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.