It's the 2nd time :D

Summary

It was a great discussion once again :)

On the topics of

(a) Technology, Society and Global Dominance

(b) Technology and Human Development

 A quick round of question and answers around the room revealed to the floor who are the various leaders in the different industries. With Microsoft and Apple owning the computer software arena, Google 'bulldozing' the Internet Browsers industry etc etc.

Next up were the intriguing discussions about the readings (will discuss the INTRIGUING PART later!) :D Followed by a presentation by Ellen...

Moving on to technology's impact on human development... what are the various types of development and how would we define development!

3 presenters then wrapped up the day with their presentations and discussions :)

Interesting Ideas

I was really surprise (or rather greatly shocked and totally disturbed) when I read the article about colonialism. It is indeed true, like what Prof Shahi mentioned, that for the LONGEST time, Singaporeans like me held a pretty well impression of our Colonial Masters aka the British… The violent and savage side of the Colonial Masters really opened up my eyes to a whole new horizon…

Besides the shock, another interesting fact, which I learnt was how the very countries which USA and Europe took advantage of to get onto the Globalisation Wave are now catching up, or rather, overtaking them. It’s kinda ironic how the world works and I think it would be very interesting to just simply observe what the global trends would be like in the next few decades J

Key Takeaways

1. Sustainable development is where you choose options today that don’t limit your options tomorrow. (This is a really succinct and sweet quote)

2. There were Millennium Development Goals, which are supposed to make the world a better place for all to live in.

Issues for Future Discussion

- What exactly is the human potential?

- Would we ever know what is the limit of human potential?

- Are we really putting in enough effort to push for sustainable development?

Ratings

6/10

- The discussions were good, but quite slow paced… there’s a lack of excitement or even agitation in the discussions ><

The First TWC :)

Summary

A small round of self introduction is the staple of every first lesson :) It was really an enjoyable experience knowing how many more new people I got acquainted with because of my TWC :)

The video 'Did you know' was intriguing and the statistics really blew me away... It was an interested, but also frightening to know all those data is true ><

Prof's explanation about all the assessments and exams made a tiny shiver run down my spine. Uh... the myth that TWC is a light module is definitely NOT TRUE... But it is really a great comfort to know that despite all the assessments, the content we're going to do in class would definitely be interesting and eye opening!

 The most interesting discussion of the day would be regarding the 'evolution' of Mankind. As to why it is interesting... hehe please continue to read!

Interesting Observations and Ideas

From an ape, to a caveman, to who we are today and to who we will become in the future.

Did technology help to accelerate the progress of Mankind? 

Or did it merely bring us closer to our doom day?

The whole discussion as to whether technology is a factor which is slowly leading to the downfall of Mankind was intense, a little agitated at times, but definitely enriching. 

A little interesting observation mine that I had was the significant (in my POV) number of people who proclaimed that they're untechy or really don't like technology. I am one who live and breathe technology... I love the Internet, I worship Google search engine and I feel really handicapped without my handphone. It then struck me... hmmm not everybody likes technology as much as I do... I always thought it is impossible to live without technology in a modern city like Singapore :P

I know that it is bad to be overly reliant on technology, after all, most of us are blessed with a healthy and abled body to 'hunt' and continue living. ('Hunt' in today's term should be equate to working for an income.)

But what to do? I AM ADDICTED TO TECHNOLOGY!

Issues for Further Discussion

The discussion about the picture was m favourite part of the lesson! So I definitely wish for more air time for that! 

I think sufficient topics were covered for Day 1 :) I'm definitely looking forward to discussing about more issues the next session!

Personal Rating

5 out of 10 stars! There's so much more to explore!