A Gift of Fire Third edition Sara Baase Chapter 7: Evaluating and Controlling Technology Slides prepared by Cyndi Chie and Sarah Frye

What We Will Cover Information, Knowledge, and Judgment Computers and Community The ‘Digital Divide’ Evaluations of the Impact of Computer Technology Making Decisions About Technology

Information, Knowledge, and Judgment Evaluating Information on the Web: Wikipedia: Written by volunteers, some posts are biased and not accurate Although anyone can write, most people do not Those that do typically are educated and experts

Information, Knowledge, and Judgment (cont.) Evaluating Information on the Web (cont.): Manipulation of images: Movies and videos use special effects to add creativity and enjoyment of entertainment People can use technology for deception and fraud Ease with which we can modify digital images and video Should news agencies modify images and videos? Faking photos is not a new phenomenon; more people can do it now because it’s easy

Computers and Community The Internet brings people together from all over the world E-mail and the Internet provide convenient and cheap ways for families and friends to stay in contact New trends include social-networking sites such as MySpace and virtual environments such as Second Life

The "Digital Divide" Trends in Computer Access: New technologies only available to the wealthy The time it takes for new technology to make its way into common use is decreasing Cost is not the only factor; ease of use plays a role Entrepreneurs provide low cost options for people who cannot otherwise afford something Government funds technology in schools As technology becomes more prevalent, the issues shift from the haves and have-nots to level of service

The "Digital Divide" (cont.) The Global Divide and the Next Billion Users: Approximately one billion people worldwide have access to the Web; approximately five billion do not Bringing new technology to poor countries is not just a matter of money to buy equipment; PCs and laptops must work in extreme environments Some people actively working to shrink the digital divide emphasize the need to provide access in ways appropriate to the local culture

Making Decisions About Technology Accomplishments of Technology: Prices of food are down and raw materials are abundant Real buying power is up Food supplies and GDP are growing faster than the population Dramatic impact on life expectancy Assistive technologies benefit those with disabilities

Making Decisions About Technology (cont.) Intelligent Machines and Super-intelligent Humans - Or the End of the Human Race?

Making Decisions About Technology Discussion Questions The topic of ‘Digital Divide’ Does Cyber War scare you?