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!