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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Computers and Community
The Internet brings people together from all over the world
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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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