Developments in Technology Discussion Question
I’m studying for my Computer Science class and don’t understand how to answer this. Can you help me study?
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Choose one of the following “developments in technology” and do some research on the current state of this technology. Be sure to cite your sources. Please do NOT make Wikipedia your primary source. You may use it, but there should be other reputable sources included first.
In what way does or could the chosen topic impact your life today?
Zero-size intelligence | Neurohacking |
Dark Networks | Universal Translators |
Avatars, Surrogates, Robotics | DNA Computing |
Quantum Computing | Nanotechnology |
Bendable notebook computers | Filter bubbles |
Ransomware | The Impact of ADA on Websites |
Careers in Data Science | Best Technology Jobs in IT |
REMEMBER- every post (New Thread or Reply) must be supported by relevant information. Prove the point you are making by a) citing external research, b) citing readings from the class content, or c) providing examples or personal experiences that are relevant and support your position on the topic.
1) Computers have rapidly evolved over the last 50 years. In the early 1970’s one computer would need enough space to fill an entire room. As computers changed over the years, we have seen them become much more compact. Nowadays, the computers used most are pocket sized, cellular phones. Technology giants like Samsung a Intel are exploring ways to incorporate bendable notebook screens into their next generation computers. Samsung attempted to launch a folding smartphone but ultimately canceled the launch due to multiple problems (Mott, 2019). Despite this, Intel has continued its mission to create a bendable screen that can be mass produced. While the concept sounds rather futuristic, there are several problems with the technology that could be problematic. According to an article on Futurum, a variety of problems have not been considered. Pricing and durability seem to be a major concern. Most of these screens are estimated to cost upwards of $1200 and it is unlikely they will last beyond 2 years depending on usage (Blanchard, 2018). This is a major concern for consumers who are on a budget.
Despite this, Lenovo has created a prototype for a foldable PC they call the ThinkPad XI Fold. The technology is made from lightweight alloys and carbon fiber to cut down on its weight. With an estimated price tag of $2500 it is still unlikely to take hold on the average consumer until it’s price can be more affordable (CES 2020: Lenovo brings bendable screen to notebook with ThinkPad X1 Fold , 2020).
Ultimately, I think bendable screens have utility in everyday life. They would make it easier to transport, easier for children to use in the classroom and being less likely to break would be an obvious added bonus. At the end of the day a bendable screen might be perfect for my back pocket but unless they can bring down the cost of the technology it will not be so great for the wallet in my pocket.
2) When information technology was first introduced to the public, it was not accompanied by accessibility laws for citizens with disabilities. Because it was so new, disabled Americans were very much overlooked until PCs became common in the American household circa 1990s (University of Maryland Global Campus, 2020). The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was amended in 1998 to include IT accessibility as an explicit and expressed requirement in the federal government (UMGC, 2020). This acknowledgment of the disabled community marked the growing popularity of information technology in America.
Today, every major information technology corporation has an internal organization, the function of which is to provide accessibility to disabled individuals (UMGC, 2020). These disabilities include visual, hearing, mobility, language, and learning. Access is a lot faster than it used to be, thanks to ADA standards (Coldeway, 2020). Features such as screen readers, screen enlargers, hearing assistive technology, volume adjustment options, and keyboard filters help the nearly twenty percent of disabled Americans who struggle to adapt to information technology (Coldeway, 2020; UMGC, 2020). However, though major companies typically do well in including assistive features and technology, not all companies consider accessibility issues, even though it is not difficult to make products compatible with the accessible software so many users require (Coldeway, 2020). Google, which did not start out as an entirely accessible software, introduced automatic captioning on YouTube in 2009, and the ability to caption sound effects in 2017 (Coldeway, 2020). In addition to growing assistive features in corporations, apps are constantly being created with the purpose of aiding the disabled. Apps that allow users to reach someone on the other end who can answer questions and identify things are becoming more common, as are apps that shortcut multi-step processes into simple clicks for cognitively impaired individuals, etc (Coldeway, 2020).
This positive change created by the ADA regulations is monumental. As the world becomes more reliant on information technology, it becomes increasingly important to ensure everyone has easy access to it. In the United States alone, 61 million American adults report living with a disability that affects major life activities (Samples, 2019). No person should be left behind without a way to catch up with the fast-paced technology world. Though there are now many ways for them to use technology that accommodates for their disabilities, the companies that skirt this responsibility remain an issue.
NEED A RESPONSE TO THESE TWO DISCUSSIONS.