In the modern day world, technology has become an important aspect of the daily lives of most people. However, people sometimes fail to have a clear understanding of how technology and especially the use of the internet have influenced their lives. This course has helped me get a better understanding of this issue.
The lessons have focused on the issue of the internet, and its historical development over time. Through this, I have learned how trends in internet usage have changed over time. I have also had a better understanding of the concept of the digital divide. In the US for example, the phenomenon comes about due to some factors such as race, income, education and gender. The patterns of internet usage can primarily be manifested among the young, who have grown up in the digital age . Through the insight from the lessons, I have realized the steps that different stakeholders can take to bring digital equality in the world. In future, I would like to come across some of the real-time ICT projects, which can boost my understanding of how ICT influences the society.
Apart from the class being informative, it has acted as an avenue for socialization, since we have spent times getting to know each other. Having different perspectives on issues coupled with the charisma and humor from our professor Charles has made the class very entertaining. One aspect I have liked about the course is the knowledge gathered outside the classroom. The professor invited a guest speaker, Gary, who shared very useful information. The visit to WKAR TV station was also very informative in conceptualizing the effect of ICT to the society. All the lecture sessions have been absorbing and informative. I, however, liked the lecture on how to make an excellent presentation. I learned the skills of how to respond to questions and how to organize my thoughts properly. Moving forward, I would like the class to offer opportunities where the learned skills can be put into practice. These opportunities can gauge whether the course is making positive impacts in the students’ lives.
As a young person born in the digital age, I cannot deny the impact that technology has had on my life. Everything I do is online based, starting from socialization, reading and entertainment. The impact that ICT has had on the society, as implied in this course is very true. I think that the world needs to come up with ways of mitigating the adverse impacts of ICT.
This course has led me to think further of how ICT and especially the internet have influenced people at personal levels. In analyzing this issue, I have discovered that a distinction between real conversations and virtual connection needs to be made. People, in their homes, school or the workplace are only connected online, and it has led to the death of the conversation . The author here, notes that people nowadays have to be taught the skill of making eye contact since the internet has made them accustomed to being in isolation. The idea that an individual is connected to others online has made people ignore the importance of real human relationships.
Another issue I have thought about is that of the digital divide. The modern world operates in such a way that not being connected to the internet places a person at a disadvantage. Understanding the issue of the digital divide and the forces behind it is essential to the realization of a solution. Factors such as age, education and the kind of community one live in, explain the digital divide. Here, the young people, with a college education and living in urban areas, have more access to the internet . This digital divide is an issue that needs to be addressed to realize a more equitable society.
In the coming month, I have set individual academic goals to achieve. Chief among them is participating more in class since this will help with a better understanding of the issues being discussed. I also plan to learn how to develop a more logical way of thinking, while improving my knowledge by reading more books and articles.
This class has been very informative, and I like the kind of interaction that is allowed during the course. I believe that the insight gathered here, will positively affect my career in the future.
Bibliography
Caumont, A. (2013). Who’s not online? 5 factors tied to the digital divide. Retrieved January 30, 2016, from pewresearch.org: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/11/08/whos-not-online-5-factors-tied-to-the-digital-divide/
Jackson, L. (2014). Digital Divides. Encyclopedia of Adolescence, 701-714.
Turkle, S. (2012, April 21). The Flight From Conversation. Retrieved January 30, 2016, from nytimes.com: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html
