Final Post / Future of Internet

Well, this will be the final post on a rather short-lived blog but I have to say that, even if it has not been the most entertaining, it has been most informative (even if I do say so myself). Without further ado, let's begin this final post.

Future of the Internet
I see great things in the future ahead especially when it comes to the Internet. It may not all be nice but it's going to be an even more integral part of our lives in future. We may even not be able to live without it. Here's a short video on what the future of the Internet can be:



In terms of social relations, I think it's going to enhance it exponentially. If we sms or even IM a family member in the house now, maybe in future we can easily do so with a friend continents away, in real time. How about commerce? Well, if we click and buy now at any computer, who knows in future, we may just be able to purchase items wherever we are, in the train, in class etc (especially if as the product in the sixth sense video becomes reality and mass produced). Education will no longer be confined to the classroom or even confined to the virtual reality. We can learn wherever we are: like at the zoo (where information pops out on a platform), in a court of justice (where information about the various goings-on in the court is simplified) or even while listening to a political speech (where a transcript appears even as the speaker speaks and other information is provided like the speaker's background, stand on a particular issue etc). Entertainment will no longer be confined to a screen while we just watch passively. Maybe in future, the Internet will allow interactivity between program and audience and whatever feedback is immediately acted upon. Finally, politics will be that much more complicated as information is disseminated almost instantaneously. Politicians might have to be twice as more cautious about what they say and do as it gets recorded and transmitted globally.

What I have just described is a more rosy prediction on what the Internet can be in enhancing our lives. However, it may not all be positive. Internet crime such as identity theft may become more rampant while privacy is further invaded by profit-oriented organizations.

However, I believe that just like any tool or mass medium, the Internet will have its good and bad points and that we'll learn to live with it. In the meantime, I look forward to enjoying the many benefits it will bring.

Reflection
Although the name of the module is deceptively or may even be dry in truth, I have been pleasantly surprised by the many classes where it has been interesting, fascinating event. We began with how the Internet came about and the various hardwares and softwares that it required. We then explored the functions of the social media, the impact of Internet on commerce and the changes in education. We then get to create a video using the Windows Movie Maker as well discover the various tools that Google has to offer (and I have utilized in this semester and which I know I will continue to use in future for projects or personal entertainment). Finally, we looked at the more serious side of the Internet where it is associated with crime, its impact on politics (good and bad) and its threat to the journalism.

I'd just like to say that I've learnt a lot from this course. Some I'll remember and some I know I'll forget once this module is over (which I'll regret of course). However, I'd just like to say that I've enjoyed the videos and presentations and information that I've reaped from the classes.

With that, I end off the final entry to this learning journey. Cheerios!