What I learned today...

Well, today was my first class in the IST (Information Science Technology) project at Penn State. I learned some interesting things: I never before realized how technology has the ability to control our lives. Our society's quest for new gadgets and inventions creates a consumer demand which was before nonexistent. Take for example, a calculator. Before, students had to keep fresh in their mind how to do simple mathmatical problems. Now, there is no need (most of the time) because calculators are always present to be used. Also, technology has an impact on societal relations and personal habits. In the old days before electricity and the refridgerator, families gathered together and ate dinner as a family unit, so the prepared food would not spoil. Now, fridges keep food fresh for as long as needed and families no longer eat together as a neccessity but as a convenience. Another note on technology is that it can be considered good or bad. Take the refridgerator for example, it allows us to reheat food and do not waste it. However, we now eat unhealthy and not fresh foods. These are just a few of the many cool things I learned today. Look for my post tomorrow about class!