Week 5

This week's session allowed us to discuss on ICT(Information & Computing Technology) and World Change, covering areas like the internet, wireless networks, mass media and interactive telecommunications. I thought this topic was relevant to many of us since as youngsters we're all mostly tech-saavy and closely linked up with the internet, especially that of social networking sites.

Some interesting ideas or observations in class today was definitely the video on Milo! It showed how this boy had emotions and knowledge of the person that was talking to him. The video definitely took me by surprise since I had no clue that technology has advanced to such levels today. However it really is quite freaky and intimidating that this character with no life whatsoever has the means to communicate in such a way. I guess we're really moving on with technology huh.

We also discussed cloud computing in class and with many of us ignorant about it, prof showed us this video which pretty much summed up what it was all about CLoud computing allowed info to be not be stored on our computers, but instead it'd be on the internet as if like on a browser. This allows us to gain access to tools and technology that we need without having to purchase it. Examples would be like google docs, Facebook games, etc. I thought this was kinda good in the sense that information cold be shared amongst people more easily, and would save us the worry if our computers crashed just before a presentation or something. However, this would lead to the issue of security of data, since all information could possibly be exposed to the whole world. And I guess the way this issue could be alleviated is only dependent on the discretion of the user- knowing that whatever he uploads has the possibility of reaching many others. So if he has such fears that others would get a know-in on his private life, then he probably shouldn't upload anything in the first place.

Some discussion that came about from the presentations saw us going a little deeper into the scheme of ICT. We discussed the impact ICT has on the economy, and this branched out into a few areas. We mentioned that there must be a certain level of education/ literacy rate in order to maximise the potential of ICTs, and proper infrastructure must also be in place in order to allow ICT to reach out to the masses. Another point brought up was that policies must be in place, meaning the government has to be supportive of such usage of ICT in their countries too. On my part, I feel that, apart from the above, people must be receptive to using new technology and we must be ready to embrace such a change. If the older generation were to remain stubborn sticking to the old ways of doing things, then I guess they'd be stuck in their era for a long time. In order to give technology a chance to positively impact their lives, they've gotta first open their arms to welcome it.

Some issues for further discussion could perhaps be how as youngsters we can use ICTs in a better way instead of being hooked on Facebook all the time, and hence use it such that it would bring about even more technological change for us in the future.

Overall, I'd give this week's session a 8/10 for opening my eyes to the wonders of how technology has advanced, and for relevant discussion of the use of ICTs during the presentations.