GE 108 (Science, Technology and Society)

Module 4
Information Society

OVERVIEW

Humans are surrounded on all sides by technology claiming to supply information: television, smart
phones, and internet devices, among others, however, do they all provide information or just noise? More
voices are trying to get attention but how can we be sure that they share knowledge and the truth? To answer
this basic question, a short historical backgrounder might prove useful.
Before the printed word, the written word was prevalent. Yet, the intent to carry information has
always been present.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the module, students should be able to:
 determine the human and social impacts of the developments in the information
age
 discuss the evolution of technology from the ancient times up to the present
 illustrate how social media have affected their lives
Indicative Content:
 Information Age
 The Role of Language
 Mathematics as the Language of Nature
 Technological World
 The Printing Press and Beyond
 The World Wide Web
INFORMATION AGE

DISCUSSION

A word is a combination of sounds that represents something. It is this significance which makes
words distinct from just any kind of vocal utterance. Words are made up of sounds and yet they transmit
something more significant. They transmit a message. The words are “informed” because they carry
“information”. Words are informed with meaning given by the speaker and intended for the listener. Simply
put, they communicate meaning.
THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE
Language is basically a system of communication where sound or signs convey objects, actions and
ideas. Language is primarily spoken not written. A language may be a system of words or codes used within
a discipline. Language may refer to a system of communication using symbols or sounds. Language is the
key to human lives. They can eliminate misunderstanding by using it as an instrument to transfer
communication among people.
MATHEMATICS AS THE LANGUAGE OF NATURE
Mathematics is called the language of science. The universe cannot be read until we have learnt the
language and become familiar with the characters in which it is written. It is written in mathematical
language, and the letters are triangles, circles and other geometrical figures, without which means it is
humanly impossible to comprehend a single word.

TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD
Technology is a body of knowledge devoted to creating tools, processing actions and the extracting of
materials. The term “Technology” is wide, and everyone has their way of understanding its meaning. We use
technology to accomplish various tasks in our daily lives, in brief; we can describe technology as products
and processes used to simplify our daily lives.

THE PRINTING PRESS

A printing press is a mechanical device to print many copies of text on a medium such as paper or
cloth. The machine applies pressure to an inked surface resting on the medium, thereby transferring an
image.
Through this technology, the ancient Greek idea that knowledge should be shared and communicated among
humans would actually be done on a scale unimagined by its thinkers. Using the printing press, people on
different sides of the world could share their thoughts and ideas with each other, forming communities of
thinkers across space and time.

THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Stands for "World Wide Web." It is important to know that this is not a synonym for the Internet. The
World Wide Web, or just "the Web," is a subset of the Internet. The Web consists of pages that can be
accessed using a Web browser. The Internet is the actual network of networks where all the information
resides. Things like Telnet, FTP, Internet gaming, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), and e-mail are all part of the
Internet, but are not part of the World Wide Web. The Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the method
used to transfer Web pages to your computer. With hypertext, a word or phrase can contain a link to another
Web site. All Web pages are written in the hyper-text markup language (HTML), which works in conjunction
with HTTP.
Artificial Intelligence - the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally
require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation
between languages.
Samples of very intelligent AI solutions that are used today
1. Siri
Siri is one of the most popular personal assistants offered by Apple in iPhone and iPad. The friendly
female voice-activated assistant interacts with the user on a daily routine. She assists us to find information,
get directions, send messages, make voice calls, open applications and add events to the calendar.
Siri can make calls or send texts for you whether you are driving, have your hands full, or are simply
on the go. It also offers proactive suggestions — like texting someone that you’re running late for a meeting
— so you can stay in touch effortlessly.
Siri is a faster, easier way to do all kinds of useful things. Set alarms, timers, and reminders, get
directions and preview your calendar. Siri can do it all without you ever have to pick up a device. Based on
your routine, Siri can even anticipate what you might need to help you breeze through your day.
2. Tesla
Not only smartphones but automobiles are also shifting towards Artificial Intelligence. Tesla is
something you are missing if you are a car geek. This is one of the best automobiles available until now. The

car has not only been able to achieve many accolades but also features like self-driving, predictive
capabilities, and absolute technological innovation.
3. Cogito
Cogito originally co-founded by Dr. Sandy and Joshua is one of the best examples of the behavioral
version to improve the intelligence of customer support representatives, currently on the market. The
company is a synthesis of machine learning and behavioral science to enhance customer collaboration for
phone professionals.
Cogito is applicable on millions of voice calls that take place on a daily basis. The AI solution
analyzes the human voice and provides real-time guidance to enhance behavior.

Netflix is widely popular content-on-demand service that uses predictive technology to offer
recommendations on the basis of consumers’ reaction, interests, choices, and behavior. The technology
examines from a number of records to recommend movies based on your previous liking and reactions.

5. Pandora

Pandora is one of the most popular and highly demanded tech solutions that exist. It is also called the
DNA of music. Depending on 400 musical characteristics, the team of expert musicians individually
analyzes the song. The system is also good at recommending the track record for recommending songs that
would never get noticed, despite people’s liking.

6. Nest (Google)
Nest was one of the most famous and successful artificial intelligence start-ups and it was acquired
by Google in 2014 for $3.2 billion. The Nest Learning Thermostat uses behavioral algorithms to save energy
based on your behavior and schedule.
It employs a very intelligent machine learning process that learns the temperature you like and
programs itself in about a week. Moreover, it will automatically turn off to save energy, if nobody is at home.
7. Boxever
Boxever is a company that heavily relies on machine learning to enhance the customer experience in
the travel industry and conveys micro-moments or experiences that can please the customers.
Boxever significantly improves customer engagement through machine learning and Artificial
Intelligence to rule the playing field, helping customers to find new ways and make memorable journeys.

8. Flying Drones
The flying drones are already shipping products to customers home – though on a test mode. They
indicate a powerful machine learning system that can translate the environment into a 3D model through
sensors and video cameras.
The sensors and cameras are able to notice the position of the drones in the room by attaching them to
the ceiling. Trajectory generation algorithm guides the drone on how and where to move. Using a Wi-Fi
system, we can control the drones and use them for specific purposes – product delivery, video-making, or
news reporting.

9. Echo
Echo was launched by Amazon, which is getting smarter and adding new features. It is a
revolutionary product that can help you to search the web for information, schedule appointments, shop,
control lights, switches, thermostats, answers questions, reads audiobooks, reports traffic and weather, gives
info on local businesses, provides sports scores and schedules, and more using the Alexa Voice Service.

ADDITIONAL READING:
 Watch the video clip "Most Amazing Example of Artificial Intelligence"
 How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100,
Physics of the Future (Michio Kaku, Double Day, 2011)
 Watch the Movie Artificial.Intelligence.2001.720p.BrRip.x264.YIFY (2).mp4

REFERENCES:
 Daniel Joseph McNamara,SJ et. al., Science, Technology and Society
2018 pp. 86-91
 https://www.google.com/search?
q=information+society&oq=Information+society&aqs=chrome.0.0l8.10086j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-
8
  https://www.google.com/search?ei=nfksX-
9V0Kj5BpqOv8gJ&q=advantages+of+technology+in+education&oq=advantages+of+technology+in+educatio
n
 https://www.google.com/search?
ei=x_ksX5DmDZWsoAS4oZH4CQ&q=disadvantages+of+technology+in+education
 https://www.iqvis.com/blog/9-powerful-examples-of-artificial-intelligence-in-use-today/
 Artificial.Intelligence.2001.720p.BrRip.x264.YIFY (2).mp4

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY/SKILL FOR MODULE 4

Name: ________________________________Course Year & Section: _____________ Score: _______

Course Facilitator: NILFA JAVIER DE LA PAZ Subject: Science, Technology & Society

1. Social media is a technology which facilitates the sharing of information, ideas, and other content in
different parts of the globe. If social media was deactivated for a month in the country, what could
possibly happen?___________________________________________________________________
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2. Give at least 4 positive effects of social media.
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3. Give at least 4 negative effects of social media.
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EVALUATION

1. Give at least 5 advantages of technology in education.

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2. Give least 5 disadvantages of technology in education.

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b. ___________________________________________________________________________
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c. ___________________________________________________________________________
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d. ___________________________________________________________________________
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e. ___________________________________________________________________________
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