Exciting Possibilities!

Information and communication technology was the crux of the class discussion. An array of different prospects in each sector, such as Mass Media, Gaming, Wireless Technologies, was shown and comprehensively explained to us. The future possibilities also seem enticing as a video on Project Natal was presented to us. It depicts a character in the computer who is able to communicate with a human being. We are so involved in the conversation, that it may seem real to us. This is where a topic of discussion came about the demarcation of what is real and what is not may become unclear to kids in the future who will have these technologies at their disposal. However, Prof Shahi mentioned that there’ll definitely be checks and balances in placed from the parents. Will this be enough? In light of opportunities to expose to kids, where can parents draw the line? This could be a very subjective topic.

We also came to realize the rising significance of a CKO (Chief Knowledge Officer) in companies. He captures insights, knowledge, data and mapping the movements within organisations. Many of us were oblivious to this new term and position in an organization. However, this may have more importance in a more ICT- centric age, which is in progression now.

ICT’s application in various fields was also discussed. I was particularly interested in the impact on global poverty. This is also directly related to the buzzword, “digital divide” that is present. Many technologies have been capable of alleviating poverty, such as the radio, television, telephones, and computers and internet and several more. It was also realized that communities acceptance and adaptability to such technologies may take longer than we expect and thus the variation in development in different poverty-stricken country.

The presentation by Mellisa on ‘Future of Television’ was insight on how television might become moot. Personally, I would not be excited about that idea,  as someone in class mentioned that the ‘randomness’ of the television is what keeps us attracted to television at the end of the day.

Another interesting presentation was by Shaak, who talked about an interesting topic of why things are free. He comprehensively explains the concept behind this and is interesting to note that big platform providers will lose out in the market if they were make people pay for the services!

For interesting ideas and in-depth concepts, I would rate this session 9/10!