Article Blog 7: Alternative Energy Sources (February 28, 2010)

Over the last several years, we have been trying to develop alternative sources of energy that are not only more efficient, but also less expensive and even more importantly less damaging to the environment. In the article, “Bloom Box Provides Efficient Energy – Could be the Future,” (see link: http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2010/02/28/bloom-box-provides-efficient-energy-could-be-the-future/) Mike Ferro explains that Bloom Energy’s new technology “allows for a practical and effective utilization of fuel cells.” The Bloom box is used to create energy in a way that is less harmful to the environment. Ferro writes, “Air is fed into the fuel cells from one end while fuel from the other. The two components combine in the cell creating a chemical reaction, which produces electricity without any need for burning or combustion.” Without chemicals being burned or combusted, they are therefore not released into the air, resulting in a safer environment. Also, in comparison with another large alternative energy source, solar power, the Bloom box generates more power.

With so many harmful substances being released into the air and important resources being used up, it is important that people begin to use alternative and renewable energy sources. Alternative sources affect society in many ways, including economically and environmentally. Especially in the global economy in which we live, economically, it is important because as energy sources are becoming widespread, less abundant, and more expensive, alternative sources will help solve this issue. Also living in a society that stresses effectiveness and convenience, the Bloom box could also fit right in with people’s wants and needs. In the article, “Bloom Energy Box is Proof that our Needs are Manageable with Technology,” (see link: http://taintedgreen.com/green-business/bloom-energy-box-is-proof-that-our-needs-are-manageable-with-technology/000557) Matt Jansen writes, “The company claims a 2 to 1 efficiency over traditional power companies and puts energy production on the properties business owners.” Only time will tell whether the Bloom box will become a major energy device. The harsh reality of the society today is that people are so caught up in the convenient ways of life, while forgetting to realize that it is important to protect the environment in which we live while accomplishing that same level of efficiency. In closing, alternative energy sources can be valuable to society because they are commercially viable, practically applicable, and conscious of the environment.

Article Blog 6: Fraudulent Antivirus Scams (February 21, 2010)

As technology continues to become a major aspect of our lives, there are always chances that technology will have its downsides and faults, especially for internet users. The internet is getting more and more popular everyday as people use it to connect with others, pay their bills, and simply for entertainment. The problem is that users are at risk of viruses and scams if they are not cautious. In the article, “Bogus Antivirus Scams,” (see link: http://www.examiner.com/x-30526-Charlotte-Internet-Safety-Examiner~y2010m2d19-Bogus-antivirus-scams) Lisa McCormick discusses how there are becoming more antivirus scams, but not all of them are safe. McCormick writes, “Be weary of pop-up messages that claim your computer is infected. These messages are fake antivirus scams that target web users by prompting them install a virus disguised as a virus scan application.” These false antivirus scams will pop up on the screen showing that the user’s computer is infected and needs to be protected. As a result, users will often times make the mistake of being tricked into downloading this fake antivirus software that is actually a malicious program that can infect one’s computer.

This has a major negative impact on society, primarily because society today is so dependent on the use of the internet. In the article, “Dyna Sis Warns of Fake Anti-Virus Software, Releases Prevention Tips,” (see link: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/02/prweb3624304.htm) Dyna Sis writes, “Fake antivirus programs, or scareware, are very common and provide a way for scammers to make easy money. The scammers prey on the fears of Web surfers who are misled into believing their systems are infected and then pay, typically, $50 for a program that not only doesn't protect their computers, but often turns out to be malicious.” This causes a major concern for internet users because not only can these phony virus scans actually infect their computers, it can also cause them to be a victim of scammers, hackers, and even more worrisome, identity theft. Although the internet allows people to do a variety of convenient things, they must be weary of the risks that are involved. Never is one completely protected while using the internet. Although there are virus protection programs on computers, there are still ways for hackers to get into one’s computer and find out personal information, account records, as well as harming the computer. As a result, I think it is important for people to be more aware of the dangers connected with the internet as society becomes even more reliant on technology.

Article Blog 5: New Technology and Cell Phones (February 14, 2010)

With an increase in the development in technology, society is becoming shaped around these newer, faster ways that technology presents to people. Although technology makes many aspects of life easier, it also allows for the opportunity of crime to increase by taking new routes. In the article, “New Technologies Aim to Stop Phone Theft Fraud,” (see link: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/189119/new_technologies_aim_to_stop_phone_theft_fraud.html) Jeremy Kirk explains that the U.K. government is developing three new technologies to help safeguard stolen phones. Kirk explains, “The increasing use of mobile devices for e-mail, banking applications and contactless payments puts users at increased risk of becoming fraud victims when phones go missing.” The first of the new technologies to protect one’s identity if his or her phone is stolen is the i-migo which is a Bluetooth storage device that must be within a certain range of the phone. If the range is exceeded, then the phone will lock up. Another product is the TouchSafe, a radio frequency card that authenticates contactless payment transactions with their phone. Thirdly, there is a device called the Tie that links a person’s phone to their SIM card. This protects data stored on the SIM card. These new technologies will help prevent identity theft if a person’s phone is stolen or lost.

Although technology has presented many positives for society, it has also created as many problems. With each problem there becomes new and improved technology aimed at combating that negative. Society will be greatly affected by this new technology. Although technology allows for people to be a victim of identity theft, new technology designed to prevent just that will allow for more individuals to take advantage of the great technology that has been presented to them. Phones which are the main source for communications, unfortunately allow for individuals’ important personal information to be taken advantage of in the wrong way if their phone is stolen. In the article, “Government Calls for Action on Mobile Phone Crime,” (see link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8509299.stm) Rory Cellan writes, “Around 2% of British mobile phone users report they have suffered a theft in the last year, although for teenagers the figure is three times higher.” With this being said, although this new technology will not help prevent phone theft, it will assist in preventing individuals’ identity, personal information, and records from being stolen. Also, Cellan shows that something that people are all concerned about can become a new industry. With this new technology being produced, people will feel as if they need to protect themselves by buying this new technology. As a result, this technology has the opportunity of affecting society in a variety of ways, from creating new industries to protecting one’s identity.

Article Blog 4: Technology in the Classroom (February 7, 2010)

Over the past few years, the education system in America has undergone some drastic changes in technology. Teachers and members of the school board believe that advanced technology in the classroom will help better engage students leading to more efficient learning. In the article, “Turlock Christian School Upgrades Technology to Better Engage Students,” (see link: http://www.modbee.com/life/faithvalues/story/1038768.html) Sue Nowicki explains the use of a Promethean board in the classroom. It is a combination of a large computer screen and a white board which supposedly will make students more excited to learn by allowing the classrooms to be more interactive. Sherman Glenn, a superintendent in the public education sector, was quoted saying, “When I got here, we had the opportunity to upgrade their technology. There were several ways we could have done that; I chose to engage the students, because that's where learning occurs.” Nowicki also explains other techniques for students to get involved in the classroom, whether it be plotting a graph of the board in class or using hand-held devices to answer questions similar to texting on a cell phone. This Promethean board kept track of which students had answered the question and of those who were correct. This new device now makes sure that everyone participates in class which furthers the learning process.

With technology becoming a major facet in the educational system, it will allow for classrooms to be more interactive, and students will be more inclined to participate. Since we are living in a technological age and children from a very young are familiar with computers and other technology sources, some methods of teaching such as simple lectures and copying notes from a chalkboard are possibly becoming outdated. Take for example, this online class Science, Technology, and Society where the students complete all assignments online and are asked to communicate with others by using computers. This is a different style of learning that is adapting to our technological society. In the Washington Daily Globe column, “Students Using iPods to Further Education,” (see link: http://www.dglobe.com/event/article/id/32502/) Becky Duehn writes about how kindergarten and fourth grade classrooms at Prairie Elementary in Washington, D.C. are exploring new technology as a means to educate, most notably Apple’s iPod Touch. “Students are having the opportunity to learn and enjoy the curriculum in an innovative way.” New technology allows for students to be more actively engaged in their own learning process in a more fun and up-to-date teaching style. As technology continues to improve, new methods and strategies for teaching will continue to develop, ultimately reshaping society and the learning process.