1. Influence of Technology on global dominance
Global dominance may come in different dimensions for example military power, economic might, Social and Cultural Dominance. In order to achieve dominance in any of the various spheres in today’s world, technology is imperative for obvious reasons. Depending on governments, the amount of technology they use to achieve such goals would ultimately determine the strength or dominance a country would have in the different areas. For example, America. Today, it is still the country which possesses the greatest and most advanced types of fire power as compared to China or Russia (although the latter two are catching up very quickly) hence the world is still very much unipolar. Nevertheless, as we all know, China is catching up very quickly in terms of military might and it has been discussed that the world is tending towards a more bi-polar stance. Where the US and China will be the future major powers in the world. Of course, this does not occur solely because of military might, there is a combination of factors such as economic prosperity and political might that may actually deem China to be more dominant globally. As we all know, China is probably the 3rd largest economy in the world today. It has managed to go so far since it opened its doors to capitalism in 1989, with the help of technology and its processes hence from the above example, we are able to see how technology is able to influence global dominance, bringing a country that is a “rising star” to become a “dominant power”.
2. Role of technology in human development
Improvements in technology have made it possible to feed the world’s population because it is now possible to grow more sturdy crops (through some genetic modifications), greater quantity of crops and definitely better quality of crops. Yet, why is there famine and starvation in some countries when other countries have an excess quantity of food? I think the answer lies in the differences in technological development in each country which has made some more able to produce better food and crops as compared to the others. Transportation may also be another factor where in a Developed Country (DC) there is definitely better and faster modes of transport to ensure that food gets to people fresh as compared to a Less Developed Country (LDC) which may have food that arrives only after a week of travelling. Nutrition affects the health of people which might then also affect social demographic of a country. Hence, from the small but crucial area of food and nutrition above, we may see how technology affects human development.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
TWC Lesson 1
Dear Mr Singh,
I have missed the first two lessons of your lesson but I will base my blog entry on what I've learnt in Mr Soon Loo's lesson, and the video of Guns, Germs and Steel that I've watched as well as the readings that you have assigned your students. I hope it'll be okay with you! =)
Brief Summary/ Overview of lesson
Having stepped into my first TWC lesson not knowing very much what to expect, I stepped out enjoying the lesson tremendously as the professor was inspiring and I knew i was in for a very different type of "study" experience. I understood the importance of technology in our lives in a totally new light and dimension. I used to think that technology only meant IT, as in computers, and cell phones. But that lesson really made me open my eyes to see the many "technologies" that have saturated my life, which I have not taken note of. For instance the pen and paper. They are definitely technologies that are essential to writing the human history and were definitely indispensible during the time before computers were invented. We talked about technology, and technological innovation during the lesson and were treated to presentations from the seniors who had invented products and given them a shot in the market.
Interesting Observations and Ideas
When asked for my favourite technology at the start of the lesson, I answered with the iPhone because it has really made a difference in my life. Life became so much easier with a portable internet browser at your fingertips. Information comes to me much quicker and faster, there are no more “I will go home to check it out” moments. It was probably a boring answer, myopic in a sense because Prof Soon heard my answer and immediately asked for the next person’s favourite technology. Yet, at the end of the lesson, I managed to convince my group to present my favourite technology— food processing not because I am a food face (hahaha) but it really is essential in our lives! Can you imagine life without any fast food, vending machines or even the technology to cook food? We might just be running around with spears in our hands and setting up bon fires with skewers to cook our meat. How inconvenient and time consuming, no?
Key Takeaways
On Technology: It comprises of almost all things in our lives right now. It evolves constantly to cater to the needs of human beings.
On Technological Innovation: It comes about when we realise something is missing in our lives, or when inconvenience arises. But not everyone will pay attention to such inconveniences, or want to do something about it. Its these little loopholes that people miss, that may actually churn out innovation.
Issues for Further Discussion
Disparities in terms of technological advancements in different countries as addressed by the Guns, Germs and Steel video. Why and how have they arisen and should any action, then be taken?
I would rate the lesson 8 out of 10 because it was intriguing and enjoyable.
I have missed the first two lessons of your lesson but I will base my blog entry on what I've learnt in Mr Soon Loo's lesson, and the video of Guns, Germs and Steel that I've watched as well as the readings that you have assigned your students. I hope it'll be okay with you! =)
Brief Summary/ Overview of lesson
Having stepped into my first TWC lesson not knowing very much what to expect, I stepped out enjoying the lesson tremendously as the professor was inspiring and I knew i was in for a very different type of "study" experience. I understood the importance of technology in our lives in a totally new light and dimension. I used to think that technology only meant IT, as in computers, and cell phones. But that lesson really made me open my eyes to see the many "technologies" that have saturated my life, which I have not taken note of. For instance the pen and paper. They are definitely technologies that are essential to writing the human history and were definitely indispensible during the time before computers were invented. We talked about technology, and technological innovation during the lesson and were treated to presentations from the seniors who had invented products and given them a shot in the market.
Interesting Observations and Ideas
When asked for my favourite technology at the start of the lesson, I answered with the iPhone because it has really made a difference in my life. Life became so much easier with a portable internet browser at your fingertips. Information comes to me much quicker and faster, there are no more “I will go home to check it out” moments. It was probably a boring answer, myopic in a sense because Prof Soon heard my answer and immediately asked for the next person’s favourite technology. Yet, at the end of the lesson, I managed to convince my group to present my favourite technology— food processing not because I am a food face (hahaha) but it really is essential in our lives! Can you imagine life without any fast food, vending machines or even the technology to cook food? We might just be running around with spears in our hands and setting up bon fires with skewers to cook our meat. How inconvenient and time consuming, no?
Key Takeaways
On Technology: It comprises of almost all things in our lives right now. It evolves constantly to cater to the needs of human beings.
On Technological Innovation: It comes about when we realise something is missing in our lives, or when inconvenience arises. But not everyone will pay attention to such inconveniences, or want to do something about it. Its these little loopholes that people miss, that may actually churn out innovation.
Issues for Further Discussion
Disparities in terms of technological advancements in different countries as addressed by the Guns, Germs and Steel video. Why and how have they arisen and should any action, then be taken?
I would rate the lesson 8 out of 10 because it was intriguing and enjoyable.
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