Executive Summary
Purpose of the paper
- exemplify how computers came into existence
- evolution into a personal computer that resulted in a disruptive change in the world
Introduction
Disruptive nature of personal computer:- caused a radical change to the world by making information and communication readily available at one’s hands.
- led to emergence of new sectors of the economy
- have caused a drastic change to the way we live and work today.
Historical Perspective
- The term “computer” has been in existence for about 400 years. It was initially used to describe a person who did calculations
- It was only in the recent century that computer became more significant in our lives.
- It is only when the idea of personal computer was invented for the mass that more people begin to come up with creative ideas to use the computer.
Resistance to the introduction of personal computers?
- lack of interest in the technology
- found the technology irrelevant at first
- put off by experience
- don't like to spend time on technology
How did personal computer start to become appealing?
- significance of Apple’s introduction to the Macintosh
- It was the first personal computer that had display (using graphical user interface and a mouse), that targeted personal use
- Made it simpler for those who were not tech-savvy
Current Situation
Benefits
- Emergence of the market of electronics to the vast public
- Completely change modes of communication and the way we work today.
- the increase in popularity of PCs has ignited the shift from a skill-centric society to a knowledge-centric one.
Equal access to personal computer around the globe?
- Most people own a computer today, but not all do so in developing countries
- If we were to say computers are a necessity, how about those living in poverty?
- Using computers to improve development?
Detrimental effects of computer
- Family issues: Do the older generation own them? à Distinct generation gap due to computers à significantly reducing actual family time
- Social: uncontrollable exposure to wide range of information to the tech savvy children à i.e. pornography, violence, inaccurate information, cyber-bullying cases
- Increase workload on people as people become more efficient
- Assessment à How detrimental are these effects?
Future - staying relevant
What could be the next big thing for computer?
- i.e. the world being completely digitalized (no hardcopy) à This means we will be relying even more on energy to do work à Thus, there will be a need to invest heavily in renewable energy
- Can nanotechnology bring about the creation of an extremely portable personal computer à bring about a change in the way we work.
- Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into personal computers
Things to consider
- Will the market for computer continue to be relevant given the emergence of other smart devices?
- Effectiveness of computers changing the lives of people who are lagging behind
- Increased consumerism due to more and more computers being produced each year à e-waste generated by people increase disposal of computers à how sustainable can this be?
- Solutions to resolve the issue?
Conclusion
Computers have revolutionised our modern world and have simplified many tasks for us. It may seem that there is no big improvements to personal computers today, but the technology is improving constantly, so fast that we do not take note of it. What is most important is the place of computer in future. I believe computer will play a big part in shaping a digitalized world.
Things to consider
- Is the emergence of computers a good thing?
- How about the throwing away of computers?
- Will computers still remain relevant after 50 years?
- What technology will we switch to?
Hi Mindy!
ReplyDeleteOverall, I felt that this review outline of yours is a rather comprehensive one, which has definitely provided me with some interesting insights about the evolution of computers. I would also like to commend you on your listing of various thought-provoking questions throughout the outline, which helps encourage your readers to form personal perceptions towards some of the issues that have been raised here.
Nonetheless, I have a few suggestions regarding your outline that you may wish to consider. (:
1. As computers may seem to be a prevalent component in most of our lives, we may neglect the fact that ownership of computers does not necessarily equate to people having a certain level of knowledge regarding your topic on the evolution of computers.
In order to allow your readers to better understand your disruptive technology, it will be great to introduce the beginnings to the invention of computers in more details, so as to enhance your concept on its historical background – e.g. how it came about, why did it come about, how was it perceived initially and so on.
2. In the “Introduction” section, I feel that you have raised several valid points but could have further been substantiated with relevant examples so that we can better relate to them and also have a better idea about the ways computers had resulted in the various changes in our world today.
3. Also, it is advisable to stay more organised in the way your sub-points are being introduced under each main point. For instance, it gets rather misleading to mention about “resistance to the introduction of personal computers” under the “historical perspective” section because the link between these two ideas are rather vague and unclear (In what way does your point show any historical background?). Is this “resistance” a problem that was faced in the past or is it a problem that is faced now or both in the past and now and by whom? Thus, with such good points being raised by you here, it will be more easily comprehended if they are better arranged within specific relevant sections in your outline.
4. I like your further discussions on future considerations that may arise from the evolution of computers, but you may also want to include some initial ideas regarding solutions on how each problem can be solved and who the involved parties can be.
All in all, I had an enjoyable time reading your outline, which is both enriching and informative. It could have been more organised and contain deeper discussions, but it is definitely useful in helping me gain a better understanding regarding this disruptive technology. Thanks for your effort!
Warmest regards,
Michelle Lim
Hello Mindy,
ReplyDeleteJob well done on the outline of the paper, it was simple yet holistic, and i hope that what you have here is a really condensed version of what you are about to write. I recognise that you have several balanced points as well.
Just some feedback and word of advice- you might want to consider discussing several instances of practices whereby print media is widely used, such as newspapers and written contracts, as well as the possible benefits of not using computers in these instances. This may provide more balance in your paper and heighten your credibility.
Perhaps you might want to consider including the factor of price and cost of computers in deterring people from certain backgrounds in using them. In certain less affluent and well to do societies, price of computers may prove as a major resisting factor in introducing the application of computers in their everyday lives.
One of the detrimental impacts of the use of computers would be its damage on the environment and the impacts of discarded computers on the environment. (as compared to print media maybe?) And to balance your stand, perhaps you could include the existence of computer recycling programmes (for example) in certain countries, which would mitigate the adverse effects of dumping used computers on the environment. It would also be good if you could state certain relatable examples of the points you've made, such as the "increased popularity of PCs", how the personal computer was made simpler, etc.
Nonetheless, the points raised in the outline are valid, and I think you should have no problems putting it into a concrete report. Hope my feedback is of value to you.
All the best!!
Ryan.