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.