Members Arthur Vivian White group Daragh Bland James Condon - - PDF document

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White group

Motion that the “Techno-Optimist” view of the impact of IT on Society is unjustifiable.

Members

Arthur Vivian Daragh Bland James Condon Jason Finnegan Laurence Reading

What is a “Techno-Optimist?”

A person with the belief that technological breakthroughs will continue to improve our quality of life. Sees the future as a better place, through technology.

Why isn’t “Techno-Optimism” justifiable?

Tunnel vision. Ignores potential negative effects of technology. Doesn’t address the root of the problem.

Tunnel Vision?

Technology often has a role to play in solving Economic and social problems, however, it is

• ften not the only solution, and not definitely

not the best.

Dangers of Techno-Optimism

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What are the dangers of becoming too attached to the techno-optimist view? Will the wonders of technology cloud our judgment and cause us to ignore the flaws?

Global Warming

“The Earth, after remaining cool for centuries, suddenly began to heat up about 100 years ago--just at the time that the burning of coal and oil led to an increase in atmospheric levels

• f carbon dioxide.”

www.technologyreview.com/

In Summary

Techno-optimism needs to be kept in check, we can’t let the shiny lights of technology blind us. Technology has the potential to do great things for us, but we need to see the damage it can do too.

Doesn’t always address the root

• f the problem.

Techno-Optimism

“Techno Optimism”

Technology can solve problems in this world. Are these the right problems? Are the “techno positives” missing the fundamental points?

One Laptop per Child

The Idea

“Provide Children around the World new opportunities to explore, experiment, and express themselves.”

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What's wrong with OLPC?

This does of course provide exposure to children in the third world to IT, which is important to future growth of these countries economies.

BUT...

What's wrong with OLPC?

Is this exposure to IT the most important factor in these children's lives and their futures? There are bigger problems in these countries than their IT Infrastructures. Examples: Nigeria - 3.8 Million people are living with AIDS.

What's Wrong with OLPC?

Is the underlying Infrastructure there? Maintenance Who is going to fix these machines? Who is going to fund this maintenance?

What's wrong with OLPC

Will these Laptop's reach the Children? Theft.

What's wrong with OLPC?

Cost Average Spending on Education per Child in India is $44. (Global March – India Report – 2006).

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Impact of OLPC on Society

Could work in richer, more developed area of these countries. Greater Bridge the gap within these countries. >>More problems

White Group Overview

We can’t be over Optimistic about Technology and it’s impact on society. We have to be REALISTIC

White Group Overview

Broaden the vision Account for all the effects technology may have on a Society Decide whether or not technology will address the root of the problem

White Group

Thank you for your time.