Activities:
- What is your earliest memory of real-life exposure to computers? What was the context of this memory? Did this, or any other early contact with computers, make any specific impact upon your views of computer technology?
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Answers will depend upon each individuals history, but for many, first contact will be through some form of computer game…and the memory may be one of happiness, fun and amazement. Contact may have come from elder siblings or friends. For others (who are typically older) first contact may have been through a work application…and there may have been a realisation that this tool was going to make life easier…or wonderment on how calculations could be done so quickly. For people who are older still, first contact may have been via punch cards, or memories of seeing images of the NASA control room guide the first landing on the moon. |
- What do understand of computer tape and punch cards? Do you remember the first time you saw or used a computer mouse? Do you see any significant relationship between these items as data input devices?
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For many students, computer tape and punch cards pre-date their birth, so no direct memory will exist. However, this is a point worth discussing, because for middle aged people, in their living memory, the input device has gone from being through such hard coded paper based devices that were very slow and cumbersome…to the mouse and keyboard. The significance is that to use a mouse just move, point and click. It’s so easy a child can do it…and many do. There is no longer the need to learn computer languages and syntax as a prerequisite to using a computer. |
- A popular stereotype of computer programmers has historically been of a socially awkward, yet highly mathematical and logical “geek”. Why do you think that such a stereotype was held historically? To what extent do you think that such stereotypical views have changed to-day…and to what extent is a change of such views warranted?
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This question is related to Question 2 above. As recent as the late 1970’s, to use a computer one had to know lots of specific programming language. Almost all of the users of this period where male and relatively insular people….much more comfortable with computer code and mathematics to produce a piece of “applied logic”. Modern computers, through their interface and new multimedia applications, have enabled a much broader cross section of society to use them. Modern computer technology can incorporate aspects of creativity, expression and communication. A much broader cross section of society now uses computer technology. |
- How have computer technologies impacted on your personal life to date?
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This will depend on each persons specific situation, but consider: - video games - email - running a business - listening to music - watching movies - browsing the internet - on-line shopping - on-line chat groups - organising holiday travel and accommodation. Ask around – there will be a wide set of activities for different people. |
- How have computer technologies impacted on your student life to date?
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This will depend on each persons specific situation, but consider: - Writing essays using a word processing package, with the benefits of spell check and powerful editing capabilities - Researching assignments via the web. - Email communications with both students and staff. Ask around – there will be a wide set of activities for different people. |
- In the general context of Multimedia and Information Technology, what was the most recent item you have acquired (either purchased or been given as a gift)? Was such an item available 5 years ago? Was such an item available 10 years ago?
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This will depend on each persons specific situation, but consider: - MP3 players - Flash memory (Thumb drives) - DVD burners - Digital cameras (how many mega-pixel?) - Mobile phones (cell phones), now with inbuilt camera - Wireless devices - Games consoles such as Sony Play Station 3 For most of these, while they may have existed 5 years ago, they did not 10 years ago. |
- List any aspect of Multimedia and Information Technology advancements that you foresee as being a potential benefit to you and your future aspirations.
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This will depend on each persons specific situation, but consider: - Robotics - Artificial Intelligence - Nanotechnology - Quantum computing - Biometrics - Remotely controlled surgery - Hologram displays |
- List any aspect of Multimedia and Information Technology that you dislike, or hold concerns for with respect to society. Explain your concerns.
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This will depend on each persons specific situation, but consider: - privacy (or loss of privacy) - identity theft - phishing and fraud - incorrect personal details being entered into a government computer system…and then not being able to change them - over reliance on cybertechnology - loss of interpersonal communications - too much time spent on a keyboard and in front of a screen - health problems due to inactivity or overuse of computers (such as RSI – Repetitive Stain Injury) |
- Identify two (2) areas of personal and/or professional interest you have in currently evolving areas of Multimedia and/or Information technology. For each of these, identify positive and possible negative, effects for society.
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Positive | Negative |
Many ideas to work from are provided in the answers to above questions. Students are to start thinking about options and searching the net for information. These ideas may help to determine suitable topics for students’ Report topics. Note that an important underlying theme is that for all technological advancements there are BOTH positive AND negative implications and impacts. Society needs to try and capture and utilize the benefits, while at the same time, minimizing and mitigating against the negatives | |
