Research Topics: Developing World

Can computer improve the life of peoples in the developing world?

Can computer improve the life of peoples in the developing world?           Basically, the minimal definition of a computer is anything which can transform any information into purposeful, utilizable way.  Computers can be utilized in such a way that it solves problems by programming it. As the utilization of computer had spread and been accepted by the masses, the developing world is increasing its [technical] capacity and capability. Because information is a key in development at every level (national, regional, international, organizational and individual), several international development agencies are recognizing the criticality of information technology. However, developing countries are considered far lagging behind in terms of computer use and Internet access. With this, the use of computers among developing countries is immense including in the area of communication, spreading knowledge, medicine and education. 1) Computer used/using as a source of communication between people           For one, computers can enhance the people’s self-concept as it can increase the levels of spoken communication and cooperation. Computer experience of the people can motivate them to provide inputs through computers while also acquiring insights and ideas through the Internet. Computers are a powerful tool to improve acumen including numeracy and literacy (Bowers, 2000). This is more so because people are linked by webs of communication technologies, making possible the electronic communication. Since computers are not geographically-restricted, people are able to communicate although it differs in terms of the amount of interaction, content of discussions and patterns of interaction (Kim and Bonk, 2002). 2) Computer used/using as a source of spreading knowledge with the general theme of computer in the field of education.           Further, education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. However, between the developed and developing nations, there exists the “digital divide” which pertains to the gap of technological integration inside the classrooms. Computer equipments, software learning materials and Internet access are three aspects uncommon to mostly public and rural schools in developing nations (Taghioff, 2003). Computers can provide students with early skills acquisition. As argued, “as with all fundamental skills, the earlier the education system allows students to become familiar with technology the greater will be their depth of understanding and effectiveness of using it” (Bowers, 2000, p. 2). Where comparative learning systems fail to deliver, computer-based contents allow children significant levels of individual engagement and interactivity. Second is the personalization whereby though computer learning is a one-on-one experience by nature, the process alleviates the paradigm of large classes with minimal human intervention (Muir, 1994). 3) Computer used/ using in the field of medical           James and Tobias (1996) assert that computer communication provides rapid and inexpensive information distribution. Computer technologies, nonetheless, is inevitably vital in the medicine field. Apart from the state-of-the-art facilities, machines and equipments, it is possible for the medicinal community to interact with each other. For instance, computer communication is used to collect case histories which may be helpful for other projects. Universities and medical centres are also able to obtain current medical information which they can use or distribute. James and Tobias (1996) also noted that immediate communication allows for a more effective participation even in ongoing research.    4) Computer used/using in entertainment (film industries and animation)           Amusement and entertainment are not something that can be taken away from the people. People in return are searching for ways to amuse and entertain themselves and each other through different mediums and computer is not an exemption. Savitz mentions that there are ways by which computers aid the entertainment industry virtualization and digitisation enables the entertainment producers of music, movies, videos and other formats, for instance, to produce them at low costs or high costs but of best qualities (2001). Digitisation also enables the producers and their companies to have another revenue stream since they can put a price on download. Other than this, computers enable the industry to widen its economies of reach since people from different areas are able to access the Internet.          References Bowers, C. A. (2000). Let Them Eat Data: How Computers Affect Education, Cultural Diversity and Ecological Sustainability. US: University of Georgia Press. James, J. S. & Tobias, T. T. (1996). E-mail, the Internet, and medicine in developing countries. International Conference on AIDS. Kim, K. J. & Bonk, C. J. (2002). Cross-cultural comparisons of online communication, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communications, 8(1). Muir, M. (1994). Putting Computer Projects at the Heart of the Curriculum. Educational Leadership 51(7): 30-32. Savitz, E. (2001). Big Game Hunting – Computer-Based Entertainment Systems – Industry Trend or Event. Taghioff, D. (2003). Seeds of Consensus – The Potential Role for Information and Communication Technologies and Communication Technologies in Development.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Can computer improve the life of peoples in the developing world?

Can computer improve the life of peoples in the developing world? Basically, the minimal definition of a computer is anythi...