Lesson 1.2 - 12 November

Finally, we have reached the last session of twc. Yes, I did increased the font size for the word 'last' to place emphasis and express my sense of excitement and relief. Just like prof, I would like to quote a famous dead person.
"Technology is so much fun but we can drown in our technology"
- Daniel J. Boorstin

For the last session, four group presented their web report. The four topics brought forward were:

1. Augmented Reality
2. Shift to Solar
3. Technology and educations
4. Robotic surgery.

The first group kick start the class with an impressive presentation on augmented reality. Their website was impressive, easy to navigate through and quite comprehensive in terms of content. They did not only introduce the term 'augmented reality' but they also bring up the implications and controversial issues at hand. What I found most interesting about their presentation was the future applications of AR. This technology present an endless possibilities which I find very impressive.

Next up, the presentation on the shift to solar technology. The group presented a comprehensive idea of solar technology, however I find their content rather narrowed. It would be better if the group has presented other sources of energy in order to make comparisons. That aside, I believe great effort was put in as the website appear organized.

After the shift to solar technology, technology and education was discussed by the third group. Their interesting topic of discussion caught prof's attention due to his passion for the subject. The group presented an in depth research on the topic with diverse background information and current practices included. However the future technologies presented such as robotic teachers and holographic teachers may not be feasible, in my opinion. I think the idea can be an ineffective method in inculcating knowledge and facilitating education. As such, the group should've included the various arguments at hand, and display the pros overcoming the cons in order to sell their idea. 

The last group presented the robotic surgery. This was definitely interesting and I find this topic one of the more interesting topics discussed. I believe this method of surgical process would be a better alternative due to the reduced human err. However, noone can promise the ultimate reliability of these robots. Here, the Murphy's law come into play: whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. As such, despite the huge potential success of robotic surgery, the risk is limitless as well.

All in all, I rate this session a 9/10. TWC ended with a bang as the class took a group picture to bid our final farewell. I will definitely miss writing these blog posts.
Again, "technology is so much fun but we can down in our technology."
With that, I bid farewell. 

Lesson 1.1 - 5th November

Session 11 was the second last session of TWC! One more session and we're done and out. Wow, I'm in the "let's get this done and over with" mood. Let's march on fellow students of TWC.

Instead of the usual individual presere innovative method than the traditional report writing on microsoft word document. I enjoyed the web report, since the decoration and formatting made the report a much more enjoyable read. My group, 6 people of diverse school background, chose waste management  as our topic of discussion. Do visit our web report for more information on waste management, in Singapore's context and its future by clicking on the link: http://dsweida.wix.com/bashthebin. In the midst of focusing on our topic we tried to place emphasis on the future instead of the current practices implemented. The group discussions were enriching as I delve into the policies implemented. Waste management plays a pivotal role in Singapore, especially since this is a small country vying to gain a reputation as a clean and green environment.

That aside, it was evident that other groups put in great effort on their web report as well. All in all, there were a total of 4 topics discussed:
1. Sanitation
2. Waste Management
3. Genome Mapping
4. Future Criminal Identification Methods

 The first group covered the sanitation services and facility. The group went in depth, by differing the availability of sanitation in developed as well as less developed countries. Here, it is evident that technology forecasting and assessment come into play as the group delve into the new and improved technologies, which will better the current systems based on the level of efficiency, usage and cost- based on current technologies.

My group went next. After we presented our web report on waste management, prof suggested ways to improve and better our report. I believe his input was imperative as our report lack depth on the future technologies of waste management in Singapore. Thankfully, my group took his criticism in our stride, and we implement necessary changes.

The third group discussed genome mapping which allows parents to alter the characteristics of their baby, in terms of ability as well as physical appearance. I believe this technology has huge potential, however we have to consider the ethical implications. By implementing all these alterations, wouldn't the babies lose their sense of originality? In my opinion, such technologies can be categorized under sci-fi technology. By adjusting the characteristics of these babies, isn't it the same as creating robots? By creating robots, we are given the option to choose the functionalities adopted. Similarly, these babies are altered according to desired functionalities. The ethical implication in this case, can be heavy.

Lastly, the group with the most intriguing and fascinating presentation was the group that presented the future criminal identification methods. This group presented a skit, showing the different technologies currently implemented to identify criminals. However, the group based the future of such technologies based on sci-fi movies such as minority reports. This got me thinking, in fact, movies play an imperative role in shaping the future of technology. Movies plant this seed on imagination, which navigate the innovations towards making these 'imagined ideas' a reality.

All in all, I rate this lesson a 7 out 10. Despite the various takeaways gained, basing the presentation on a website instead of the traditional powerpoint, was a new process which was faced with several obstructions. However, the session got my looking forward to the next lesson which is the last session!

FINAL individual report- technology and newspaper industry.

Here is the finlised report on technology and newspaper industry. Comments are welcomed with open arms.


Technology and Newspaper Industry

Lesson 1.0 - 22th October

Wow, in a blink of an eye, the TWC lessons conducted have come to an end. I will surely miss this fascinating and interesting class, prof and of course my lovely course mates. Session 10 was the final session taught by prof, before group presentation on the web reports. Honestly, the lessons taught and topics learnt has enriched and benefited me in so many ways. It's such a pity that the course will be coming to a halt.

Well, session 10 opened floor for discussion on technology assessment and forecasting. This session developed a framework for understanding what comes next. As quoted by Eleanor Roosevelt, "the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Session 10 had succeeded in inculcating knowledge on forecasting: the importance of forecasting, methods of assessment and of course the implications involved. Well, basically, technology forecasting attempts to predict the future characteristics of useful technological machines, procedures or techniques. Some of the drivers raised in class includes the exponential growth in the range of new technologies with potential world changing significance. In fact, some of the technologies raised in class, especially session 9 which touch on future and emerging technologies, display the potential world changing significance. For example, the driverless car, google glasses, genetic engineering and so much more. These new technologies have so much potential, and of course a world-changing significance. This spurs the importance of technology forecasting and assessment. 

The decision, whether and when to invest in R & D of new innovations and technologies also boosts the importance of technology forecasting and assessment. This is of course a legitimate point since the capital pumped in from these investors promotes new innovations. In fact, this becomes some sort of a cycle. With technological advancements and wider imagination and society progresses, the formation of new technologies that bring about greater importance, bring about greater economical benefits. Needless to say, this will attract investors, which pump in greater capital for better innovations to be produced. 

As such, not only did I learn the drivers as well as the importance of technology forecasting and assessment, I learnt that the future bring about an endless possibilities which open up a wide spectrum of potential technologies. Thinking about this, intrigues me. Come to think of it, who knew that the huge and bulky cell phones invented in 1973, has now evolved into a pocket-sized (or smaller) smart phones with access to the internet and touch-screen functions! Don't you find it fascinating?

With the endless possibilities from technology forecasting and assessment, I rate this lesson an 8/10!

Lesson 0.9 - 15 October

Its is already week 10! Wow, time is flying by. On a positive note, we're a week closer to the December break. (*throws confetti) So, session 9 touched on emerging and future technologies. The wide range of potentially life-changing technologies are fascinating and intriguing to me. Before I discuss the key take away and what not, the quote (from a dead person, as usual) for this week is:

“You see things; and you say, 'Why?'

But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'”

- George Bernard Shaw -

This quote is important in identifying the difference between a falling and a rising star. Following the notion of "why not?" new ideas and conceptions are perceived  where the thought process is spurred towards questioning instead of the accepting of answers. The class then went on to discuss the relationship between this notion and the attitude of a rising star. Instead of settling for an answer, a rising star is receptive to new ideas and concept , constantly seeking new innovative ways to move forward. 

Some of the new technologies shown in class are highly interesting, and I was personally intrigued by the video showing the joint effort of a Japanese and French, a robot called "The Perfect Woman".

Personally, I find it shocking that technological advancements is making science fiction come to life. Never would my 5 years old self thought that I would live to see the day where interacting with a robot is actually possible. However, is this invention really necessary? I understand that technological advancements allow room for various innovative inventions but some of this inventions might actually bring more harm than good. However, it is important to note that this issue is highly subjective as what I perceive as 'harm', others might perceive as 'good'.  Take this robot for example, if the sale of the "Perfect Woman" garner popularity among the male population, wouldn't it affect the global fertility rate? Then again, as prof said: Technology is easy, Man are hard.

The individual presentations held this week was interesting as well. The topic of immortality was brought up in class. With the various medical advancements that are geared towards health solutions for the various diseases and sickness, the idea of immortality might actually be feasible. I haven't thought about it, but how far is too far? Now I understand the ethical concerns surrounding this issue. Are the doctors playing god? Should there be a limit implemented, restricting the development of this rising technology?

That aside, one of the few takeaways from this lesson is that, technology and imagination are intertwined. There is no limit to the advancement of technology. Just like the universe, theres is an endless possibilities to the technological advancements.

As such, I rate this session a 9/10. More of such sessions pretty please with cherry on top?

Lesson 0.8 - 8 October

The recess week is over, and back to school we go! Thankfully, first lesson of the week is on TWC and as usual, this class consists of a highly interactive session that opened up room for various discussions.

Prof started the class with a quote: “IF EVERYONE CONSUMED AS

MUCH ENERGY AS THE AVERAGE SINGAPOREAN AND U.S. RESIDENT, THE WORLD’S OIL RESERVES WOULD BE DEPLETED IN 9 YEARS.”

The 8th session of TWC discuss the energy and world change of the past, present and future. It hit home when I digested the quote shared by prof. As a Singaporean, I find it shocking that our level of consumption (combined with America) is enough to cause the extinction of the world's oil reserves in mere 9 years. Oil reserves, a product of millions of years, gone in 9 years. It's pretty shocking don't you think? I found an interesting video which shows the stats of world energy usage in 2012. 

From the video, I notice a trend showing a direct relationship between energy consumption and economic development. As such, is it possible to maintain a sustainable economic development without the depletion of energy resources?

During class, prof pointed out some policies implemented by the Government in order to maintain a sustainable resource consumption, in the pursuit of economic development. This policies contribute to the key takeaways from this session- showing ways in which mankind can take to ensure sustainable energy consumption. Some of this policies include carbon tax and education campaigns to raise awareness towards the issue at hand. Earth hours is one of the popular education campaign carried out in order to gather support towards sustainable energy consumption. Being an avid supporter of such campaigns, I encourage such attempts in raising awareness towards this issue.I believe that education would lead to a massive increase in the level of awareness and this allows room for the pursuit towards sustainable consumption. However, the session did not delve on the different technologies and creations innovated to cater to the sustainable energy consumption. I would like to see more technologies created to cater to this global phenomena and also governmental and societal efforts that push for sustainable energy consumption. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Lesson 0.7 - 1st October

Session 7 of TWC discuss the BioBusiness revoluntion, touching topics on agribiology, environmental life sciences and industrial biotechnology of the past present and future.

Basically, the amalgamation of biology and technology, forms Bio-technology. This form of technology provide a room full of solutions for the global problems of today. It is interesting to know that Bio-business already constitutes over 25% of global GDP and employment of up to 40% of the world labor force. These figures provide a substantial value to the business- showing the significance and influence of this industry. The huge number of people involved shows that this issue should be given priority, and not easily dismissed. The technological advancements in relation to this industry can easily influence global standard of living  , affecting the employments and availability of food. 

The lesson touched on the genetic engineering of crops. This method of technological application require biological knowledge, tackling issues like starvation. The genetically modified crops benefit the producers, lowering their cost of production in a sense. These crops are given amicable attributes such as pest-resistance and durability against unfavorable climatic conditions. Such characteristics allow an increment in output, which producers can offer at a lower rate. This breakthrough allow massive improvement in global standard of living. However, it is important to note that the distribution of these food products determines the extent of its effectiveness in tacking global issues. As mentioned in class: "There's enough on this planet for everyone's need but not for everyone's greed." - Mahatma Ghandhi

One of the few key takeaways from this lesson would be the solutions available in ending world hunger. The advancements in bio-tech allow room for development in tackling starvation. However, it is dissapointing knowing that the developing countries still struggle in dealing with this issue. The technological disparity prevent these crops from reaching the people who need it most. I personally believe that the investments made on biotech would reap tons of benefits. Despite the environmental and ethical concerns raised, the benefits can actually outweigh the cost. It would be interesting if Prof actually delved into the concerns raised, and the potential costs involved. 

Overall, I rate this lesson an 8/10.