Discussion Questions For Kim Woods Only

1) Read or view the first 5 items listed in Course Content, Week 7 Resources.   Let’s talk a bit about the foundations laid by Newton, Einstein, Edison, and Tesla.  Share some thoughts on what one of these individuals (or others you noted) did, what others thought of their work, and how their work may have led to changes in views.   Be sure to provide facts from our readings/videos to back up your comments.   

https://youtu.be/ONbXccGsud4 (resource to answer number 1)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/einstein-on-newton.html (resource to answer number 1)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/ancestors-einstein.html (resource to answer number 1)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/special-relativity-nutshell.html

http://energy.gov/edison-vs-tesla (resource to answer number 1)

2) Read items #6 and #7 in Week 7 Resources and let’s talk about the impact the advances we discussed in topic one had on the average person and on those studying science.    Be sure to read your classmates’ postings so you don’t repeat what’s already been said.

http://www.americanheritage.com/content/less-work-mother (In order to answer number 2)

https://youtu.be/DOo92Vu9PZo (in order to answer number 2)

3) Check out the final two OERs in the Week 8 resources, one video and one reading.   Then let’s talk a bit about what is meant by unintended consequences in Tenner’s Ted Talk and how the four major cultural resources, identified by Bohme, have impacted technological progress.   Again, there’s a lot to say about this so read other postings and avoid repeats.

http://www.ted.com/talks/edward_tenner_unintended_consequences (resource for number 3)

http://www.stonybrook.edu/globalhistory/PDF/CulturalResourcesforTechnologicalProgress.pdf (resource for number 3)

Respond to these three statements/opinions below

1) The development of microelectronics by the United States was prompted by the launch of Russian satellite Sputnik in 1957. Microelectronics is the technology used in several computer devices such as the laptop, personal and handheld computers. The creation of this technology was rushed because of America’s competitiveness and need to be just as innovated as Russia and not be viewed as weak. The Sputnik created such a huge stir within science, technology, engineering and the military, that it spurred America to develop other vital technologies. In addition to microelectronics, the US also developed the Internet which is used worldwide today.

2) The International Business Machines corporation (IBM) is located in America where the first IBM computer 5150 was produced in 1981 and the cost was about $1500. The development of computer over time has been tremendous—from the local computer to flat monitor computers to smart or hand touch computers. Computers today do have sophisticated IBM approved motherboard, operating systems, network cards, power cable, cooling fans, monitors, BIOS, keyboard and mouse. Apart from computers made by IBM, direct competitors did emerged like Dell, HP, ASUS, Macintosh and Compaq. They have been a major improvement from the normal desktop computer to a laptop which so many people use as a mobile device.