User:Vtaylor/Computers and Society/Notes 7

7. Evaluating and Controlling Technology

This week we will be looking at some broader issues. There are many issues that are less well defined than some we have explored. What are the implications for a global society when a very small percentage of the world population has access to computers and computing, while most other people do not? Will this imbalance lead to unrest or encourage the have-not's to work harder to close the gap?

There are people who have no interest in the benefits of computers in society and believe that we, as a society, are better off without the technology.

Objectives

In this module, students


 * investigate broader issues on the impact and control of computers
 * search for web resources that address the future of computers and society
 * evaluate the sources and content
 * compare and contrast the issues discussed in the resources
 * critically examine an issue and provide a detailed analysis

== Study Guide: Evaluating and Controlling Technology==

These notes are guides to reading and studying the textbook chapter assigned for this lesson. Here are some questions to get you thinking about the important concepts and information.


 * Can communities exist in cyberspace? What makes a community? Is it lonely in cyberspace?


 * Is "addiction" to the internet real? Is it a problem?


 * Is there a "digital divide"? What if anything should be done to resolve or eliminate the problem?


 * What are the implications for a global society when a very small percentage of the world population has access to computers and computing, while most other people do not? Will this imbalance lead to unrest or encourage the have-nots to work harder to close the gap?


 * Is "free" email really free?


 * What skills are being lost? What new skills are being learned or developed? Is this a reasonable trade-off?


 * What changes in human life styles are emerging? What are "good"? What are "bad"?