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.
Friday, November 23, 2012
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!
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
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)