1. How Technology Has Changed the Way we Live Technology in the 21st Century Chalette Furches 1
2. Lifestyle Changes: Video Games Improved Problem-Solving Skills Children Less Active Spike in Obesity Rates Less Sun/Lower Immunity Social Aspect Aggression http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-929-VITAMIN%20D.aspx?activeIngredientId=929&activeIngredientName=VITAMIN%20D Chalette Furches 2
3. Communication Via Text Messages Popular Form of Communication Fewer Oral Conversations Between Family/Friends Communication Can Happen Anytime, Anyplace Special Text Terms and Acronyms Communication Not Private Chalette Furches 3
4. Personal Emails Electronic Mail Speedy Delivery Receive Business Communication Share Information/Files Emails are Public http://www.ehow.com/facts_5369355_can-email-used-business.html Chalette Furches 4 *URGENT
6. Cell Phones Portable Means of Communication Converse With People In Other States GPS Capable Stay in Touch Whenever, Wherever Computers Within Cell Phones Ability to Access the Internet Camera Phones Sometimes an Invasion of Privacy Chalette Furches 6
7. Bluetooth http://www.howstuffworks.com/bluetooth.htm Links Devices Wirelessly Enables Hands-Free Cell Phone Usage Susceptible to Hackers Photo Courtesy of: Siri Stafford/Getty Images Chalette Furches 7
8. PDAs Organize/Store Tasks and Appointments Establish an Internet Connection Send Emails Fax Feature Handwriting/Voice Recognition http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/PDA.html Chalette Furches 8
9. The Internet Entertainment/ Educational Purposes News, Weather Only a Click Away Watch T.V., Videos Online Download Music Listen to Internet Radio Share Files Makes Identity Theft Easier Chalette Furches 9
10. Social Networking Popularity of Facebook Become Re-Acquainted With Old Friends Reconnect With Former Classmates Make New Friends Play Games Upload Pictures Chalette Furches 10
11. Digital Cameras Capture a Moment Upload to the Computer Video Capable Eliminates Picture Developing Chalette Furches 11
12. Camcorders Capture Life Small Portable Used by Law Enforcement Videos Used as Evidence Against Law Enforcement Chalette Furches 12
13. Portable MP3 Players Small, Discreet Music on The Go Watch Videos Listen to Radio Browse the Internet Download Photos Play Music Through Car Speakers Chalette Furches 13
14. Laptops Portable Wi-Fi Optional Work Away From Home Internet Access Security Issues Privacy Issues See Video Chalette Furches 14
15. Computer Programs Word Processor Software Presentation Software iTunes *Windows® Symbol is a registered trademark Chalette Furches 15
20. Expanding the Mind Please enjoy the video Click When Done to: *SEE WORKS CITED PAGE FOLLOWING VIDEO Chalette Furches 16
21. Works Cited Slide 1 “The Good and Bad Effects of Video Games”. Raise Smart Kid bright child , bright future. RaiseSmartKid.com. Web. 1 May 2011. http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games “Find a Vitamin or Supplement ‘Vitamin D’”. WebMD. WebMD.com. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database ConsumerVersion, 2009. Web. 1 May 2011. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-929-VITAMIN%20D.aspx?activeIngredientId=929&activeIngredientName=VITAMIN%20D Slide 4 Deborrah Cooper, eHow Contributor. “How Can Email Be Used in Business?”. eHow.com. Demand Media, Inc, 2009. Web. 1 May, 2011. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5369355_can-email-used-business.html Slide 5 Jeff Tyson and Alison Cooper. “How Instant Messaging Works”. HowStuff Works.com. Discovery Company. Web. 1 May 2011. http://communication.howstuffworks.com/instant-messaging4.htm Slide 7 Curt Franklin and Julia Layton. “How Bluetooth Works”. HowStuff Works.com. Discovery Company. Web. 1 May 2011. http://www.howstuffworks.com/bluetooth.htm Slide 8 “PDA”. Webopedia. internet.com. Web. 1 May 2011. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/PDA.html Slide 13 “Laptop Computer Comparisons”. TheLaptopAuthority.com. Web. 1 May 2011. http://www.thelaptopauthority.com/laptop-computer.html (Video) “Laptop Security”. ConsumerReports.org. Consumers Union. Web. 1 May 2011. Slide 17 (Video) Jamiroquai. “Virtual Insanity”. YouTube.com. JamiroquaiVevo. Web. 1 May 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4JkIs37a2JE Chalette Furches 17
Editor's Notes
Technology has changed the lives of people in a very profound way. From the way we communicate with one another to different lifestyle and health changes, technology has impacted the lives of each and every person living today. This uploaded presentation is evidence in and of itself of the way technological advancements have changed our lives. Text messaging, IMs and cellular phones are technological means of communication between family and friends. Lifestyle changes have resulted as a by-product of video games and social networking. Let’s explore some of these changes.
How often do you hear of the benefits of video games? Before we touch on a couple of negative issues associated with video games, I will first touch on one obvious positive effect. Video games help to improve problem-solving skills. Strategic, action games challenge the brain to think fast and plan all at the same time. Unfortunately, the overwhelming popularity of video games has led to both children and adults being less active. With the exception of the Wii, most video games involve no physical activity on the part of the players whatsoever. Due to the lack of physical activity involved, the obesity rates of the general population has exploded. Children are less likely to play outside, and as a result, receive less sun exposure. The sun supplies vitamin D, a vitamin critical in immunity support. This seems to be one of the chosen forms of entertainment among young people and adults. A social aspect of video games is that people frequently get together to play. Outside of a play partner, some children become socially inept and isolate themselves from other children and activities. Another well-known argument against video games is that playing them results in violent behavior. Researchers seem to agree that some games lead to aggressive children.
How often is anyone face to face when communicating today? I would venture to say not often. Text messaging has grown dramatically, especially among teens, as the preferred form of communication. If I am in the same room as my daughter when she is on the phone, she will often tell the party on the other end to just send her a text. That way, I cannot surmise the gist of the conversation as I could if she were verbally communicating aloud with the individual. With today’s busy lifestyle, a text can be a convenient, time-efficient form of communication. A mother still at work can send her child a message concerning working late with minimal, if any, interruption to her job duties. Recently, texting has invoked conversations about whether the special terms and abbreviations used in texting permit young people to adequately learn the English vocabulary. Politicians and celebrities have had their dirty laundry aired publicly. Why? Due to inappropriate or incriminating text messages. Remember, text messages are not a private form of communication.
Emails are electronically sent, therefore eliminating wait time for mail delivery. Most average citizens receive some sort of business communication in their personal email account, whether it be from their financial institution, bill payment reminders, or sales taking place at one of their favorite retail stores. Emails are a quick and easy way to share information and/or files. Someone may send a friend an uplifting message or picture. A funny joke or news article found on the Internet may be shared. Business people can send work-related attachments to the office. Just as with text messages, emails are not a secure form of communication. Careers and marriages have been destroyed from improper or offensive emails. Anything that a person would not speak aloud in a room full of people should not be sent in an email.
Yet another technological advance that has changed the way people live is the Instant Message. IMs are instant messages. This service actually allows people to “see”, or detect, if a friend is online. If a friend is online, the two can start to have a conversation in real time. Sound familiar? It is very similar to a phone call. Some IM programs offer video and audio capabilities. The friends can talk as they would by telephone, or have a video chat session. No matter how many miles apart someone is, there is a way to not only communicate with that person, but to see them as well in a video chat. It’s the next best thing to being together. Instant messaging is not limited to the computer. Cellular phones are also capable of using this technology.
Pay phones have virtually become obsolete. When away from home, cellular phones provide the means for anyone to communicate with one another. Loved ones in different states can talk without worrying about long distance fees. The convenience of cell phones with unlimited nationwide plans has led some consumers to abandon home phone service. Advanced computer functions within cell phones resulted in what is now known as a “smartphone”. Many of these phones have available GPS features and plans. These devices may also allow a user to access the internet, send emails, include a full keyboard, and usually have a touch screen. Need to check the local weather report or send an email? Cell phones/ smartphones can handle just about anything you would normally do on the computer. Especially in recent times, camera phones have caught people in awkward positions or breaking the law. Anything sent to a “friend” can end up on the Internet or worse. A person’s picture can be taken without them realizing it. Basically, there is no such thing as anonymity anymore.
As citizens’ lives get busier and busier, a Bluetooth helps save time by wirelessly linking devices. This link between several different devices permits transfer of information easily and automatically. There are many vehicle accidents as a result of cell phone usage. A hands-free device such as a Bluetooth can greatly reduce those numbers.
PDAs, or personal digital assistants, are useful in organizing your personal life. Appointments and tasks can be viewed easily and quickly. Some PDAs are also capable of establishing an Internet connection, sending emails, and faxing. Handwriting/ voice recognition is an available option on some PDAs as well. Written reminders can be lost, but email yourself a reminder from your PDA. Problem solved.
What can’t you do on the Internet? Your local weather forecast is just a click away. Sitting at home waiting for the news to come on is no longer necessary. Local and national news is available on the Internet. Missed your favorite television show? More than likely, that show is at your fingertips. Youtube is the go-to place for videos. Music connoisseurs appreciate being able to download music for their listening pleasure. Share your music files as well as other files with friends or coworkers. All music genres and artists are available for anyone to listen to online. There is a downside to the Internet. A person must use precaution online. Thieves are busy hacking into retail databases (and anything else they can get their hands on) to get your personal information. Make sure you have anti-virus protection and a firewall in place.
Social networking sites such as Facebook has taken the online world by storm. You can reconnect with an old friend or make a new one. “Dating” has been redefined thanks to social networking sites. People “meet”, fall in love, and even get married by making contact with one another online. Social networks such as Facebook also recognize the popularity of video games. Facebook offers video games. Friends can play games together. Of course, one of the primary reasons people use social networking sites is to upload and view photos.
I recently accompanied my sister and nephew to a Harlem Globetrotters game. My daughter had her digital camera. We were able to get some good pictures of some of the “tricks” performed by the players. For years to come, we will be able to refer to the photos and remember that night. That’s why digital cameras are so popular. Moments can be instantly captured. Images may be uploaded directly to the computer. Short videos are also possible on some digital cameras. When taking a picture, the images are recorded and stored instantly. Consumers do not have to wait for pictures to be developed.
Baby’s first steps? Your child receiving an award? Relive the moment over and over again with the help of a camcorder. Grandma couldn’t be there? No problem. Let her watch the video. Gone are the big, bulky camcorders from the past. Today’s technology makes it possible for camcorders to be no larger than a digital camera. Law enforcement now uses cameras mounted on the dash to record traffic stops, arrests, and other incidents. Those that “protect and serve” are often the perpetrators in videos. One of the most memorable examples is the Rodney King video made about 20 years ago.
MP3 Players have definitely evolved since the first one was created. Not only are they smaller, they have much more to offer consumers. Of course, you can still download your favorite music, but some offer the ability to watch videos. You can even record your own short video on the Ipod 5th generation. The large screen on the Ipod Touch is perfect for video playback. Some MP3 players let the user listen to the radio and browse the Internet. Photos can also be downloaded from the Internet onto select MP3 players. This form of music player has had a tremendous effect on the sales of CDs and artists are now getting paid based on the number of downloaded ringtones or songs. Will CDs become extinct just like the cassette tape has? Does everyone looking at this presentation even know what a cassette tape is? Most cars used to come equipped with a Cassette player and/or CD player. Now cars may have a dock for your MP3. Music stored on the MP3 will play through the speakers of the car. How times have changed.
Need to work on the go or away from home? A laptop may be the answer. A Wi-Fi enabled laptop can be used anywhere there is a signal. Otherwise, a portable modem will permit Internet access. However, a laptop is vulnerable to theft. Unsecure wireless networks are also a serious threat to your private information.
I think it is safe to say that computers and their programs have made our lives easier. For example, when I was at UNC-Charlotte, my mom bought me a typewriter. I was in the middle of typing a paper when I discovered that my ribbon’s ink was dry. I hastily called my mom to buy a new one. The only store that had them in Winston-Salem, NC was out. I no longer have that concern since word-processing software has come available. The only concern I have now is having the latest version installed. Typing paper, ribbons, etc. are no longer necessary. Just open up Microsoft Word and I have everything I need to create a professional-looking document. Students in middle school and high school benefit greatly from this software. “Typing” a paper using a word processor takes a lot less time than typing on a typewriter. PowerPoint is a great way to create presentations. A PowerPoint presentation is acceptable to use in the classroom, in the office, and in a meeting. iTunes and other programs that allow music downloads are one of the most popular software programs today. In the not-so-distant past, people would buy an entire CD or album and discover they only liked a couple of the songs on it. Now, songs may be downloaded individually.
Technology has had an impact on the way people live their daily lives. From video games to laptops and MP3 players, this generation has found new technological forms of entertainment. Socially, the Internet, text messaging, email and social networking sites have affected the way people interact. Camcorders and digital cameras are used to hold life’s memories and should be reminders to control the way we act. You never know when you may be “caught” on film. Technology advancements have also simplified our lives. Computer programs and their benefits have reduced the time and effort required to make professional-looking documents and presentations. Exposure to different kinds of music and various ways of listening to it are also welcome technology accomplishments. So what’s next? Whatever the mind can conceive. Thanks for your time.