19th August 2013 marks my very first Technology and World Change class. During the days preceding the session, I didn't know what to expect. When I come across discussions or articles about technology, I will only think of computers, smartphones and things related to IT. My mind then starts to block out whatever is subsequently being discussed.
That being said...I was rather surprised at how I grew more and more interested as class went by. Within the first few minutes, I already learnt plenty of things I didn't know about technology. In fact, my whole perception of technology was wrong! I learnt that technology not only consisted of IT, but a whole bunch of different topics too, such as bio-medical, mathematics and the sciences. I find that technology is much more entrenched into my life than I realise. To think that I could broaden my knowledge earlier just by typing a few words into the Google search engine that I'm so familiar with! I really need to open up my views and mind.
After we've passed the initial stages of self-introduction, Prof Shahi showed us a video entitled "Shift Happens" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljbI-363A2Q). This video made me realise just how important it is for me to try and keep up with the rapid progress in innovation and technology. Prof Shahi told us that technology is advancing and the world is changing so quickly that whatever information we're learning now will most probably get outdated by the time we're Year 3s. Hence is it absolutely important to try and keep up or we'll get left behind. Prof Shahi also gave us a really good advice, which was to not get caught up with and memorise by-heart the information that we're studying, but about the strategy and skills instead.
One of shocking points mentioned in the video was "It will only take a $1,000 computer to exceed the capabilities of the human brain". This was back in 2005, let alone now. In fact, it was even predicted "that by 2049 a $1,000 computer will exceed the capabilities of the human race". Oh, wow. And here, just the other day, my Mother was saying how expensive computers and laptops were a few decades ago and how limited their capabilities were compared to present-day computers.
Subsequently, Prof showed us a video on beginning of the book entitled "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Professor Jared Diamond. One of the key points was a question posed by a Papua New Guinean politician, Yali: "Why do you white people have so much cargo, and we so little?".
Oh yes, why? I've never thought of it before. There is so much inequality in the world, be it wealth, resources, opportunities, technology and information. Reasons such as geographical position, religion and cultural mindset. So much that can be used to explain the inequality and unfairness in the world.
Factors that may hinder technological development and innovation were also discussed. Something was mentioned that I liked was about how the moment people are contented with whatever knowledge or skills they have, they start to decline. There was an article on science and technology in Middle East, which showed that it used to be the most advanced and innovative country in terms of technological development. However that glory started to fade as they stopped encouraging and supporting research. It gave Europe the opportunity to catch-up and overtake them. The Middle Easterners eventually depended on them instead.
China was also brought up. China was the richest country a long time ago, however, similar to the Middle East, they stopped learning from the other countries outside and closed their doors. This allowed the Westerners to gain significant advantage over them and consequently invaded and exploited them. This really highlights the importance of "Stay(ing) Hungry", as Prof put it.
All in all, I felt that it was a very thought-evoking and interesting first session. I've already gained so much new information and insights, and I look forward to what the rest of the classes has in store for me.
Overall rating: 8/10
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