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

3/6/2008 Members � Arthur Vivian White group � Daragh Bland � James Condon � Jason Finnegan Motion that the “Techno-Optimist” � Laurence Reading view of the impact of IT on Society is unjustifiable. Why isn’t “Techno-Optimism” What is a “Techno-Optimist?” justifiable? � A person with the belief that technological � Tunnel vision. breakthroughs will continue to improve our � Ignores potential negative effects of quality of life. technology. � Sees the future as a better place, through � Doesn’t address the root of the problem. technology. Tunnel Vision? Technology often has a role to play in solving Economic and social problems, however, it is often not the only solution, and not definitely Dangers of Techno-Optimism not the best. 1

3/6/2008 Global Warming � What are the dangers of becoming too “The Earth, after remaining cool for centuries, attached to the techno-optimist view? 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 � Will the wonders of technology cloud our of carbon dioxide.” judgment and cause us to ignore the flaws? www.technologyreview.com/ In Summary Techno-Optimism � Techno-optimism needs to be kept in check, we can’t let the shiny lights of technology blind us. Doesn’t always address the root � Technology has the potential to do great of the problem. things for us, but we need to see the damage it can do too. “Techno Optimism” One Laptop per Child � Technology can solve problems in this world. � The Idea � “Provide Children around the World new opportunities to � Are these the right problems? explore, experiment, and express themselves.” � Are the “techno positives” missing the fundamental points? 2

3/6/2008 What's wrong with OLPC? BUT... � This does of course provide exposure to children in the third world to IT, which is important to future growth of these countries economies. What's wrong with OLPC? What's Wrong with OLPC? � Is this exposure to IT the most important � Is the underlying Infrastructure there? factor in these children's lives and their � Maintenance futures? � Who is going to fix these machines? � There are bigger problems in these countries � Who is going to fund this maintenance? than their IT Infrastructures. � Examples: Nigeria - 3.8 Million people are living with AIDS. What's wrong with OLPC What's wrong with OLPC? � Will these Laptop's reach the Children? � Cost � Average Spending on Education per Child in India is $44. (Global March – India Report – 2006). � Theft. 3

3/6/2008 Impact of OLPC on Society White Group Overview � Could work in richer, more developed area of � We can’t be over Optimistic about Technology these countries. and it’s impact on society. � Greater Bridge the gap within these countries. � We have to be REALISTIC >>More problems White Group Overview � Broaden the vision � Account for all the effects technology may White Group have on a Society � Decide whether or not technology will address the root of the problem Thank you for your time. 4