Computers
Computers and Society
Evaluating the Impact of Technology
Chris Brooks Department of Computer Science University of San Francisco
Evaluating Technological Impact
It can be useful to think about the ways in which technology impacts the way we live our lives. Most computer scientists have a pretty positive view of technology. Is that view justified? How do we defend that view to other, more skeptical points of view?
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.1/?
Research and scholarship on the Web
Having so much information available on the Web is a double-edged sword. What are some advantages to having the Web as a research tool? What are some disadvantages? What can be done to help address these disadvantages?
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.2/?
Research and scholarship on the Web
Research challenges: Google ranks pages by popularity, not correctness There is no external editorial control or means to challenge incorrect information. Authors may have a hidden agenda or motives.
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.3/?
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the best example of the challenges these issues present. Wikipedia has over 15 times as many words as Encyclopedia Brittanica. Vast coverage of a wide variety of issues. Worldwide group of contributors and editors providing expertise.
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.4/?
Advantages of Wikipedia
What advantages does the Wikipedia approach provide?
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.5/?
Advantages of Wikipedia
What advantages does the Wikipedia approach provide? “Wisdom of crowds” Able to solicit articles on a much wider array of topics. Fast editing and updating Democratizes choice of topic and content.
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.6/?
Disadvantages of Wikipedia
What disadvantages does the Wikipedia
Evaluating the Impact of Technology
Chris Brooks Department of Computer Science University of San Francisco
Evaluating Technological Impact
It can be useful to think about the ways in which technology impacts the way we live our lives. Most computer scientists have a pretty positive view of technology. Is that view justified? How do we defend that view to other, more skeptical points of view?
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.1/?
Research and scholarship on the Web
Having so much information available on the Web is a double-edged sword. What are some advantages to having the Web as a research tool? What are some disadvantages? What can be done to help address these disadvantages?
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.2/?
Research and scholarship on the Web
Research challenges: Google ranks pages by popularity, not correctness There is no external editorial control or means to challenge incorrect information. Authors may have a hidden agenda or motives.
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.3/?
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the best example of the challenges these issues present. Wikipedia has over 15 times as many words as Encyclopedia Brittanica. Vast coverage of a wide variety of issues. Worldwide group of contributors and editors providing expertise.
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.4/?
Advantages of Wikipedia
What advantages does the Wikipedia approach provide?
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.5/?
Advantages of Wikipedia
What advantages does the Wikipedia approach provide? “Wisdom of crowds” Able to solicit articles on a much wider array of topics. Fast editing and updating Democratizes choice of topic and content.
Department of Computer Science — University of San Francisco – p.6/?
Disadvantages of Wikipedia
What disadvantages does the Wikipedia