SEMIS : THE INFORMATION AGE

Summary

This lesson delves into the Information Age, an era where information is rapidly disseminated and easily accessible, particularly through computer technology. Students will learn to define the Information Age, explore its history from ancient writing systems to modern digital advancements, and understand how to critically evaluate website sources. The lesson addresses the impact of information overload and the importance of discerning reliable information, highlighting the evolution of technology and its role in shaping society and scientific progress.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Information Age is characterized by the easy accessibility and wide dissemination of information, particularly through computer technology.
• 💡 Information is defined as knowledge communicated or obtained concerning a specific fact or circumstance, and it must be true.
• 🌐 The Information Age encompasses not only computers but also all forms of media that provide information, such as newspapers, magazines, social media, television, and radios.
• 📈 The term 'Information Age' is also known as the 'Digital Age' or 'New Media Age', emphasizing the interconnection of computers and telecommunication.
• 🚀 Key drivers of the Information Age include convenience, user-friendliness, and the creation of user independence due to technology like computers and cell phones.
• 📜 Historically, the development of writing systems like Sumerian, Egyptian, and Chinese, along with innovations in printing and telegraphy, laid the foundation for the Information Age.
• 💡 The script highlights significant technological advancements like the invention of the printing press, the development of the telegraph, and the creation of electronic devices that have propelled the Information Age.
• 📊 Information overload is a challenge of the Information Age, where the vast amount of available information can lead to anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
• 🔍 To ensure the reliability of information, it's crucial to consider the completeness, accuracy, and the source of the information, especially when evaluating website content.
• 🛡️ The script advises on checking the credibility of web sources by examining the purpose of the site, the author's intent, and the quality of information provided.
• 🌟 The Information Age has brought both positive and negative effects, influencing various fields such as science, research, and society at large.

Q & A

What is the Information Age?

The Information Age is a modern era characterized by the rapid dissemination and accessibility of information, primarily through the use of computers and digital technology. It is also known as the Digital Age or New Media Age.

What are some key factors that drive the Information Age forward?

Key factors driving the Information Age include convenience and user-friendliness of technology, which create user independence by making information more accessible and easier to obtain.

How does the Information Age relate to various forms of media?

The Information Age involves not only computers but also other forms of media like newspapers, magazines, social media, television, and radios—all of which play a role in disseminating information.

What is the history of the Information Age's development in terms of writing systems?

The history includes early developments like the Sumerian pictographs (3000 BC), Egyptian hieroglyphs (2900 BC), Chinese seal writing (220 BC), and the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1455.

What are some major inventions that contributed to the development of the Information Age?

Major inventions include the telegraph (1837), motion pictures (1861), the Dewey Decimal System (1876), the television camera tube (1923), ENIAC computer (1946), and the first microprocessor chip by Intel (1971).

How did early computers impact the Information Age?

Early computers like ENIAC (1946) and personal computers introduced by companies like Apple (1984) revolutionized information storage, processing, and accessibility, which laid the foundation for the digital advancements in the Information Age.

What is the concept of information overload in the Information Age?

Information overload occurs when there is an overwhelming amount of information available, leading to difficulties in processing and understanding it. This can cause 'information anxiety,' as described by Richard Saul Wurman.

What is the role of media in shaping information in the Information Age?

Media plays a crucial role in selecting and shaping the narrative, often influencing public perception by controlling the dissemination of information. The media also caters to cultural demands and can influence opinions through selective reporting.

How do we verify the reliability of web sources in the Information Age?

To verify reliability, we should assess the purpose of the site, the author's credibility, the accuracy and completeness of the information, and whether the content is supported by reputable publishers. Cross-referencing with other credible sources is also important.

What is bioinformatics, and how is it related to the Information Age?

Bioinformatics is the application of information technology to store, organize, and analyze vast amounts of biological data. It is an example of how the Information Age has impacted science and research, especially in fields like biotechnology and drug discovery.