving force in the world's transformation into an IT-savvy community. Areas discussed during the session covered mass media, the Internet, wireless and interactive telecommunications.
Being not very good with IT technical terms myself, I learnt during this class, the meaning of Web 1.0, 2.0 etc. 'Normal' people, like myself, would actually understand the numbers to represent the version of the web itself. I guess it isn't entirely wrong, but what I realised is that the numbers actually represent the degree of interaction in the web. Which means that the web has transformed from a vertical to a horizontal dissemination of information. Here is a narrative piece that explains the evolution of the web: Web 3.0, the present and the future of web . In the past, the Internet served as a platform for us to get information. We get what we see. Chances are, that the website will remain exactly the same irregardless of when you access the site. Unless, of course, the editor makes changes to the site. However as the world changed, and there is an increasing need to social interaction, web 1.0 evolved into web 2.0. Information is no longer disseminated from a source 'at the top'. Instead, Internet users like you and me are able to contribute to that wealth of information to generate EVEN MORE information, and that is how knowledge is shared. This is also how knowledge in the world is increasing exponentially as we can all gain easy access to the limitless knowledge there is for us out in the web. All these gave rise to social networking like blogging, social networking sites, and even YouTube, where people can post and upload almost anything they want.
Something else I found interesting that Prof mentioned was how gaming technologies had so much practical use. I had no idea! Some of the technology have been incorporated into medical equipments, military use, and even training purposes. For example in training, mock scenarios can be created using simulation gaming technology to train a person up for a particular situation. I found this really interesting because all these technologies are so common around us that we usually will not see the link between them.
Some of the dangers and risks of ICTs were raised, including espionage and invasion of privacy etc. While these are valid concerns, I feel that these concerns shouldn't prevent ICTs from further advancements. Instead, what can be done is to come up with precautionary measures to guard and protect against these dangers. While not everyone will agree to my view, I feel that the benefits of advancements in ICTs will far outweigh the concerns that will arise from it.
I personally liked reading 2 because it talks about how ICTs could really change the world. As people in more developed countries have the privilege to lay their hands on such advancements, we should keep in mind that they are other people in poorer countries who are not as fortunate. Therefore, the goal is to improve the conditions of every individual. I especially liked this quote by Kofi Annan, because it holds true.
"We must begin with the young Afghan girl, recognising that saving one life is to save humanity itself."
Indeed, we all ought to realise that no amount of effort is considered small. We should know that an accumulation of small efforts will amount to great and big things. Prof introduced us to a website (www.kiva.com) which is a platform for people to make donations and help the needy. How does it work? It basically encourages you to donate $25 to a donee of your choice. How the money will be used to help a person is clearly stated in the website. The good thing is that this money actually gets to the people who needs it and the amount you donated will be returned to you once your donee has 'saved' themselves. Thereafter, you are able to continue using that sum of money to help another donee of your choice. Pretty neat, huh?
At the beginning of the lesson, Prof showed us a video of Project Natal, bringing us into Milo's world. This video and concept involved shows us exactly what is possible in today's world, and we may not even realise it's possible. While this is some cool stuff, it definitely was thought provoking. Will such a technology redefine social interactions, diminish the value and importance of real relationships, and is this is any way similar to cloning? There was a question regarding the video, about whether Milo has any authentic human traits in him, or is he purely machine? And if we are in fact able to customise our characters to adopt our looks and personality etc, won't that be somewhat like cloning already? But in today's world and with such rapid advancements in technology, the possibilities of the world is limited only by our imagination.
Lesson Rating: 9/10
Really engaging lesson about a really relevant topic which almost everybody can relate well to. Some useful discussions going on as well. Can't wait for more!
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