Session 2

Session 2

Prof started off the lesson by asking us the difference between innovation and invention.

Innovation does not necessarily mean inventing. By changing business practices and improving current products constitutes innovation. I feel that innovation is more important compared to invention. It is essential to be able to improve and change the way certain things are done. This helps facilitate the process and allows us to be able to do things faster and more efficiently.   

 

The lesson is split into two parts today. Part one was about technology, society and global dominance. We discussed about how technology affects the way society evolved. 

Prof also showed us a video titled "History of the world in 7 minutes". In the video, it is shown that India and China were the greatest civilizations of the past. What had led to their decline? China was once the most advance nation equipped with the technology like gunpowder, compass and paper making, however, their decline was imminent when they decided to close its doors thinking that they were the best. The Europeans caught up with them and superseded them to become the leaders of the world. From this, we see that changes are inevitable and one simply cannot stop it. Only by adapting to these changes can we then be able to survive and thrive. 

The Prof also mentioned about the chart about the "Rising star" and "Falling star". In order to ensure that one stays at the top of the game, one needs to be able to be humble and continue learning from others. They must also be keen to innovate so that they remain the leaders of their industry. 

The second part of the lesson was about technology and human development. We learnt that development is usually a positive change. To measure the development, there is a Human Development Index (HDI) where countries are assessed based on health, education and jobs. These are the fundamentals needs to help maximize ones potential and to help propel the next generation forward. Countries need to be able to attract investors, have good engineers to ensure a clean supply of drinking water and be able to provide the younger generation with a good education. However, Bhutan adopts a different approach. They focus on the Gross National Happiness and measures the happiness of an individual. I feel that this is necessary in today's world as people tend to be to focus on attaining material goods and place less emphasis on relationships with family and friends.

During the lesson, we discussed about how the times have changed and people now strive towards creating a more sustainable future. In the past, economical gains would mean that the environment would have to sacrifice. For example, vast plots of forest were cleared to build roads and houses for people to stay. The environment suffers as animals lose their habitats. However in recent times, governments in developed countries have been pushing for the construction of "green" buildings. An example of a "green" building in Singapore would be City Square Mall. The building consist of energy efficient light bulbs and actively promotes recycling.

Humans have used technology to improve their standard of living. Medicine and the invention of more sophisticated equipment for surgery help extend life expectancy of humans. Hence, there are positive benefits to be reaped from the use of technology. 

However, humans have also misused technology. The use of nuclear bombs and chemical weapons are examples of the negative use of technology. Most recently, the attack of Syrian civilians using chemical weapons caused the many deaths. I feel that humans should not abuse technology and use it to cause harm to others. 

Key Takeaways from this session:

1. Change is imminent. 

2. Be receptive towards new ideas. 

Personal rating: 8/10

Session 1

Technology and World Change

Session 1

I was quite tired during the first lesson of TWC as I started my day early at 8.15am. I doubted the relevance of this module as I was wondering what I would get out of it in the end.

However, my perception started to change when Prof asked us what we think technology is about. To me, technology is about the latest laptops, smartphones and how the world shrinks as technology becomes more advance. However, I learnt from Prof that technology encompasses more than that! If the word technology is translated, it would simply mean “knowing how to do it”. Technology is about the use of scientific knowledge to improve the way we work. This can be done so by inventing machinery.

During the lesson, we watched a video called “Shift Happens”. Some of the statistics showed in the video was shocking to me.

For example,

1.       It is estimated that a week’s worth of New York Times contains more information than a person was likely to come across in a lifetime in the 18^th century.

This point really emphasizes the enormous amount of data that we encounter daily. We have come a long way from the olden times where the printing press is the main way of disseminating information. The technological developments of the media have resulted in other platforms (like the internet) where information could be shared. I feel that this would enable us to make more informed decision. Therefore, it is also essential that we have the skills to sieve through this vast amount of information.  

2.       For students starting a four year technical or college degree, this means that half of what they learn in their first year of study will be outdated by their third year of study.

I do know that what we learn would change over time but I did not except it to be that fast! I agree with what Prof said about the need for continuous learning. If one refuses to learn from others, a decline would be imminent.

Personally, I feel that an improvement in technology is beneficial especially in the aspect of assistive technology. With more specialised equipment, people with disabilities are able to lead a more independent life and enable them to integrate better into the society. :)

Personal Rating: 7.5/10