Some thoughts regarding issues covered during the lesson:
1) I actually agree with the author of Reading 1 that our greatest challenge in managing ICTs today is to balance control and freedom. ICTs can be a double-edged sword, as with any other technology. The great thing about ICTs is that it allows for the decentralisation and democratisation of information. People no longer find that they have only one source of information and for the first time ever, are allowed to select information, evaluate it and make judgements for themselves. There are even avenues for feedback which is crucial for any government or organisation that seeks to improve its policies for the betterment of the people. The empowerment of the people is something I think most developing countries need in order to develop a more diverse and knowledge-based economy. On the other hand, ICTs can also used by those in power to remain powerful or extend their control. The access of knowledge does not necessarily guarantee transformation in societies. As mentioned in class, technology is not always the solution. Without good management and proper processes, technology will serve no more a purpose than without it.
2) Prof's video on Project Natal was really enlightening because it was so amazing to see such ground-breaking technology incorporate aspects of our lives into the virtual world. The huge amount of detail and intricacy placed into Milo's personality, as well as his reactions to the interaction with Claire are just so astonishing...it was as if Milo really existed. It is indeed good to see such 'live' interaction between Milo and Claire: Claire could literally show Milo her drawing and Milo could react to it accordingly, based on her individual design, without relying on pre-programmed answers, thereby suggesting a kind of independent intelligence. However, while I do agree that such Immersive Technology can be applied to everyday life like a virtual caretaker for children when their parents are out or a virtual nurse to remind patients when it is time to take their medicine, it was a little disturbing for me to see technology step into the boundaries of the human realm (I'm probably living up to the quote "Technology is easy, People are hard"). I don't know about other people but I felt disturbed when the narrator described Claire feeling "so connected to Milo's world". The first thought that came to my mind was: If children were in contact with this technology, how would they be able to separate true reality from the virtual one? Would they grow up living in a fantasy world that is detached from reality?
No matter how close the similarities are between virtual humans and real humans, virtual humans are STILL virtual. They do not breathe, eat, sleep and can't be touched in the same way that real human beings do. Also, no matter how similar situations in the virtual world can be depicted to reflect real life, they can never, a hundred percent, be the real life. There are so many unintended and unexpected situations that arise in real life that require us to think on our feet and respond accordingly. This, I feel, is something that no machine can help us cope with, at least not entirely. The element of human touch is still very important and I feel it is important that we do not neglect it despite being overwhelmed with such immersive technology. I guess it all boils down to how extensive this technology is going to be used, how often it is going to be used, and in what circumstances it is going to be used. Using immersive technology for simulations (virtual laboratories, vocational training, educational games) and as back-up solutions are fine, but I think a virtual friend is really too much.
Key Takeaways:
- Cloud Computing and its prospects for the future of companies: Instead of spending loads of money on individual servers containing data for each individual company, information can now be accessible in a "Cloud". This extends to the idea of shared information between companies. While privacy is a concern, we find that companies can now choose to customise their own settings to ensure privacy. But still, it is important that these companies retain information which they think is valuable and always have back-up systems to ensure security. Cloud Computing decreases costs and increases reliability.
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