In this lesson, we discussed about ICT and how it has changed the world. We started off talking about the progression of mass media and the internet. For the internet, it started off with a one away communication, and it progressed to interactive communication. Mass media on the other hand started off with the word of mouth, where people would relate information to each other through each other. It then moved on to recording and interactive mass media. Moving on, we discussed about practical applications through gaming devices. How some applications today used today were actually ideas from gaming devices. Some of which includes, neuro surgery, flying planes, pilot training stimulator and stimulators used to overcome fears.
Is ICT a driver of world change? And have we captured the potential of it? Some of us brought up that ICT is indeed a driver of world change. We have no arguments on that, however, is this sufficient? and has it maximised the potential? We felt that ICT has yet to reach out to 2 main groups, mainly the poor and old.
What i found interesting
What i found most interesting this lesson was the theory from one of the readings(Some thoughts on how ICTs could really change the world). This reading brought up that a complicated technology is actually build by many simple technologies.
The Networked World: Complex Systems Built from Simple Components
Predicting what complex systems will do is hard. It’s easy to understand what a simple machine will do—a wheel, a lever, a piston, a gear, a switch—but when they combine to become a system—a cart, a train, an automobile, a computer—simple machines interact in new ways. New systems emerge: the cart system changes the street system; automobile systems change streets, buildings, traffic control systems, court systems, training systems, energy systems, agricultural and urban systems, courtship and marriage systems.
It has shown to me that, existing technologies can actually create wonders, if the creator thinks out of the box and innovate something new. Bringing us back to previous lessons where we discussed about evolutionary changes and revolutionary changes. Simple technologies, could be part of a revolutionary change. Most important take away
The most important take away for this lesson will be a sentence brought up in class. "Today's real borders are not between nations, but between the powerful and the powerless, privileged and humiliated". This sentence clearly reflects our society today. ICT is one main area that could clearly draw lines between the powerful and powerless, privileged and humiliated. This probably means that ICT has yet to reach its full potential. Despite having a wide range of methods to improve communication, there are still specific groups of people that have no access to it.
How would i like to further this discussion
I would like to learn more about what changes can ICT make, in order to reach out to more people from poorer countries. We have discussed several ways in class, however these methods such as the 100dollar laptops and having a common wi-fi point does not sound as realistic as to coming up with a new technology to cater to the needs of these people.
Rate this session
I would rate this session 6/10. This session has given me a good idea of what ICT is about the the changes it has taken, however, i felt that this session was a little dry. But was more interesting after i have read the readings on it.
No comments:
Post a Comment