Devices in School (Pros)

Intro: In today’s society technology has attached to our daily lives. We practically use technology on a regular basis. Students would benefit immensely from using electronic devices. Students could make technology apart of their school life for the fact that it is very helpful. Electronic devices should be allowed in school because of social learning, wider access to information, and instant answers.

Body: Many students will mainly be exposed to the interests of their parents. If mom has an interest in dance, the student might get exposure. With Internet access, children can be exposed to a world of creative ideas outside of their bubble. They can learn different languages, or teach themselves how to draw, knit, play chess, and etc. They have access to an endless array of options available, not just to help them learn, but to gain skills they might not otherwise have access to.

Body: The Internet provides answers right away for different categories, situation, and many more. As technology continues to change, electronic devices are becoming more and more advance, most of the devices today have the ability to go on the web. Ipad and other types of tablets should be allowed in school because of the ability to go on the Internet. Tablets are miniature computers and it gives you anything you need as long as there is Internet access. It would be a big help for teachers when there are not enough computers in the school, students and bring in their electronic devices and use it to get their schoolwork done.

Body: We tend to look at the negative sides of social media. However, there can also be an educational aspect. Social learning is a great way for students to share information, thoughts and ideas on a subject. Properly focused, some students, who may be quiet or shy in a classroom, may blossom in a social learning situation made possible by digital devices.

Josh’s Reflection

New Knowledge: I did not know electronic devices could benefit people when trying to gather information in school. Technology helped me realize how beneficial it actually is.

Prior Knowledge: however, I already was aware of the fact that it benefited people in many supportive ways. I already knew that it could help students better themselves positively.

Clarity: How can we fit electronics in class environments without making it into a problem? Why is it that students are not allowed to use electronic devices in the first place?

Overall Thoughts: I think school should allow electronic devices for the simple fact that students could gather information to complete assignments and complete class work. Schools should really look into using electronic devices in schools for the sake of the future students that will soon come.

http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/tech-ed/pros-and-cons-of-allowing-digital-devices-in-the-classroom/

Merging humans and machines

Intro:       This movement towards the merger of man and machine, according to Kurzweil, is already starting to happen and is most visible in the field of biotechnology. As scientists gain deeper insights into the genetic processes that underlie life, they are able to effectively reprogram human biology through the development of new forms of gene therapies and medications capable of turning on or off enzymes and RNA interference, or gene slicing. This shows how technology is slowly merging with mankind as a whole. 

             

Details: In some fields, the pace of technology has become so fast that humans can no longer comprehend it without augmenting their own intelligence. This is particularly true of computing, nanotechnology, medicine and neuroscience, all of which have seen exponential progress. The technological singularity, or simply the singularity, is a hypothetical moment in time when artificial intelligence will have progressed to the point of a greater than human intelligence, radically changing civilization, and perhaps human nature. Because the capabilities of such intelligence may be difficult for a human to comprehend, the technological singularity is often seen as an occurrence beyond which the future course of human history is unpredictable or even unfathomable.

The first use of the term "singularity" in this context was by mathematician John Von Nuemann. In 1958, regarding a summary of a conversation with von Neumann, Stainislaw Ulam described ever accelerating progress of technology and changes in the mode of human life, which gives the appearance of approaching some essential singularity in the history of the race beyond which human affairs, as we know them, could not continue. The term was popularized by science fiction writer Vernon Vinge, who argues that artificial intelligence, human biological enhancement, or brain computer interfaces could be possible causes of the singularity. Futurist Ray Kurzweil cited von Neumann's use of the term in a foreword to von Neumann's classic The computer and the Brain

Details:

The typical home PC of today has an integrated equivalent to over a billion human brains. This machine can think for itself, communicate with its user and suggest new ideas in ways that surpass even the greatest minds on Earth. Due to the flood of data being exchanged on the Internet and elsewhere, these computers receive literally millions of emails and other communications each day. The only way for a user to interpret this avalanche of information is to merge their consciousness with that of the machine. A growing segment of society is now turning to on-person hardware to achieve this. The most advanced method involves the use of microscopic, wireless, implantable devices linking neural activity directly to electronic circuitry. These nanobots have already been used in full immersion VR and medical procedures. The latest versions are capable of connecting with human intelligence in ways that combine the best aspects of both. No monitor or projector of any kind is required for the latest generation of computers. The nanobots can instead produce a virtual image of the screen which is augmented in the user's field of vision.

Details:

Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products, or "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. Biotechnology harnesses cellular and bimolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products. Modern biotechnology provides breakthrough products and technologies to combat debilitating and rare diseases, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, and use less and cleaner energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes.

Conclusion: Technology has come a long way from when the first computer was created till now. Our technology has enhanced dramatically overtime and is continuing to do that still. This generation might see a piece of humans merging with machines however the generation after this will feel the full affect of humans and technology becoming one. Technology already works side by side with humans so it should only be a matter of time until technology becomes compatible with the human body. Humans and machines are the future of man-kind.