Reflections on Chapter 1

This past 2nd summer semester, I took a CS 1301 class that did a spectacular job on getting me up to speed on computer technology. It helped me ease my way onto this course which is much more complex. In this course thus far, I have become aware of the slowly unfolding world of technology. From its slow and painful birth of quill pens and parchment to the now rapidly progressing field of integrated technology, the field of computers is rapidly increasing the speed at which we can access information and learn of the changes that are taking place around the world. Now is the time in history where the expression, "It's a small world" completely applies. Never before have the changes occurred in such monumental footsteps-never before have we been taken from our insulated worlds into the international framework of technological advancement. An even more astounding prospect is this: whereas many of us have crested the wave of the mechanical-electrical-digital sea, having been around since Phillips invented the cassette tape, and in the days when I could go to a "record store" and buy 45's that played a tinny sound on my record player, now children are given ipods for their birthdays and mp3 players because they are an undeniable and undisputed part of our world. Now I can watch videos on Youtube from unknown individuals and the next week I can watch them become worldwide celebrities. As an example, go to YouTube-iTunes version-Bad Intruder Song. This is an extraordinary example of what the Internet can do for the average person-though not so sure I would call Antoine Dodson "average".Wow. In retrospect, I recall the days of my youth when the world went "ga-ga" over advances in technology. I remember one winter in Lubbock when I was 19 years old and my boyfriend's brother-in-law worked at Texas Instruments (so long ago, I know!)He was a troubleshooter for the company and occasionally brought home prototypes to check for problems(he was also the original egg-head!). I got to see and poke at one of the first calculators which at the time were projected to sell for at least $200.00. This was all amazing! The technology! The novelty! We did not realize the implications of this cool and astounding technological instrument! One weekend he brought home one of their new computers to troubleshoot(it looked just like the one on page 5 of our textbook!) and we had hours of fun playing "Hunt the Wumpus" to the background music of "The Hall of the Mountain King"! This was an experience of such huge proportions-no one had ever done this before, and here we four were playing it on the floor of the bedroom! We were somewhat aware of the importance of this, but not to what extent the world would be changed by this little bit of monochomatic wonder. Looking back on that experience from my present "lofty perch" of computer knowledge and literacy is like taking an "Outer Limits" fantasy ride. I sometimes perceive it all as a fantastic loop through a wormhole. I see the beginning and I see the present and I am constantly floored by the perspective of the then to now. And now our children and the children of tomorrow will be utterly computer literate and will never experience the fantastic growth of technology the way we "oldsters" have. Think of the sheer amount of knowledge they will attain through technology.I have to wonder if students of the future will be smarter because of their access to so much information that will be usable in their studies. Many will never have to be ill without a reason and will be able to find remedies on-line. Bored with your diet? Go on-line and find new ways of eating from all over the world. Tired of not knowing where to go on vacation and paying too much? Go on-line! And think of the research available to anyone willing to sit down with a cup of tea and browse. The computer is the most amazing invention ever developed, and here is my question: if that first fellow had not invented the wheel, would we eventually have gotten here anyway?