1. What are the major milestones in the history of computing? Can you identify two or three events that directly affected the way we use computers today? Can you identify any current trends that might similarly affect the future of computing?
1965 proved to be a major milestone when Jack Kilby at Texas instuments and Robert Noyce at Fairchild developed integrated circuits. The minature chip substantially reduced the size of computers. 1976 and Steven Jobs created a computer kit which hobbyists gobbled up. Then IBM and it’s PC development in 1981. Mobile technology is the current technology that will change the way we use computers. Someday, I suspect we will all be carrying around little computers that function as well as our desktops and laptops.
2. The computer and IT industries have rapidly emerged as a global economic force in the last twenty years. What benefits and drawbacks does this rapid growth have for our culture? Do you think this growth should be slowed?
Growth is always good, however the dot.com bubble (like the real estate bubble now) is a lesson for investors and consumers in general. I don’t believe the government should ever stimy growth, or bail people/investors out. We learn from growing pains.
3. Compare computer professions to other professions such as the law, medicine, teaching, etc. in terms of working conditions, educational preparation, salaries, and social status. Consider why you are attracted to the computing professions and discuss what would provide the incentive for you to be successful in an IT field.
Computer professionals are absolutely neccesary for every other profession to function. Compter professions allow for telecommuting and some solitary work. After being in a people oriented profession for so long, I am attracted to working alone and with team members. Contract employment is both a disadvantage and an advantage. It’s an advantage because you can “go where the work is”. The disadvantage is you have to “go where the work is” and many times are not offered benefits. Continuing education in the computer field is a little daunting. As technology changes, the 4 year degree will not keep you afloat. Today’s masters will be out of work if they don’t continue to learn. function saveChanges(formName, textAreaId) { var _textArea = document.getElementById(textAreaId); if (_textArea != null) { if (typeof FCKeditorAPI != “undefined”) { var editor = FCKeditorAPI.GetInstance(textAreaId); document[formName].savedText.value = editor.GetXHTML(false); } } }
