This chapter begins with detailing the birth of the modern digital theory that took place in 1945 with the publication of "As We may Think" by Dr. Vannevar Bush. The article detailed the possibility of a future technological database system linked together from different locations. This theory inspired many computer scientists to delve into different methods of information preservation and distribution. The outpouring of scientific research from NASA acted as another catalyst for this revolution, as existing information technologies of the time were inadequate. In the 60's, ARPANET--a program linking four university computers--was introduced. This became the internet in the 70's when a protocol labeled TCP/IP enabled linkage of computers with different software.
The invention of the CD-ROM further solidified scientists' dreams that large amounts of information could be compressed and made portable. This also influenced the publishing industry; books, journals, and other publications were made available on CD-ROM's in libraries and information directories such as the Encycolpedia of Associations were made available online.
Web 2.0 allows for a constant circulation of publications/information between publishers, writers, and readers. It focuses on the constant development of services.The demand for speed and efficiency is what drives technological progression.
Comment: I found it interesting that much of the reason for the internet's function as a safe, durable, reliable database of information lies in the roots of atomic bomb threats that the country was experiencing in the 60's.
Question: Considering there is an omnipresent demand for new, more efficient ways of accessing information/entertainment, do you feel that, at some point, the term "research" as we know it will have a drastically different meaning?
No comments:
Post a Comment