In this session, we look at information and communication technologies (ICTs) and how they can continue to change our world. In particular, we discuss the role of ICTs in helping the less developed countries achieve the Millenium Development Goals and more developed countries like those in the European Union move towards a green, knowledge-based society. We watched a video on immersive technology developed by Microsoft for gaming but which has possible implications in other areas such as healthcare. Also, cloud computing was highlighted as one of the upcoming technologies which could change the way businesses run in the new future.
Interesting ideas/observations
Reading 2 raises some interesting points on how ICTs could improve the condition of each individual, by bonding people and thereby changing the relationship between each one of us. It is noted that the falling cost of devices and expanding access to networks will result a greater spread of ICTs. In particular, four technical advances, peer-to-peer networks, precise local and spatial data systems, sensor fusion and unique identity systems, promise to aid future development.
In a more networked world, the evolution of complex systems from simple components (individual devices) will occur . The linking of previously independent systems brings with it unanticipated uses and behaviour. I like the analogy the article makes between these systems such as the Internet and cities or biological systems as well as the point made that these systems need to be studied and focus cannot remain on just individual technologies but should include how they interact.
What stood out the most in this article was the part about how the networked world could change the way we see ourselves. It is suggested the ICTs would allow us to combine local reporting with global information, enabling us to understand in an immediate way what might be done to change another person's life. "Seeing what is shows us what to do", ICTs therefore may revolutionize the way charity and relief efforts are carried out in the future as well as encourage more persons to take part in such movements.
On a similar vein, reading 3 discusses how ICTs can be used to pursue the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). ICTs have the potential to help poor communities develop in the areas of poverty, health and education. If deployed correctly, they could benefit the poor and play a catalytic role in accelerating their economic and social development. The developing world could use the "digital divide" as opportunities to leapfrog to cutting-edge technolgies. The article proposes a framework for incorporating ICTs into development: strategy, regulatory framework, implementation, capacity development, partnerships and measurement. Some measures are proposed in the article which can be used to achieve the MDGs include providing e-learning as an alternative education channel and the introduction of telemedicine.
I felt that reading 2 and 3 served as good introductions to the potential uses of ICTs for developmental efforts around the world. Reading 4 shifts the focus to the European Union (EU), and shows how ICT is a key positive element in empowering the move towards a green, knowledge society with sustainable economic growth. The three policy themes which govern the EU's ICT policy are social impacts, the need for economic prosperity by transition into a knowledge based economy and addressing climate change.
It is interesting to note the areas in which ICTs are employed in more developed countries to improve and move their society forward. ICTs are seen as one of the major elements in enabling a move towards the knowledge based economy. Besides a knowledge economy, the EU aim to move towards a knowledge society by improving digital literacy and better support for older people. ICTs could also revolutionize the delivery of public services and increase the participation of the public. This is an area which the Singapore government has explored in recent years. Many services are now available online and feedback is routinely collected through the internet before decisions are made (e.g. feedback on the views of the public before the casinos bill was passed). The areas which the report covered are also relevant to Singapore.
Reading 4 states that using ICTs such as cloud computing could also provide better support for SMEs and drive the economy. This is further elaborated on in reading 5 as well as through the video shown in class and one of the presentations. Cloud computing appears to have a lot of potential to revoluntionize the way businesses work.
At the mainstream level, cloud computing has also made an impact on how individuals store and transfer information. For example, information gathered for our TWC group project is placed on Google Docs, which greatly improves the way we can access and edit them. Previously, editing documents required us to send numerous emails resulting in many editions of a single document. Another example is Dropbox. During the floorball league, video recordings were made of our matches so that we could watch them and review our tactics and performance after, however these video filed were too huge to send through email so Dropbox was used instead. From these personal experiences, I too believe that cloud computing is a form of technology with much potential to change the way we interact and do work.
Reading 6, the video cum blog entry by Prof, was a real eye opener. It was interesting how such immersive technology designed for computer games could have potential use in a myriad of areas other than gaming. As discussed, such technologies may also lead to ethical issues being raised as to their use. This video demonstrated not only the potential for immersive technology but the potential of technology in general in changing the way we perceived things, do things and live our lives.
Key take away points
- Small changes in ICTs may trigger unexpectedly explosive changes in use (e.g. the adoption of TCP/IP brought about the Internet)
- ICTs can be used to help poor and less developed countries develop in areas such as health and education
- ICTs also play an important roles in developed countries who utilized such technologies to drive their economy and improve their societies
- Cloud computing and immersive technologies are some of the upcoming technologies which would continue to revoluntionize the way we do things.
Issues for further discussion
Would have liked it if there was discussion regarding the role of ICTs in developed countries as much of the class discussion focused on whether ICTs should be introduced to less developed countries.
Rating
8/10
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