Module 13: And Class Comes to a Close

As this is my last blog post for my Digital Society class, I will start by reflecting on the things I learned most throughout this spring semester and my opinions about Thomas Friedman’s book, The World Is Flat. If I were to sum up the keys topics that Friedman wanted to relate all his experiences and connects with, would be collaboration and globalization among the whole globe, elevated by the advancement of technology. It has opened my eyes to the great progress we have made socially, now able to communicate with anyone anywhere. I take for granted the technology placed in front of me at my generation, and the powers of collaboration it holds. After reading this book and hearing all the examples from Friedman, I began to take notice everywhere of the efficiency and multi-company processes that much business goes through. Personally, I feel a little sheltered in some of the major technological fronts and national relationships. While reading, I found that the birth of Internet and current globalization as news to me, but very intriguing at that. It puts a brand new perspective in my surroundings and gives me curiosity about current news and growth in today’s technology; especially the not so long ago history. I also have a tinge of guilt for not being in the loop with my rising generation, and now feel the urge to catch up with the times. I am glad I've gained a better grasp on the subject and hop to become more insightful and this expanse as well The more and more I learn, I find how interconnected everything seems to be.

One history story that I didn't know the upbringings, was the birth of the Internet. Mainly the contributing topic of community development software. For review, motivated collaborative volunteers modify base codes for programs and new software, and then make it public for the good of the future! I thought it was a neat teamwork effort, and amazing how it was driven by pure ambition and curiosity.  This struck a personable connection, simply because of the advancement of the Internet was made possible by excited contributors, and especially having the humility to make it public too!

Another topic that opened my eyes was the idea of supply-chains and all the detail. I admit once again that I didn't fully comprehend the subject, but afterwards realized that overall, the take-home-message to success, was being efficient and reliable. Walmart is a very relatable business because it is so popular and has everything. I could easily imagine that process Friedman was describing and also recognize the important factors of each step that make this business flourish.

One thing I liked enjoyed about this class, was that because it was done through a blog format, it gave me a chance to speak my mind more so than turning in a typed easy. I felt excited to summarize, explain and opinion-ate in my style of writing, emphasizing how I want. Another bonus to a blog was being able to read other classmates posts of the assignment. I learned a few things that maybe weren't as clear in the book and were simplified by other bloggers. I also could view their perspective and consider their stance and opinion on the topic.

Lastly, I enjoyed taking the last month to glance into the future and what it beholds. I gave me a change to ponder the possibilities, and also the potential outcome we may inflict upon ourselves.  I assume everyone finds curiosity in new technological advances and many science fictional gadgets that are generated by the film industry. All seems possible with the realistic, computer animated creations of the future. After diving into the topic of artificial intelligence, robots, nanotechnology and genetic engineering, I made me step back a little and ask myself, “Do we want all this?” In most ways, yes, it sound exciting, efficient and like a path to breakthroughs in education and healthcare. But after consideration at the facts, we don’t know where it will lead and when to call it “quits” with technological upgrades.

Module 12: More on Artificial Intelligence

This post is perfectly sequential to my last one previewing Big Hero 6 and the ultimate idea of artificial intelligence. Though the film was a science-fiction animation, the predictions are possible, as I summarize and article by Bill Joy, Why the Future Doesn't Need Us, and his concerns. With the robot Baymax, I mentioned the ethical benefits and concerns for this implication of technology, but as far as the character goes, all ends well. Joy on the other hand collaborates with authors and speakers that he respected about the increasing possibilities along with increasing concerns beginning with the human race drifting into dependence.

GNR, represents the technologies of genetic engineering, nanotechnology and robotics. The ethical stance with advancing technology is what concerns Joy. Slowly machines are making basic decisions for us, and eventually, more advanced ones. We may fall into a dependent and useless state where no human effort is demanded and we rely on the technology. Once technology becomes too advanced for the average rising generations to keep up, we will be uninformed about making complex decisions concerning system maintenance, thus left up to the machines, having ultimate control. Only the elite will be left to rule these complex systems and authorize the fate of society. Overall, the future has to offer many unintended consequences with more and more control in the hands of technology and that according to Murphy's law, ”Anything that can go wrong, will."

In one discussion Joy had with a fellow scientist, Danny, the idea of merging computer with human body didn't seem to phase him. Danny pointed out that the scenario of humans merging with robots would come gradually, like as I compared, to the parable of frogs in boiling water. The way I picture it, with increased technology, so do medical procedures, most involving foreign substances v.s. organic. And that is where I believe the process of human-robots begins. Some people already have internal pacemakers and assisted living devices like artificial hearts, lungs and blood filtration. Who know how soon we find how to do without, and simply replace our decision making brain with indestructible, immortal robot machinery. The idea isn't new either such as Star Trek's Borg characters that are humans fused with robotic machinery and capable of more strength and destruction that we need. Also a resent film suggests the realistic possibility with robotic body forming to the necessary human components of intelligence and function. Robocop is a 2014 film that perfectly displays Joy's talk of the possibilities the future hold and the dangerous consequences as well. In the film, a cop gets critically injured and a car bomb and is admitted into a massive reconstructive surgery, salvaging his head, respiratory organs and one hand. More into the plot, RoboCop becomes a powerful danger as his brain is tampered by his scientists (an elite group as mentioned earlier) having ultimate overriding abilities. They upgrade to provide efficiency and alter emotions which are at first limited but then completely suppressed to the point of blind obedience to his "cop-programming". Once again, I believe this is a perfect imitation of the future's attempt at a seemingly beneficial, even lifesaving intention, but also recreated are the realistic misuses that could easily become out of even the elites' control. Humans will be endangered when perfected technology replaces the efficiency, strength and work. 

As Joy theorized about the possibilities, he mentioned that for technological advancement and replication, "They will not require large facilities or rare raw materials. Knowledge alone will enable the use of them." This ensures that nature won't be a limiting factor to fall back for security. I think if technology becomes overpowering and consuming, it will only escalate from there with nothing but upgrading and extermination of the useless. Another film, this time mentioned by Joy, fictionally displays another technologically advanced scenario where initially mapped for good and bound by rules and protocols, also went rogue and turned on the human race. I, Robot had robots bound by its Three Laws of Robotics, ultimately protecting mankind. This type of precautions and authority by the elite proved a great protection to society, but all systems have potential to be hacked, corrupted and taken advantage of. The consequences may prove irreversible and unstoppable.

 Technology has been a huge influence in my upbringing, with particularly the Internet. The birth of the Internet wasn't too long before I was born in 1995. With the years, came better modifications, making it user friendly and convenient. I remember how foreign it seemed when in the third grade, we had our computer class time where we were exposed to how to use the Internet. Previously, even without Internet access or familiarity, just computers alone served as a motivating and resourceful learning tool. My childhood computer background consisted of interactive, cartoon computer games. Most of the programs were Sesame Street themed, specific to alphabet, numbers, design or coordination. One key detail I can recall in relation to the need for computers now is how dependent we have become compared to when I was younger. Then, it served merely as an entertainment option, with a few beneficial educational factors, but didn't dominate my free time. The purpose for computers progressed as I got older, with more challenging programs and eventually the Internet in mid-elementary. 

Computers are so integrated into our society, that owning one and knowing how to use it proficiently, is the key to academic success. Computers give simple access to being successful at the skills you wish to obtain. I have a personally relevant example that has been well supported by computer availability. 

Module 11: Film Review...Big Hero 6

So for this week, I am doing a computer related film review. I was going to watch and review a Star-Trek or Stargate episode since I’m a huge fan. I decided to watch a full-length movie though because it would have an all-encompassing plot and an episode of Stargate might not include all of the examples of technology that it normally represents throughout the series. Plus, I couldn't decide which of 100’s of episodes to best pick from. I will mention a little bit at the end from my favorite show, Stargate Atlantis, because it has a similarity with the film I did choose, Big Hero 6. I know it initially looks like a stretch, analyzing a cartoon, but it ended up providing supple information for my three main points: the computer/network usage throughout, realistic or ridiculous, and any social/cultural implications.

This movie is science fiction and cartoon animation by Disney, so realism can only go so far. There is a basic realistic foundation to some areas though. Overall though, there was a great deal of technology usage in this movie and network instances. A main example and key to the movie, is the inflatable robot Baymax. He is designed by Tadashi, a robotics student at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. Robots are a real invention, consisting of complex programming and computer integration. Even the robot fighting at the beginning of the film is modern day, like in the T.V. shows Robot Wars and Battle Bots. This robot takes on an almost artificial intelligence as new events and data can be integrated into his memory, but all the while, he obediently sticks to his initial programmed protocol and sole purpose as a Personal Health Care Companion. This was the social and cultural benefiting quality of the film that ultimately gave a great moral to not cause any harm, especially as revenge. The main character Hiro, who assumes ownership to Baymax after his brother’s death, is also very tech-savvy. He uses his advances computer programming to install new modifications to Baymax on a new chip for defense in conjunction with his healthcare chip, using data from a Karate video to help defend against a rising villain. At one climatic point though, Hiro took advantage of Baymax by removing his “good” microchip for an instance of revenge. There was a struggle to replace the chip by his team and then lesson was learned.

This robotic model offers an amazing futuristic idea for providing society with a comforting “nurse” if keep strict to the healthcare and no- harm programming. If not, it could arise in violence and power in the wrong hands, like he case in the film I, Robot  where robots where designed to serve humanity, but artificial intelligence and motives went rogue.  I also don’t know the realism with Baymax’s abilities to be able to lift 1,000 pounds, but I seem probable that his can store and integrate lots of data. An instance in the film when Baymax doesn't seem to comprehend emotional pain, he downloads all the data from the computer that would correspond and becomes immediately informed, adding to his 10,000 different medical procedures included in his programming. I think the technology is almost futuristic if we are comparing to realism, with his physical structure possibly limiting his ability to perform certain procedures, being vinyl and overly inflated. And the level of maintenance and physics would be almost ridiculous to include his extra features of defibrillator/ antibacterial spray equipped hands and heating system. One unrealistic factor, for film purposes was time; how designing and experimenting fell in a short time frame…but so do most movies.

A good example of networking was when Baymax tried to provide treatment for Hiro’s depression by contacting his friends spontaneously. He also performs automatic body scans and therefore can provide general information like blood type, temperature, brain activity and other demographics. Hiro used his computer to design and create body armor and gadgets with a 3-D printer of advanced quality. Especially when upgrading Baymax’s new chip, and finding a Karate video easily like we do every day with YouTube clips. Video camera evidence from their villain’s secret project was caught on computer and downloaded via flash drive, which is a common use of technology today. Basic communication devices were used when contacting the butler for a helicopter lift, or team conversation during the end battle scene. Since the movie still incorporated common technology today, it provided a semi-realistic approach and futuristic possibility. On the very unrealistic side, was the “villain’s” secret project having similar looks as a stargate in the Sci-Fi series Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. The stargate has teleportation abilities, and both shows have similar imaginations of the idea. The stability in Big Hero 6 though, failed and caused catastrophe, as the technology was nowhere near perfected yet.

Module 10: Done with Friedman, On To "Joe"

So on to more sources to analyze and dwell upon. Thomas Friedman's The World Is Flat has come to an end, as of last post. Still discussing technological subjects with the world, as this class is labeled The Digital Society, we continue in a similar just old fashioned approach today. For today, I'm interpreting a short story, " A Logic Named Joe", published way back in 1946, where the term computer represented a far different term than modern day. A computer, was a guy who would compute, like a painter paints, and cook cooks. But with this story being science fiction, we can look back on it to see if it foretold anything true to today. So along with a little summarizing of the story, I'm also looking for anything prophetic. Prophetic meaning accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future. I had a hunch that the word was similar in meaning to Old Testament prophets who would prophesy signs and events. 

So the read had a slow start for me as I had to re-read a few times to comprehend what was even being said. At first, I though Joe was some black slave kept in the cellar, since the language was slang as such times and I couldn't quite grasp the time period. I felt kinda dumb, but figured this was going somewhere, like he was a human calculator of sorts, being a logic in the cellar. Well now I've pieced together that 'Joe' is the name given to what seems like a type of computer the main character refers to as a logic setup. He describes it as a vision receiver with keys instead of dials. The first prophetic analysis I found briefly after. A sort of Skype and Google feature was described that this logic could access from relays in the tank (some sort of database or motherboard, I'm guessing.)  You could punch in someone's phone number, and "...if somebody answers you got a vision-phone connection." They totally nailed it in predicting reality of today's technology! Along with their crude version of Face-Time, was the ability to access weather reports, race results, and eventually equivalent to a homework help like Wikipedia. 

What came next though, as right in the beginning was the idea of artificial intelligence! Wow. Robots are current in modern technology and many movies explore the idea of artificial intelligence scenarios, whether they serve as convenient or go rouge with power.

Module 9: The End

Computers are so integrated into our society, that owning one and knowing how to use it proficiently, is the key to academic success. Computers give simple access to being successful at the skills you wish to obtain. In my last post, I described how relevant computers have been in my education. For today, I will go back to Friedman's topic of collaboration, particularly to the Dell notebook.

With the book coming closer to the end, Friedman mentioned how most of the book was written on his Dell Inspiration 600m notebook. He personally inquired with the company on exactly who was involved and all the steps that went with creating his computer. His personalized laptop building process began with an order at an 800 number, processing his order through a sales representative, and then and order management system. His Visa was authorized and from then his computer was in the running to be made. His order was to be completed at one of 6 factories, Malaysia. On the other hand, part had to be ordered and delivered through different SLC's (supplier logistics center). Dell runs through 30 total suppliers...with a grand total of 400 companies involved in making, designing, delivering and manufacturing any of Dell's products. After parts are collected at the different SLC's, they are delivered to the factory for assembly. Within 30 minutes, the trucks are unloaded, items registered, and parts sorted. Finally, a team member manually assembles the computer by hand (as all the designing was by ODM in Taiwan.) Once finished, it is sent for burning of the specified software download, then sent to the boxing line. From there, is takes the China Airline 747 and lands in the Nashville Airport. The big take-home message from this involved process, is the efficiency in a huge collaboration effort to create balance with demand and supply.

 We can step it up with the same persistent attitude toward education, and even have a preventative and futuristic approach of picking the right job field. With such open doors , increasing improvements will escalate the rate of advancement in technology. With the open door in communication, a new phase on with the Internet had substantial benefits. Uploading. Another revolutionary step. Base codes for programs and new software are generated and made public by a motivated collaborative team purely volunteering for the good of the future. This software can be updated and reviewed, with many patches or in other words, contributions. These then can be the base, or as in Friedman’s analogy, vanilla in an ice-cream sundae, which then can be improved, personalized and patented as the toppings. This free-for-all seeming project, is a place where individuals can shine and bring forth potential. This event proves that we have a place to be empowered, to create, upload and enlighten on complex things. In an economical prospective though, I have to agree with Microsoft’s insight that free can’t be forever, for lack of incentive without the reimbursement to innovate. But I believe the roots of this open community phase is empowering and collective in gaining differing viewpoints and insight; also bringing together self-inspired and determined individuals to get a job done how they foresee, creating a sturdy foundation for all.

Module 8: My Age of Technology

Technology has been a huge influence in my upbringing, with particularly the Internet. The birth of the Internet wasn't to long before I was born in 1995. With the years, came better modifications, making it user friendly and convenient. I remember how foreign it seemed when in the third grade, we had our computer class time where we were exposed to how to use the Internet. Previously, even without Internet access or familiarity, just computers alone served as a motivating and resourceful learning tool. My childhood computer background consisted of interactive, cartoon computer games. Most of the programs were Sesame Street themed, specific to alphabet, numbers, design or coordination. One key detail I can recall in relation to the need for computers now is how dependent we have become compared to when I was younger. Then, it served merely as an entertainment option, with a few beneficial educational factors, but didn't dominate my free time. The purpose for computers progressed as I got older, with more challenging programs and eventually the Internet in mid-elementary. 

Computers are so integrated into our society, that owning one and knowing how to use it proficiently, is the key to academic success. Computers give simple access to being successful at the skills you wish to obtain. I have a personally relevant  example that has been well supported by computer availability.  

The biggest influence has been with my music career. I take for granted the effortless ability to search anything on the Internet. My most common use has been for finding free sheet music. Sometimes, it would just be for fun like fiddles, movie soundtracks or church music. And conveniently I could even find the original classical music I needed, most reliable at  imslp.org. Most of the times it was for quartet music, which didn't seem as pertinent to purchase, for the reasons that it was for a temporary gig or performance. But sometimes I could "test drive" a piece to deem it worthy of obtaining a hard copy. That's where the internet came in handy again. Rather than driving to a music store, to search for a concerto that they might not even have in stock, you can order it online to be delivered at your home. My favorite shop, Day Murray Music, usually has everything, but unfortunately is located a little south of Salt Lake City. I find it inconvenient in time and gas, even for an important violin lesson. I noticed through my last purchase of Vitali's Chaconne violin concerto, that it wasn't even in stock at the shop, which would have made for much chasing back and forth. The internet also helped with making my decision on which concerto to learn in the first place. I had three options for my next piece and am not that familiar with every work of classical music. So once I was at a computer, I simple searched the various pieces on YouTube. Many times I have simply searched for an audio example of solo pieces, quartets and symphony performances to familiarize and inform myself with what I am working on in school. I find it much harder to browse a libraries selections or purchase each piece. Along with audio advantages of a computer, is the benefit of recording my self and storing in on my PC as well. I can have access to playing back my personal audio to critic or document for reflection later on. With the advancement of my music training, I have needed a few sources of insight when my teachers unintentionally failed in teaching a certain concept or just needed extra examples. For example, a couple of times I needed to perform a particular technique requiring ricochet bowing, and didn't get a very clear demonstration at lessons. I found a particular sight with professional videos of anything at violinmasterclass.com. In my theory class, we have progressed to writing compositions. I trained with a well known, professional program for music notation called Finale, but didn't have $600 to spend quite yet, especially as a beginner. I found a free notation program that suits my assignments and personal writing just fine with MuseScore. 

Module 7: Is Americanization A Thing?

Do you ever wonder why some countries are better off economically than others? Or why they've earned the stereotype of being "third-world" financial and technologically? Well, there actually are particular reformations and policies that implementing will progress the region. This "comparative advantage" come from a certain openness to adapting to foreign ideas. Just how some individuals get in a rut of daily routine and find change hard to absorb. The biggest sources of advantage in societies consist of foreign trade and investment, already assuming that reform wholesale is in action. I personally had to re-take on the difference between reform wholesale and reform retail. Because the next tool the rise in the world, comes from the action of reform retail. Reform retail is the little preparation steps that enable a country for world collaboration. While on the other hand, reform wholesale, is the preparation for opportunity to participate in the worldly affairs. So without the retail portion of keeping in touch with world business, countries preparation wouldn't be as effective. Two biggest applications of retail reformation includes building up the framework and education of a region for maximum collaboration opportunity. Struggling countries try to crank out the jobs in hopes for an economical boost with more work opportunity, but contrary to their efforts is the idea that quality is better than quantity. The jobs creating a productive effect utilizing regional resources and strengths, out-ways the push for numbers with the workforce. 

In fact, there are two, with one being that here in America, we just need to raise the standards to make for an equal job competition with those in India/Japan. With the option of outsourcing, we look at our two choices: U.S. or these smart guys, and choose the latter. We can step it up with the same persistent attitude toward education, and even have a preventative and futuristic approach of picking the right job field. The second solution, a little less out of our control, is to open restricted markets, for those countries that have them, so we can have more countries involved in the trade market. The economic concern can also be comforted with the obvious optimism that not everything has been invented. New jobs, industries and potentially, fields of study and standards of living can be opened up in the future. Those citizens caught in the middle of being average, between the specialized and localized, will need to search vertically. New inventions that begin as wants with escalate to needs, as the only limit can be that of imagination. 

Comparable, is the skills of curiosity and passion to learn, and can be more powerful proof than IQ to personal progress in the growing world. Yet another term contributing to flattening the world. Initially as reading, it seem similar to outsourcing, how the company involved is basing service somewhere else. Outsourcing was simple efficiency with clerical work or saving money without office buildings, when service calls could be channeled to stay-at-home employees. IQ can be out-beat by the drive people have with there curiosity and passion to succeed and persist in the world. To beat product costs with cheaper labor and maintained quality, companies don’t stand a chance. At first, I doubted, with my skepticism on how IQ  would be considered a lesser judgement, but then read that it is more than just common sense and test taking skills, which should be expected. Most companies invested in a little of both. Some over here AND over there. The main purpose of this hassle, especially considering the weariness of leaving it up to others half of the time, is for global competition. A main goal in business is to expand. This involves more purchases, and getting the company name out to everyone, and increasingly to outside of our American bubble, hence the term “everyone.” Having establishments offshore invests in a bigger market which in turn provides more orders on products to lead to more increase in popularity.