This TWC class was my first class of my first term. So, this class will be my first impression of how SMU classes will be. Although at first I was not in the mood to study due to the rain this morning, I found the class to be really interesting.
First of all, each of us gave a brief introduction to the class and then we were given an explanation to the courses as well as the components that would make our final grade. The topic for today's lesson is "Technology and the Rise of Civilizations : Historical Timeline and Technology 'Revolution'". During the lesson, we were shown a video named "Did You Know;Shift Happens" and I was blown away by some statements that were on the video. There was, however, a statement that made me really curious : "Predictions are that by 2013 a supercomputer will be built that exceeds the computation capability of the human brain". If that is to be a reality and we are able to build a supercomputer that can exceeds our brain capability, will we be able to take control over it? Or is it going to be the other way around? It is a question that I still do not know, but I hope that I will be able to get the answer when I complete this TWC class. Nevertheless, this brilliant video made me realized right away that changes are always happening even while I was studying in class!
Later, once again Prof. Shahi showed us an interesting video named"Guns,Germs,and Steel",a video documentation of a book with the same title. There is one question asked by Yali, a New Guinean, that inspired Jared Diamond : "Why you white men have so much cargo and we New Guineans have so little?" That same question also make me wonder why and how come there were so many disparities between countries in this world which I hope that I will be able to answer that question as well as Prof. Shahi will share his knowledge to everyone of us in each lesson. It also made me think that how lucky I am to grow up in a country that almost has everything available for its people to enjoy and that made me feel thankful.
And lastly, there was a picture showing human evolution that surprisingly ends with a picture of an obese man. While at first I found this picture strange, I eventually agree to this picture. The technology human possesses and the technology that is yet to come can be a double-edged sword. If we do not properly control the technology and restrain it from taking control of ourselves, we will eventually become lazy and rely too much on the technology we created. However, if we are able to control it and make it for good use, we will surely benefit greatly and our world will surely become a better place.
Well, it was a rather good first experience and I am hoping to learn more of technology and world change !
And lastly, there was a picture showing human evolution that surprisingly ends with a picture of an obese man. While at first I found this picture strange, I eventually agree to this picture. The technology human possesses and the technology that is yet to come can be a double-edged sword. If we do not properly control the technology and restrain it from taking control of ourselves, we will eventually become lazy and rely too much on the technology we created. However, if we are able to control it and make it for good use, we will surely benefit greatly and our world will surely become a better place.
Well, it was a rather good first experience and I am hoping to learn more of technology and world change !
