1. SOSC 111 - Science Technology and Society Today: Lesson 22 Technology at Work November 20, 1998 Dr. Vincent Duffy - IEEM http://www- ieem.ust.hk/dfaculty/duffy/111 email: vduffy@ust.hk 1

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3. Q1. What are NC Tools? How do they change the workplace? 1

4. Numerically controlled machines n shape metals using tape, and repeatable programmed motions n automatic program language n expensive, however represents extension of management control in the workplace n contributes to centralization of authority n deskilling -worker skill designed into the machine 3

5. How do they affect the workplace? n managerial authority embodied in the technology n unskilled workers become alienated from the products they make u many workers may have F little knowledge of the production process F little pride in their work n developed in pursuit of extreme efficiency n can contribute to problems between labor and management 4

6. Illustration n Metropolis, 1927 n Fritz Lang n most expensive film in Europe at the time n Q.2. What does Fritz Lang illustrate in this movie? What is he showing? How does this related to your life in HK/China/UST? n distinguishes between those who work with their brains, living above everyone else n controlling the city of Metropolis and those who work with their hands 6

7. The Future.... n In your predictions/hopes u technology coming : toward a push button society n You also noted w/coming of cloning u What will the ordinary people do u Will we have 7.8M guards and janitors with u 200k Bill Gates, Einsteins making programs that allow us to push buttons? n What will be our purpose?

8. What will be our role? n …in the future

9. Illustrating your future role in the face of increasing technology: n How do we make improvements? u economic, social, technological, personal n Our in class exercise for Monday u Inspired by incident in another class u paper airplane n You will act as a team of consultants n Improving a paper helicopter n Problems: u poor flying time u only experts can make it work

10. Next time - Monday n Bring your group members n Please bring a watch to count/measure time n Please be ready to work in groups at the beginning of class n Please arrive on time so as not to miss the intro. for the in class exercise