Globalization

Hmmm…. How do you think technology effects globalization?

Technological Revolution Technological advances are considered to be the driving force behind the globalization process Along with Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions, the world is currently experiencing a Technological Revolution Advances in technology has made our world “smaller” As technology improves and evolves interactions between people all over the globe increases

Transportation Improvements in transportation has helped fuel globalization Whether by air, land or sea resources and products travel across our globe much faster than any other time in human history Relaxation of international trade laws and tariffs makes transporting resources and material less expensive

Information Technology Improvements in the early 1990s in computer hardware, software, and telecommunications greatly increased people’s ability to access information and economic potential Information Technology(IT) is the use of systems(computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving and sending information Forms of Information Technology The Internet Social Media Computers Cell Phones Tablets Television Radio

The Internet The internet has revolutionized the computer and communication world like nothing before The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that connects people, communities and countries all around the world The internet has transformed how people: Communicate Find information Shop Advertise Make money

Internet Usage over the Years

You Got This… What areas of our lives would improvements in IT effect?

IT Improves the Economy The Internet has provided businesses(small and large) the ability to reach a larger number of individuals Building a web site has become one of the “must haves” for any business venture The Internet has provided business with another channel to reach out to potential customers both near and far Online Shopping has become extremely popular over the years It allows people to shop at their convenience from the comforts of home without the hassle of crowded stores and long check out lines.

IT Improves Health Care Information Technology is improving health care in many ways: Improves responses to outbreak situations Provides patients with access to their medical records from any location via secured internet sites Provides health care providers with quick access to patients’ medical records New technologies help doctors in different ways Example- digital watch on top of pill caps will allow doctors to monitor the use of medication by their patients

IT Improves Education Information Technology improves educational opportunities by allowing educators and students to overcome barriers of distance and by enhancing the content being presented The internet has provided students an opportunity to extend the reach of their learning Computers and internet connections are available in most classrooms across the country IT technology has also improved “distance learning” Example- online courses

IT Improves Journalism and Media The internet has ushered in a new age of journalism The internet has made publishing and accessing news easier and cheaper than any other form of communication The internet also provides access to news through articles, pictures and videos(combination of television and newspapers) Social Media is the newest and most popular form of sharing and receiving news in society Examples- blogs, twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.

The Digital Divide Despite all of the positives that Information Technology provides there is still one major concern and that is the digital divide The digital divide is referring to the gap in access to technology that exists both nationally and globally It is estimated that only 38% of the world’s population is actually online Access to and usage of the Internet is extremely unequal across the world

Why the Divide?

Widening the Gap Technology has widened the gap between the rich and the poor in the world Technology continues to change at such an accelerated rate that most countries cannot afford to keep up This lack of resources hampers a country’s progression in economics, education and healthcare