Session 5: ICT and World Change (Mass Media, the Internet, Wireless Interactive Telecommunications) - Past, Present, Future

Brief Overview / Summary

Session 5 started with Prof clarifying my misconception from the previous post. I think it was a mistake on my part and I am glad that I now understand singularity correctly. It is a phenomenon that does not only affect the elderly but rather everyone :)

Today's topic was also on ICT & World Change, something a little more close to heart for me.

• The evolution of the World Wide Web from Web 1.0 to 3.0
• The history of ICT & World Change from mass media to our current day knowledge management 
• Presentation on ICT by myself on Skype, Evelyn on microblogging in China, Zhi Wen on Digital Revolution, Nekesh on ICT in Kenya and Liang Bing on Generation Z

Interesting Observations & Ideas/ Key Take away points:

•  “The most exciting breakthroughs of the 21st century will not occur because of technology but because of an expanding concept of what it means to be human” I really enjoyed this quote a lot as I felt that it was very relatable. Technology is now increasingly integrated into our lives and have become an extension of ourselves. Prof mentioned that technology today is an extention of a human's physical body parts like our limbs. It is therefore to me very tedious to be able to survive without our limbs, just like how people might find it stifling to not be able to access their emails in a place where there is no wifi or get bored on holidays when they are not able to purchase new books on their iPad to read. 
• The term "prosumer" was also introduced to us. I have never realise how much the web has evolved since my first encounter with it in 2006. I remember I had to inform my parents that I was going to use the Internet to play Neopets and so nobody was allowed to use the telephone line since it was a dial up connection and I usually have to monitor my Internet usage since it was not unlimited. At that time, Web 1.0 was non interactive and passive where users were not able to socialise with each other. Web 2.0 came and it became more interactive. Content on the web are also contributed by fellow users. It is a place for the people, by the people. I am really excited at how web 3.0 will sweep us off our feet with the Internet of Things & Services. I look forward to the day we are able to seamlessly integrate technology into our everyday appliances. The ability of Siri to be able to "send a message to mom" / "bring me home" via only my voice really intrigues me and I anticipate whatever web 3.0 will be able to bring!
• Prof also mentioned about his view on the next technology revolution to be wireless energy by Nikola Tesla and I think this is an absolutely genius idea!! This would not only be a technological break through but can also be incorporated into architecture design so that it is less of a clutter and makes the interior design more sleek.
• Another highlight of the lesson was the question on whether the access to ICT should be considered a human right. It is indeed time for the question to be asked since it is now a more prevalent need than ever before. With the access to ICT, I feel that it is equivalent to equipping the people who are less developed with all the skills they need to progress. So for instance they need help with fixing the water pipe or require specific knowledge on farming, with Google or YouTube they are thus able to find the relevant information they need. Perhaps some limitations to this method of aid, instead of directly providing them with the basic necessities is the need for them to be able to be literate (since they will have to type and understand what is on Google/etc) and know how to use the technology in the first place.
• Prof also mentioned https://www.khanacademy.org/ which is a really good example on the use of ICT to be able to provide education to anyone and everyone who has access to the Internet. It is really an excellent way how people make good use of the Internet to help the world progress together.
• I think what really amazed me was the video that Prof showed us nearing the end of the lesson which is Project Natal Milo. I was really really amazed and was watching the video with my jaw dropped the whole time. It is truly amazing how Milo was able to sustain such a conversation and even carried out activities with the user. Everything was so realistic as well. Some concerns I have though is the reducing need for real human interaction. As we all know, the virtual world is slowly over taking reality and even in some extreme examples, couples are caring more for their virtual baby more than a real life one and some even want to marry their virtual girlfriends who completely do not exist at all. Are we substituting the virtual world for a human touch? Even though such a technology like Project Natal Milo exist, it should not replace our need for real human interaction and diminish our ability to be able to socialise with others.

Overall Rating:

I give it a 9/10. I think session 5 is the session I enjoyed most so far. Especially the insightful presentations by my classmates. I found Liang Bing and Evelyn's most thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyed their presentation. Though at times the discussion might get quite intense and I feel that this should not be the case as everyone should have the abiltity to express their opinion without feeling the need to convince others as this might create an "unsafe" (meaning people may not dare to speak up in class in the future anymore) environment to voice their opinion. Looking forward to the next session :)