1. 4/03/08Greg Hilger1 “New and potentially disruptive technologies which some consider to have the potential to transform humanity’s future.”

2. 4/03/08Greg Hilger2 Objective = To research several Emerging Technologies within our society and possibly in our future.

3. 4/03/08Greg Hilger3 Blu-Ray DVD’s are an example of an emerging technology Having recently won the battle with HD, they are now set to replace DVD’s in the near future.

4. 4/03/08Greg Hilger4 Wi-Fi- Wireless Fidelity is becoming a common term nowadays. People can now play video games with people across the country, wirelessly. Coffee shops and hotels have Wi-Fi and even some cities (like Tempe, AZ) are becoming wireless cities.

5. 4/03/08Greg Hilger5 Genetic engineering and the quandaries it will bring up will likely be a hot issue in the next few years, as it is now. Hybrid cars will help us in the next 3 to 5 years because it will make the earth a cleaner place, making it easier for us to live. Speech Synthesis- This will be able, also, to help those who are handicapped, i.e. people who may be blind.

6. 4/03/08Greg Hilger6 Artificial intelligence is defined as “the study and design of systems that perceives its environment and takes actions which maximize its chances for success.” User-interfaces will become more personal and less "robotic." Individual computers will be able to adapt to users’ specific needs and habits, making computing a far more personal and individual activity. This is being used today because we use things like computers and satellite everyday.

7. 4/03/08Greg Hilger7 e-learning refers to the increased capability of learning and education through electronic means. Schools regularly utilize computers to teach students, from posting projects online and using the web to find question answers, to simulations and online discussion boards. Also, some businesses are making employees take classes on computers. It is being used today because we have tasks for school online, just like what I am doing right now!

8. 4/03/08Greg Hilger8 Advocates of the benefits of technological change typically see emerging and converging technologies as offering hope for the betterment of the human condition. However, critics of the risks of technological change, and even some advocates warn that some of these technologies could pose dangers, perhaps even contribute to the extinction of humanity. What do you think our future holds?