Conclusion

Conclusion

There are many opportunities for further study of technology and of information technology in particular. You may find the bibliography a good starting point.

In closing, consider your approach to technology (both old and new). You may find the following sets of questions useful in forming your own critical evaluation of technology.

Helen Nissenbaum asks about the values inherent in technologies ("How Computer Systems Embody Values,"Computer 34, no. 3 [March, 2001]: 119):

What values do they embody?
Is their locus of control centralized or decentralized?
Are their workings transparent or opaque?
Do they support balanced terms of information exchange
Do they unfairly discriminate against specific sectors of potential users?
Do they enhance or diminish the possibility of trust?

Neil Postman, in a speech entitled "Questioning the Media" (The January Series of Calvin University (formerly Calvin College), January 12, 1998) suggested six questions to ask about any new technology (either personally or for society):

What problem does the technology represent a solution to?
Whose problem is it?
What problems will this technology create even as it solves a problem?
What people or institutions will be hurt by the new technology?
What changes in language semantics will be affected by the technology?
What people or institutions will profit from the new media or technology?

If you encounter technical errors, contact computing@calvin.edu.