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481 views4 pagesTechnology's Impact: Pros and Cons
This document discusses the ubiquity and rapid pace of change brought about by computers. It examines some issues that have arisen from new technologies, such as unemployment and privacy concerns, but also benefits like convenience, new job opportunities, and improvements to communication, education, healthcare and more. The document considers themes around adapting to change, balancing individual rights versus business/legal policies, and looking to older solutions to address modern problems. It provides examples of how computers have positively impacted fields like transportation, crime fighting and helping the disabled.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
481 views4 pagesTechnology's Impact: Pros and Cons
This document discusses the ubiquity and rapid pace of change brought about by computers. It examines some issues that have arisen from new technologies, such as unemployment and privacy concerns, but also benefits like convenience, new job opportunities, and improvements to communication, education, healthcare and more. The document considers themes around adapting to change, balancing individual rights versus business/legal policies, and looking to older solutions to address modern problems. It provides examples of how computers have positively impacted fields like transportation, crime fighting and helping the disabled.
Uploaded by
BomezzZ EnterprisesCopyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Gift of Fire
Unwrapping the Gift
The Ubiquity of Computers and the Rapid Pace of Change Examining the Gift: An Introduction to Some Issues and Themes Appreciating the Benefits
The Ubiquity of Computers and the Rapid Pace of Change
Have you used a computer today?
You have if you used
an ATM, a CD-player, a cell phone, a modern appliance, or an electronic device.
A Gift of Fire, 2ed
Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift
A Gift of Fire, 2ed
Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift
Examining the Gift: An Introduction to Some Issues and Themes
Issues
Some Negative Impacts of New Technology:
Unemployment. Alienation. Poor Customer Service. Crime. Loss of Privacy. Errors.
Examining the Gift: An Introduction to Some Issues and Themes
Issues
Some Positive Impacts of New Technology:
Convenience. New types of jobs. More options for transactions. Improvements in crime-fighting. Small error rate.
Q: Which negative aspects of new technology have you experienced?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 4
Q: Which positive aspects of new technology have you experienced?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 5
Examining the Gift: An Introduction to Some Issues and Themes
Issues
Sources for Solutions to Problems:
Technology. Management. Law. Education. The market.
Examining the Gift: An Introduction to Some Issues and Themes
Themes
Old Problems in a New Context
Look for solutions learned in older technologies.
Adapting to New Technology
New activities may require a new set of rules to follow.
The Global Reach of the Net
Social behavior and laws vary from country to country.
Trade-offs and Controversy
Consider both sides of an argument.
Q: Describe how one of the above provides a solution to a problem created by new technology.
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 6 A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 7
Examining the Gift: An Introduction to Some Issues and Themes
Themes (contd)
Differences Between Personal Choices, Business Policies, and Law
Arguments for personal choice or organizational policy are not sufficient for enforcing decisions [laws] against others.
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits of Computer Applications
Development of better peripheral devices. Time-saving. Cost-saving. Less effort than older technologies. Development of better sound quality. Creation of computer-generated art and special effects. Improved accuracy. Improved customer service/satisfaction. Entertainment/fun.
Negative Rights
Liberties; rights to act without interference.
Positive Rights
Claim-rights; rights that impose obligation on others to provide certain things.
Q: How have these benefits aided your peers?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 8 A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 9
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits Computers Bring to Communication
Non-invasive; read at recipients convenience. Time-saving. Access to vast amounts of information. Text, graphics, and sound can be combined. Much information on WWW is free. Public forums not limited to geographic boundaries. More independence. More options for communicating. Remote access available. Traditional boundaries are no obstacle.
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits Computers Bring to Transportation
Navigation. Diagnostics. Safety. Hybrid engines. Efficiency of fuel-burning. Traffic pattern studies.
Q: How have these benefits aided small business?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 10
Q: How have these benefits aided your community?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 11
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits Computers Bring to Education and Training
Language acquisition. Spelling. Literacy. Distance learning. Modeling. Simulations. Speech recognition. Speech synthesis.
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits of Computers in Fighting Crime
Improved crime reporting. Faster search of arrest records and fingerprint files. Remote access to records and reports, e.g. from patrol cars. Enhancement of records (fingerprints and photos). Access to numerous databases. Improved sensoring, monitoring, and surveillance equipment.
Q: How have these benefits aided local schools?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 12
Q: How are computers used to fight crime in your community?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 13
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits Computers Bring to Medicine
Sophisticated imaging. Reduced surgery time. Patient monitoring. Early ambulation. Improved treatments. Fewer errors.
Appreciating the Benefits
Patient Records
More legible. Better organized. Accessible by many sites, simultaneously. Available immediately. Improved statistical research.
Q: How does your doctor make use of computers?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 14
Q: How does your medical clinic use computers?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 15
Appreciating the Benefits
Medical Diagnosing
Streamlined diagnosis. Improved accuracy. Reduced need for biopsy. Improved screening and predictions.
Appreciating the Benefits
Telemedicine
Broad access to medical help. Less expensive. Expands consultations beyond rural/remote sites.
Q: How might the chronically ill benefit from computer-aided diagnosing?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 16
Q: How might the military use telemedicine?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 17
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits Computers Bring to the Disabled
Disability-specific computer applications (e.g., a braille printer). Control of household and workplace appliances. Mobility. Control of artificial limbs. Improved vision. Access to adaptive educational equipment. Improved communication. Opportunity to return to work.
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits Computers Bring to Automation
Organize and access large inventories. Improved customer satisfaction. Cost-saving. Time-saving. Tedious, monotonous work done by machine. Improved workplace safety.
Q: How are computers benefiting the disabled in your school or workplace?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 18
Q: What task would you like replaced by an automated system?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 19
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits Computers Bring to Identification
Time-saving. Accuracy. Ease-of-use. Cost-saving. More secure. Customizable. Reliable.
Appreciating the Benefits
Computers Monitor Environment and Materials
Temperature. Acceleration. Stress in materials. Emissions. Dangerous substances in the air. Moisture. Acidity.
Q: How are computers used to identify you at school or work?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 20
Q: How might tree farmers use computers to monitor their crops?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 21
Appreciating the Benefits
Applications of Computers in Tracking
Rare plants and animals. Migration habits. Stolen goods. Lost pets or people.
Appreciating the Benefits
Benefits of Computers in Reducing Paper Use and Trash
Send/receive digital documents instead of hardcopy. Read, write, and edit online. Cost-saving; smaller storage needed. Creation of toxic wastes at paper mills reduced.
Q: How might scientists track Antarctic ice floes?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 22
Q: Have computers reduced paper use in your school or workplace?
A Gift of Fire, 2ed Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift 23
