Transcript Chapter 7
A Gift of Fire Third edition Sara Baase Chapter 7: Evaluating and Controlling Technology Slides prepared by Cyndi Chie and Sarah Frye What We Will Cover • • • • Information, Knowledge, and Judgment Computers and Community The ‘Digital Divide’ Evaluations of the Impact of Computer Technology • Making Decisions About Technology Information, Knowledge, and Judgment Evaluating Information on the Web: • Wikipedia: – Written by volunteers, some posts are biased and not accurate – Although anyone can write, most people do not – Those that do typically are educated and experts Information, Knowledge, and Judgment (cont.) Evaluating Information on the Web (cont.): • Manipulation of images: – Movies and videos use special effects to add creativity and enjoyment of entertainment – People can use technology for deception and fraud – Ease with which we can modify digital images and video • Should news agencies modify images and videos? • Faking photos is not a new phenomenon; more people can do it now because it’s easy Computers and Community • The Internet brings people together from all over the world • E-mail and the Internet provide convenient and cheap ways for families and friends to stay in contact • New trends include social-networking sites such as MySpace and virtual environments such as Second Life The "Digital Divide" Trends in Computer Access: • New technologies only available to the wealthy • The time it takes for new technology to make its way into common use is decreasing • Cost is not the only factor; ease of use plays a role • Entrepreneurs provide low cost options for people who cannot otherwise afford something • Government funds technology in schools • As technology becomes more prevalent, the issues shift from the haves and have-nots to level of service The "Digital Divide" (cont.) The Global Divide and the Next Billion Users: • Approximately one billion people worldwide have access to the Web; approximately five billion do not • Bringing new technology to poor countries is not just a matter of money to buy equipment; PCs and laptops must work in extreme environments • Some people actively working to shrink the digital divide emphasize the need to provide access in ways appropriate to the local culture Making Decisions About Technology Accomplishments of Technology: • Prices of food are down and raw materials are abundant • Real buying power is up • Food supplies and GDP are growing faster than the population • Dramatic impact on life expectancy • Assistive technologies benefit those with disabilities Making Decisions About Technology (cont.) Intelligent Machines and Super-intelligent Humans - Or the End of the Human Race? Making Decisions About Technology Discussion Questions • The topic of ‘Digital Divide’ • Does Cyber War scare you?