Discussion one
After reading Chapters 1-3, review the videos Ray Kurzweil on How Technology Will Transform Us and Ray Kurzweil: A University for the Coming Singularity. (Interactive transcripts are also available on the TED web site.) Based on what you have learned, which of Kurzweil's predictions do you agree with, and which do you doubt? Why? Please be specific.
After watching on Kurzweil’s video, T, there are some things that I do agree and those that I go against. The first thing that I do not agree is the projection that I the 2020s, there will be the capability to create the red blood cells which can be used to replace the natural red blood cells. I do not agree that natural blood is hard to replace. My main reason for not agreeing to this is the fact that blood is a complex substance which is created from complex biological components. There are hereditary genes that are present in blood, it is hard to create such. I agree that there will be a brain which will be reverse-engineered against the human brain. I agree that there are robots which are more intelligent and resemble human beings. My reason for agreeing is that there are chips which have been tested and implanted to the human body. This has been successful so far and further strides towards this cannot be doubted. Brain reverse-engineering is possible to be attained in the future. Also, reading at chapter 1, I appreciate the trend that computers and technology is taking generally, with this trend, there are a lot to be expected. I agree that the future of technology seems to be bright although I am worried at the biological safety of the human body. If chips are to be planted in the human brain, how sure are we that there are no side effects?.
Are you thrilled or worried about the coming singularity and exponential technology advances? Make your case with specific supporting materials.
Discussion two
Research project brainstorming
* Select a topic and explain why you chose the topic (what interests you about this topic?)
The topic in which I am interested in is cloud computing. I would like to know and watch the way computing takes shape with cloud computing and see a new era where computer software will be sold as a service. I am also interested in how security will be improved. With software being accessed as a service, I feel security will be handled more professionally and more seriously. Personally, I am a beneficiary of cloud computing as this year has seen me using Gmail’s applications which have been installed in Google’s servers. The applications are the spreadsheets, word and presentations among others. I have been using these applications because they are free, convenient and simple to use.
* Research some preliminary internet and/or library resources to be used in writing your research paper.
Armbrust, M., Fox, A., Griffith, R., Joseph, A., Katz, R., Katz, R., Konwinski, A., Lee, G., Patterson, D., Rabkin, A., Stoica, I., & Zaharia, M. (2009). Above the clouds: A Berkeley view of cloud computing. Accessed on 2nd July 2011 from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.149.7163&rep=rep1&type=pdf
European Commission, information and media (2010), The future of cloud computing: Opportunities for European cloud computing beyond 2010. Accessed on 2nd July 2011 from http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/ssai/docs/cloud-report-final.pdf
Ramakrishnan, R. (2010). What is cloud computing? Accessed on 2nd July 2011 from http://www.cumulux.com/Cloud%20Computing%20Primer.pdf
Warr, Wendy (2009). Cloud computing. Accessed on 2nd July 2011 from http://www.qsarworld.com/files/Cloud-computing.pdf
* Describe how you plan to meet and apply APA standards or professional writing to your research paper.
I will ensure that all materials and ideas which are not my own are properly cited to avoid plagiarism.
I will also ensure that I learn the format that is required when using APA.
I will also make sure that all other sources that I have used outside the ones in class are properly cited.
* Include other ideas and planning efforts you wish to document, including use of Diigo. All preplanning efforts used in the development of your final project will help you to achieve success during the next four weeks.
I intend to find out the future and the platforms that have been put in place to enable cloud computing.
I will also ensure that the security aspect of cloud computing is properly and thoroughly dealt with.
References
Beekman, G., & Beekman, B. (2009). Tomorrow's technology and you. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Kershner, H. (1990). Introduction to computer literacy. Virginia: D.C Health.
Kurzweil, R. (Director). (2010). A university for the coming singularity [Motion Picture].
Kurzweil, R. (Director). (2010). How technology will transform us [Motion Picture].
Miller, M. (2008). Cloud computing: Web-based applications that change the way you work and collaborate online. New Jersey: Que.
Tierney, J. (2009). The future is now? Pretty soon, at least. New York: Cengage Learning.
