Singularity & Family History Work

Singularity is the notion that exponential technological progress will yield uncontrollable artificial intelligence that will overthrow or end humanity. While I find this hypothesis interesting, it is not my cup of tea. I do however find the rate of progress of technology that it suggests inspiring. This progress is clearly seen in the readings for class. The articles were dated over a 20 year span, and give unquestionable evidence to support the radical evolution of technology. Family History and the church has been greatly effected by the progress. The 1991 article, "Linking the Family of Man", explains that "FamilySearch uses little compact discs - the same electronic marvels that you see in the record stores." CD's are almost obsolete and even comical in our day. Rather, riding the wave of technology, familysearch.org is completely online and looking to receive "help from millions to save billions" (Future of FamilySearch.org Explained at Seminar). It is truly a remarkable era in which we live.

Social Innovation

The industrial revolution changed the world in the early 1800's. The technological revolution is doing likewise today. It has effected and continues to effect education, trade, energy production, and human relations. Technology makes the world smaller and its populations much more accessible. It is astounding to think of the good that could be done for humanity with these advancements. Ray Kurzweil, entrepreneur and inventor, quoted Bono in a 2005 Ted talk by making the claim, "we have the tools for the first time to address age old problems of disease and poverty." Additionally, students worldwide could have open access to learning tools to enable them with skills and knowledge. Energy could be harnessed from the sun in remarkably efficient ways. The potential exceeds imagination. However there is currently a weak link between humanitarian efforts and technology. Minds are set on faster internet, smaller devices, and revenue. I feel we will be holding humanity back until that mindset changes.

The accelerating power of technology

Education Reform

I have recently become interested in education reform and its potentially close link with computer science. Those advocating the education reform question the very foundation on which our current education system is built. The system, which is deeply rooted in our culture, is resistant to change and in many ways is failing. In a 2013 Ted talk entitled "How to escape education's death valley," Ken Robinson claims a 60% drop-out rate in some parts of the country. What's more, many of those who stay in school are often disengaged and reap little real benefit from their education. One particular problem is that "education . . . is based not on diversity but conformity." Learning is often an activity to prepare for tests, rather than to discover individual talents and express creativity. Problems such as these have no simple solutions. The reform Robinson speaks of is one of great magnitude and will take united efforts of many to bear fruit. I hope to soon become involved and contribute my own talents and ideas.

How to escape education's death valley

Technology is dead...

Technology is dead without hands to use it. It is a tool. Innately it possesses neither good nor evil abilities. However because of what it enables users to do, it could be lumped together with guns and abortion in today's society as extremely controversial. Issues such as pornography, identity theft, and the Patriot Act are examples of the troubles technology presents. And social networking, education reform, and family history are examples of its potential for good. The optimist that I am, I cling to possibility and potential. Like the prophetic counsel of Brigham Young, I too believe we "should take advantage of all these great discoveries" in pursuing the progress and wellness of humanity (Deseret News, 22 Oct. 1862, 129). However it will not be without great effort. As entropy is seen in nature to slowly bring decay and disorder, so will technologies bring negative consequences left to its own. Therefore we should actively engage in constructive and creative ventures to fulfill its potential.

It's a nice morning. The ground still wet from last nights rain.

Classes have started and school is back in full swing. The semester ahead will be a challenge. I have 3 CS classes which just may be the death of me, but I suppose we'll see how it goes. On top of the load, I have been taken up in serious contemplation as to why I am even in CS. I know it is a field that has lots of high paying jobs, a logical draw, but honestly I don't give a lickity-split about that.

Honestly I wouldn't be sad to never write another line of code in my life. I said it. It has literally been the most draining thing of my life, and the reward for which is what? That I get to sit in an office and make some kids video game? Or help manage a library's book database? Or make sure someone who logs into his banks website doesn't get his information stolen? And the world will spin. People will be people. And then they will pass. I would like to exist more in the universe, in humanity. I am drawn to the outdoors, people, and activities of happiness. I appreciate human creation and achievement. Where is technology's role? That is what I am searching for.

Education, Creativity, and that funny British guy

Today we watched this TED talk in class:
http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity?language=en
Mr. Robinson raised a variety of points dealing with the problems with the education system. He seemed to try and elicit a response from his audience by focusing on children and the way school smashes the creativity out of them. Valid. One of the main problems that Mr. Robinson connected to this is that degrees DON'T get jobs anymore. Also valid. Children are trained and almost forbidden to do what they "want" or "love" because often there is no market for it. This does seem true as well. Our world seems to be progressing in such a way that professions that will enable a man or woman to be able to provide for a family are in just a handful of fields. Mathematics, computer science, business. Anything else is not worth pursuing. Imagine though if we did live in communities or societies where as much value was placed on skills particular to dance and theater as it is on accounting. Imagine authors receiving the pay or high class ranking of CEO's. If that was the case, I believe our world would look, feel, and sound much different. Much in the way we are in a turbulent technology boom, we could see similar growth and development in the arts, in theater, dance and sports. It would bring whole new dynamics into society, and in my mind, create diversity, liveliness, and happiness.