reading report #5

                In summary, the article “The End of Privacy?,” addresses the technological era we are in and how it significantly influences privacy. It begins by describing the story of “the Star Wars kid.” An embarrassing video was posted of him on the internet from his fellow peers.  This video quickly circulated and became global. Ultimately, he dropped out of school and had to receive counseling because of the negative effects this had on him. With the internet-age that we are in, this could happen to anyone. The author, Daniel J. Solove, explains the gap between the younger and older generations due to the increase in social-networking websites. Specifically, he refers to the younger generations as “Generation Google.” Gossip and rumors are now spread via these websites. In addition, companies and the government can collect and use information off of nearly every website used on the internet. The issue of personal information being disseminated over websites influences people’s reputations as well. This can hurt many people in the long run. Some feel that any form of privacy is completely dead. Solove argues that this is not true. He believes the current definition of privacy is outdated and needs to be updated to be able to understand that privacy is still out there. The old conception of privacy has to be altered to include the new generations’ views on privacy. Lastly, he touches on the fact that some laws should be modernized in order to stay up to date.

                I definitely agree completely with this entire article. The conception of privacy is different for older and younger generations. Therefore, they may view things differently. However, it is relatively sad and scary what this does lead to. The gossip and rumors that are spread via social-networking websites are completely unnecessary, but there is no way to control this. Ultimately, one can only completely control their own actions on these websites. I can definitely see how people’s reputations could be ruined and have a major impact through the social-networking sites, especially since employers are looking more towards them when hiring. There are some ways that laws could be altered to encompass the broader definition that “Generation Google” has in regards to privacy. This article was extremely interesting to read and to think about in further depth.

News Report #5

“Kno, a Tablet for College, to Debut at $599”

Miguel Helft, The New York Times

11/9/2010

<http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/09/college-tablet-kno-to-debut-at-599-embargo-until-midnight/?ref=technology>

         In the technology market, the Kno is being designed specifically for the use of college students. It is a specialized tablet computer that is somewhat heavier and pricier than Apple’s iPad. The price of an iPad starts at $499. There is an option of a 14-inch single-screen tablet which starts at $599 or a dual-screen model which starts at $899. Those who are advocates for the Kno feel that its cost balances out with its significant amount of advantages. The Kno chief executive, Osman Rashid, says that the Kno will even end up saving college students money.  The main idea behind it is to serve as an e-reader and prevent students from having to buy textbooks. In addition, it has many other features, including: note-taking, project management, and organization benefits. There is no date set for release of the Kno yet.

          I think that this next step in technology is extraordinary. If the Kno truly will have the ability to prevent students from having to buy books, it will save money from so many different angles. However, this fact alone does not make the Kno seem so appealing. It is the fact that it also has all these other features that seem to be aimed towards helping make a college student’s life more organized. I think that it is a smart idea for the market to create something specifically designed the use of college students. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Kno is released in the marketplace. I feel as though it will be extremely successful if it can really do all the things it is being claimed to do, specifically regarding being an elaborate e-reader.

News Report #4

“Using the iPad to Connect”

Jennifer Valentino-Devries, The Wall Street Journal

10/13/2010

<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575547971877769154.html?ru=yahoo&mod=yahoo_hs>

As iPads have been released to the market, interest for them has continuously increased. It has been discovered that iPads can have many benefits for helping children with special needs, specifically those with speech and communication deficits. One of these software applications developed for the iPad involves speaking words connected to certain pictures that individuals can touch. This specific application is called Proloquo2Go and was created by the company AssistiveWare BV. There are many other applications being generated, such as: ones that sound out words of pictures and ones that teach speech patterns by stories. Typically, specialized communication devices used in therapy range from $2,500 to $15,000. However, these devices are often covered under insurance and iPads are not. Those who are in favor of using iPads to help people with special needs argue that it helps relieve social humiliation associated with the bulky, specialized devices. In addition, it is manageable and easy to use. Some feel that this technology is headed in the right direction but there are still improvements to be worked out, including: locking applications, specialized for various locations, and incorporating other advanced technologies.

      I think that this article is amazing. In an earlier article that I read, iPads were being used for wine lists at restaurants and here they are being used to help those with special needs. The range of usage for iPads is astounding. I believe that this technology is definitely on the right track. I feel that it will definitely help those with speech and communication deficits to feel better fit socially by incorporating iPads into daily use. Also, I agree that iPads are easy to manage and work, especially for younger children to use. It will definitely be interesting to see how this develops over time and if there is a major shift towards using iPads in therapy for special needs.