Neil Postman is trying to explain the good and the bad associations with technology in general. From the beginning of time until now, we as humans are constantly battling over the positive and negative impacts of technology. Postman goes on to say that technology has benefits and deficits, while there are also winners and losers of technology's impact. He questions the impact of technology on schools and teachers, for example, how computers (which inevitably were created thanks to the invention of the printing press) are taking over teacher's jobs. The whole idea of reading, writing and arithmetics is being transformed and weened out of school systems due to the use of computers. New technologies are re-structuring the way we think about things, our interests, our character, the nature of community and the arena in which thoughts develop (20). From tool-using cultures (the times of Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler) to technocracies, to the still-developing technopolies, we have as humans, ultimately relied on technology for the development and progress of the human condition. Postman states that technology has essentially helped humans invent inventions. "We had learned how to invent things and the question of why we invent things receded in importance," (42). Technopoly, "the submission of all forms of cultural life to the sovereignty of technique and technology," (52) happened for four different reasons according to Postman. First, the American character was altered due to the "limitless possibilities" within our society. Second, American capitalists sought after economic possibilities. Third, there was no other reason to look for fullfillment, creativity and purpose because technology gives all of that to us. Lastly, old sources of beliefs were failing and swindling, while technology never fails. Furthermore, Postman talks about the idea of information control. Schools, courts of law, family and political systems are all sources of information control. We are at a point in our time where information is "garbage" (69) because there is just so much of it and we are running out of ways to control the way information is processed throughout our society. "It is what happens when a culture, overcome by information generated by technology, tries to employ technology itself as a means of providing clear direction and human purpose," (72). We are essentially at an information overload, and there is no stopping or controlling it.
My thoughts on his ideas and discussions are essentially in line with Postman. Technology, in my opinion, is a good thing and a bad thing. We have so much information at our fingertips and we are so easily able to access any type of information within seconds. The development of technology has come such a long way, yet it is interesting to discuss the workings of Galileo, Kepler and Copernicus and how their inventions, thoughts and theories still affect our information and technology-driven society today. Postman talks about the idea of religion and technology, which I find interesting. He goes on to say that "religious tradition serves as a mechanism for the regulation and valuation of information," (80). There has always been a debate over religion and its effects on government, cultural opinion and so forth. Now there is a never-ending conflict with religion and technology. We resort back in time to scientific sources to try to understand the "truth" and why we are here, but this has always been debated in religious views because science and God (The Bible) cannot be combined to deliver truth. I think it is amazing that the findings of these "Sleepwalkers" as they call them, advanced the progress of technology and ultimately gave reason and purpose to life. There is in some way a connection of science to the progress of human life, and this stems from the development of technology. Yet there is also an underlying factor of disconnectivity within technology that affects our society culturally and socially. With our predispositioned bias of technology, we are ultimately changing and growing as humans in our cultural world due to technology. Like Postman says, "It changes everything," (18).
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Computers Analysis (pgs 85-149)
The oh-so-elegant Altair 8800, seemingly the first "desktop" microcomputer, which could be purchased (as an unassembled kit) for as little as $397 in the 1970's, was just the beginning of the in-home computer revolution. As Bill Gates was getting shoved in lockers with his underwear pulled over his head in junior high school, the now Microsoft Corporation was being established by his (and Paul Allen's) computer programming creativity based on this computer. Therefore, Microsoft was essentially formed because of the invention of the Altair 8800, which says a lot (seeing as how Microsoft runs the computer world nowadays). While the Altair eventually failed as a company, "Some fifty different companies developed and marketed their own home microcomputers," (90). This was just the start of the of the in-home computer revolution.
Meanwhile, Steve Wozniak, founder, creator and designer of the Apple I and II, launched a huge succes with his invention. Most of his computers were put into schools and these were the first computers students ever got to interact with. So not only were computers being introduced into the home, but they were being put into school systems. Although this was a phenomenon during the 1970's, it ultimately became a necessity to have computers in the classroom since then. Then came IBM's invention of the PC (personal computer). In conjunction with Gates and Microsoft, IBM chose them to be their operating system, and business boomed from there. "Despite the other efforts, the successful combination of IBM and Microsoft killed most of the rest of the personal computer market," (96). With marketing and retail success, IBM established a computer that could easily be used in businesses, schools and homes throughout the world. It is no wonder that companies like Microsoft and IBM are still around today. It seems as though the technological world would not be the same without the success of these companies. Microsoft is one of the world's largest and everyone now knows the name Bill Gates. With his genius ideas, creative mind and billions of dollars in his bank account, he's no longer getting shoved into lockers or being called a nerd. Windows and Microsoft Office also helped establish a world where people from all ages could play games, write papers, create professional spreadsheets and document pretty much anything they wanted to in a professional format. Schools, businesses and personal-usage were all reaping the benefits of these programs and are doing so currently as well.
During the Cold War, J.C.R. Licklider, a psychologist, was "driven by his beliefs that computers could significantly enhance the ability of humans to think and solve problems," (112). His beliefs during the time of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union were the foundation for computer networking. Seeing as his ideas were formed during the 1950's, it is quite impressive to realize and experience how far they have come since then. With the invention of the telephone and communicating through a series of wires and cables, it is no wonder computers would eventually connect us to the other side of the world. The Internet was the direct source for transmitting data through wires from computer to computer. Finding marketing success with the internet, it is no wonder how big of an impact (economically and socially) it has on the world today. This fascinating invention allows us (now) to connect with anyone we want with a touch of a button. With the development and fast-forward use of domain names such as .com, .net, .org and .gov, we are now forced to come up with unique and original names to proceed these extensions just to establish a website on the internet. We are forced to buy the most up-to-date computers to staisfy our need for speed and connectivity. We are are forced to connect to everyone through sites such as facebook and Myspace just to feel socially acceptable. The invention of computers has led our society into a technology-crazed freinzy of social networking, online business meetings, online classes, video-web communication and many other fascinating ways of communication and isolation. So as I sit here (physically alone) in my room, I don't feel alone because I know that just a click away is my best friend in Rome, Italy, waiting for me to "talk to her" on Skype. What a long way we have come from lunar and solar calenders.
Meanwhile, Steve Wozniak, founder, creator and designer of the Apple I and II, launched a huge succes with his invention. Most of his computers were put into schools and these were the first computers students ever got to interact with. So not only were computers being introduced into the home, but they were being put into school systems. Although this was a phenomenon during the 1970's, it ultimately became a necessity to have computers in the classroom since then. Then came IBM's invention of the PC (personal computer). In conjunction with Gates and Microsoft, IBM chose them to be their operating system, and business boomed from there. "Despite the other efforts, the successful combination of IBM and Microsoft killed most of the rest of the personal computer market," (96). With marketing and retail success, IBM established a computer that could easily be used in businesses, schools and homes throughout the world. It is no wonder that companies like Microsoft and IBM are still around today. It seems as though the technological world would not be the same without the success of these companies. Microsoft is one of the world's largest and everyone now knows the name Bill Gates. With his genius ideas, creative mind and billions of dollars in his bank account, he's no longer getting shoved into lockers or being called a nerd. Windows and Microsoft Office also helped establish a world where people from all ages could play games, write papers, create professional spreadsheets and document pretty much anything they wanted to in a professional format. Schools, businesses and personal-usage were all reaping the benefits of these programs and are doing so currently as well.
During the Cold War, J.C.R. Licklider, a psychologist, was "driven by his beliefs that computers could significantly enhance the ability of humans to think and solve problems," (112). His beliefs during the time of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union were the foundation for computer networking. Seeing as his ideas were formed during the 1950's, it is quite impressive to realize and experience how far they have come since then. With the invention of the telephone and communicating through a series of wires and cables, it is no wonder computers would eventually connect us to the other side of the world. The Internet was the direct source for transmitting data through wires from computer to computer. Finding marketing success with the internet, it is no wonder how big of an impact (economically and socially) it has on the world today. This fascinating invention allows us (now) to connect with anyone we want with a touch of a button. With the development and fast-forward use of domain names such as .com, .net, .org and .gov, we are now forced to come up with unique and original names to proceed these extensions just to establish a website on the internet. We are forced to buy the most up-to-date computers to staisfy our need for speed and connectivity. We are are forced to connect to everyone through sites such as facebook and Myspace just to feel socially acceptable. The invention of computers has led our society into a technology-crazed freinzy of social networking, online business meetings, online classes, video-web communication and many other fascinating ways of communication and isolation. So as I sit here (physically alone) in my room, I don't feel alone because I know that just a click away is my best friend in Rome, Italy, waiting for me to "talk to her" on Skype. What a long way we have come from lunar and solar calenders.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
"Computers" (pgs. 1-83) Analysis
As far back as we can remember, people have been using different methods of calculating. The earliest devices were used for identifying calculations for lunar, solar and stellar calenders. The Antikythera methods of calculations were important for modeling the history of humans as well. "The Antikythera device, astrolabes, and other measurement devices show the importance of calculation and modeling in human history," (Swedin Ferro 3). With thousands of years of development, the devices created and used throughout history have eventually turned into what our computers are today, which is said in the simplest way.
The earliest forms of caculating mathematics can be seen in the creation of rods, the abacus, the knotting system and Babbage's Difference Engine. Slowly but surely, machines were created to make the process of calculating numbers more efficient and easier. "Until the advent of the digital calculator, these types of machines were the backbone of automated calcualtion on desktops in the Western World," (13). It is interesting to find that such methods of calculation could be done with so little resources available. Throughout history, and as knowledge and information became more readily available, these machines continued to grow and expand in detail and functionality. John Vincent Atanasoff, for example, was responsible for initiating the idea of "memory" into a machine in 1937 when his method of "jogging" (passing electricity through condensers to refresh them) became the essential problem-solving technique for storing information. He also continued his research and inevntions by creating the first electronic digital computer in 1973, known as the ABC computer (30). It is also phenomenal to realize that advancement in computing technology helped the allies win the war against Germany during World War II with the secretive invention of the Colossi, which decrypted messages and was kept secret from enemies during the war. After these computers, came another machine called the UNIVAC, which was eventually used to predcit the winner in Presidential election in 1952. This was a huge technological innovation for the development of computers because its effinciency and wide-spread use was such an important factor. "Mauchly and Eckert did successfully develop the UNIVAC as the first commercial electronic computer in the United States," (45). It is interesting to understand and realize how big this machine was and how much time, effort and work went into maintaining and fixing it. It also put out so much heat, workers needed to dress accordingly in order to work in the same room as the machine. Imagine going to work on a computer nowadays in your shorts and underwear just so you didn't overheat!
The development of computers was also important in the advancement and outcome of the Cold and World Wars. "The greatest war in history, WWII, was fought on battlefields and in the laboratory," (47). This is interesting because it was the first war in which technology and science played an important role and truly made everyone aware of the significance of computing and technology within society. This was a time when computer technology really seemed to move forward quickly and extensive governmental research and money went into technological developments. People were starting to realize how important technology was and they started to rely on it more and more. For example, aircraft simulators and radars were some of the first technological developments that helped Americans become successful in the war. Without these advances, we might not have succeeded in winning the war, which would ultimately change the course of history.
Another advancement during this time (the Second Generation) was the invention of transistors, which replaced the vacuum tubes in computers. They became the major component in computers that helped them become more efficient and more reliable. With this invention, IBM took over the world of computers and became the biggest and widely-known company in the computer industry, (57). IBM's programmers then came out with languages to help establish programs that were later used by the US Government and Space Stations. Even more interesting during this time, was the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which tested a computer's ability to act and think as humans do. Though tested and tried, it seemed impossible, yet the beginnings of computer design and intelligence were clearly advancing. This can be seen in the invention of the monolithic idea, or the intergrated circuit, designed by Jack Kilby in 1958. With all electronic components on one single chip, these microchips became used by NASA, as well as the American defense industry, (67). It is definitely understood that if NASA is relying on this technology to operate their space missions and risk the lives of astronauts, that these are some of the most important inventions ever made.
It is clear that technology was becoming more and more commercial and that with every invention, came another. Essentially, it seems as though computers were being used to make new computers and older technology was being used to create new technology. This phenomena is fascinating when realizing how far we have come in the last 50 years or so. With the success of IBM as a master of computer technology and software program creations, as well the establishment of high-powered communication systems, it is obvious that the interest and the fascination of technology has always been present, even thousands of years ago.
The earliest forms of caculating mathematics can be seen in the creation of rods, the abacus, the knotting system and Babbage's Difference Engine. Slowly but surely, machines were created to make the process of calculating numbers more efficient and easier. "Until the advent of the digital calculator, these types of machines were the backbone of automated calcualtion on desktops in the Western World," (13). It is interesting to find that such methods of calculation could be done with so little resources available. Throughout history, and as knowledge and information became more readily available, these machines continued to grow and expand in detail and functionality. John Vincent Atanasoff, for example, was responsible for initiating the idea of "memory" into a machine in 1937 when his method of "jogging" (passing electricity through condensers to refresh them) became the essential problem-solving technique for storing information. He also continued his research and inevntions by creating the first electronic digital computer in 1973, known as the ABC computer (30). It is also phenomenal to realize that advancement in computing technology helped the allies win the war against Germany during World War II with the secretive invention of the Colossi, which decrypted messages and was kept secret from enemies during the war. After these computers, came another machine called the UNIVAC, which was eventually used to predcit the winner in Presidential election in 1952. This was a huge technological innovation for the development of computers because its effinciency and wide-spread use was such an important factor. "Mauchly and Eckert did successfully develop the UNIVAC as the first commercial electronic computer in the United States," (45). It is interesting to understand and realize how big this machine was and how much time, effort and work went into maintaining and fixing it. It also put out so much heat, workers needed to dress accordingly in order to work in the same room as the machine. Imagine going to work on a computer nowadays in your shorts and underwear just so you didn't overheat!
The development of computers was also important in the advancement and outcome of the Cold and World Wars. "The greatest war in history, WWII, was fought on battlefields and in the laboratory," (47). This is interesting because it was the first war in which technology and science played an important role and truly made everyone aware of the significance of computing and technology within society. This was a time when computer technology really seemed to move forward quickly and extensive governmental research and money went into technological developments. People were starting to realize how important technology was and they started to rely on it more and more. For example, aircraft simulators and radars were some of the first technological developments that helped Americans become successful in the war. Without these advances, we might not have succeeded in winning the war, which would ultimately change the course of history.
Another advancement during this time (the Second Generation) was the invention of transistors, which replaced the vacuum tubes in computers. They became the major component in computers that helped them become more efficient and more reliable. With this invention, IBM took over the world of computers and became the biggest and widely-known company in the computer industry, (57). IBM's programmers then came out with languages to help establish programs that were later used by the US Government and Space Stations. Even more interesting during this time, was the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which tested a computer's ability to act and think as humans do. Though tested and tried, it seemed impossible, yet the beginnings of computer design and intelligence were clearly advancing. This can be seen in the invention of the monolithic idea, or the intergrated circuit, designed by Jack Kilby in 1958. With all electronic components on one single chip, these microchips became used by NASA, as well as the American defense industry, (67). It is definitely understood that if NASA is relying on this technology to operate their space missions and risk the lives of astronauts, that these are some of the most important inventions ever made.
It is clear that technology was becoming more and more commercial and that with every invention, came another. Essentially, it seems as though computers were being used to make new computers and older technology was being used to create new technology. This phenomena is fascinating when realizing how far we have come in the last 50 years or so. With the success of IBM as a master of computer technology and software program creations, as well the establishment of high-powered communication systems, it is obvious that the interest and the fascination of technology has always been present, even thousands of years ago.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
First Post
I have never used a blog before, so this was an interesting event for me. I never realized how easy it is to share and communicate anything you have on your mind with the entire world in such a short amount of time. Technology is amazing, yet very intimidating to me, as I have grown up accustomed to books and record players. This is actually my first laptop I am using as well to post this blog, and I am still not sure how to use it. Although I have to admit that I do spend a lot of time on my laptop. After tracking my time wasted (I mean, used) on this machine, it is very interesting and astonishing to see how much time I devote to the use of a computer. Technology has totally invaded my life and taken over time that I would normally spend doing other things. For example, I remember when I started college back in 2004 at Brookdale and there was maybe one or two classes I had to use a computer for. (Granted, I was an Art major and spent a lot of time in the studio) Now at Rutgers, every class I have is associated with an online site or requires some form of computer accesss. This is understandable though because everything we as humans do requires some sort of technological connection nowadays. I just sent a text before typing this sentence; point proven. After logging my technology-active time, it is clear to me now that I spend more time on my computer and phone than I do actually talking to people or eating food or exercising. That is absurd, yet a fact. It is very interesting to realize how my life has progressed with the ever-changing technological advances.
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