I think think the topics that I appreciated the most were the scientific explanations or subjects that were related to society and communities. I think one of my biggest issue with the scientific community is its developments or changes remain so deep and within the scientific community ONLY. I feel like it completely defeats the purpose of science and research, information and data that is meant to be published to the public. Therefore the explanations and the subjects that revolved around how the people reacted (ex. Accepting the information, going against the information, or contributing argumentative claims) were the best topics. That includes understanding the philosophical topics made by Aristotle, Descartes, and Kant. I also liked how these topics evolved later in the future like determining if modern technology should be more immersive and more interactive. This can also be revolved around complex forms of artificial technology and data collection for machine learning technology. My perspective is that this course is a good marriage between society and the sciences.
Which ones did not go well?
I think the only topic that I didn’t enjoy to well was the Turing Test. The Turing Test had a heavy component of computer mechanics, the topic of algorithms, and I wished had more understanding of how computers operated. While I liked the topic of “How Babies Are Computers”, I felt like there might have been some jargon I didn’t know. Perhaps I missed out on critical information. I did like the timeline of the History of Computers and the related chronological events that was presented in the lecture, though.
What did you appreciate about the course?
I think what I appreciated the most about the course was the variety of ways you could contribute to the class on an academic level or a communication level. For this class, we weren’t stuck on reading and responding to one academic textbook. We were able to respond on discussion forum posts, paper posts, paper replies, in-person dates, group research presentations, personal reading presentations, and independent research topics. If you aggregated all of that information in one channel, you can probably filter out so many topics and perspectives - almost to make a single database! I also like the modern parts of the class. We were able to have recorded lectures on missed days and we were able to talk about about recent findings or videos on YouTube. I like admired this about this class.
How would you make the course better for future NJIT students?
The research project that I had connected to the course was related to making an additional course page with WIX. I feel like that is a cool enhancement for the course.
How might the interests of NJIT students change over the next five years?
Currently, I feel like NJIT students may be more preoccupied on technology that helps them or provides innovations or modifications with usage (ex. Faster computers, Better cellphones, better resources for learning course materials). I also think we are more preoccupied with ethical concerns that affect society, human society. Perhaps in the future, we can grapple better with independent-minded artificial intelligence or ethical rights for robots. We may have more patience, more insights, and possibly more accepting of this being a recognized outlet for robot oppression or abuse.
How should the course be adjusted to keep up with these changes?
Link a channel that steadily updates on Minds and Machines topics. I would highly recommend VICE YouTube channel, accessible scientific magazines, or for minimal bias: science articles from National Public Radio. It should be related to technological innovations AND journalism, public news, and media outlets.
Sample Forum Post
Spring 2019 - My Final Thoughts for STS 351
Final Thoughts Comments
What topics and issues went well?
I think think the topics that I appreciated the most were the scientific explanations or subjects that were related to society and communities. I think one of my biggest issue with the scientific community is its developments or changes remain so deep and within the scientific community ONLY. I feel like it completely defeats the purpose of science and research, information and data that is meant to be published to the public. Therefore the explanations and the subjects that revolved around how the people reacted (ex. Accepting the information, going against the information, or contributing argumentative claims) were the best topics. That includes understanding the philosophical topics made by Aristotle, Descartes, and Kant. I also liked how these topics evolved later in the future like determining if modern technology should be more immersive and more interactive. This can also be revolved around complex forms of artificial technology and data collection for machine learning technology. My perspective is that this course is a good marriage between society and the sciences.
Which ones did not go well?
I think the only topic that I didn’t enjoy to well was the Turing Test. The Turing Test had a heavy component of computer mechanics, the topic of algorithms, and I wished had more understanding of how computers operated. While I liked the topic of “How Babies Are Computers”, I felt like there might have been some jargon I didn’t know. Perhaps I missed out on critical information. I did like the timeline of the History of Computers and the related chronological events that was presented in the lecture, though.
What did you appreciate about the course?
I think what I appreciated the most about the course was the variety of ways you could contribute to the class on an academic level or a communication level. For this class, we weren’t stuck on reading and responding to one academic textbook. We were able to respond on discussion forum posts, paper posts, paper replies, in-person dates, group research presentations, personal reading presentations, and independent research topics. If you aggregated all of that information in one channel, you can probably filter out so many topics and perspectives - almost to make a single database! I also like the modern parts of the class. We were able to have recorded lectures on missed days and we were able to talk about about recent findings or videos on YouTube. I like admired this about this class.
How would you make the course better for future NJIT students?
The research project that I had connected to the course was related to making an additional course page with WIX. I feel like that is a cool enhancement for the course.
How might the interests of NJIT students change over the next five years?
Currently, I feel like NJIT students may be more preoccupied on technology that helps them or provides innovations or modifications with usage (ex. Faster computers, Better cellphones, better resources for learning course materials). I also think we are more preoccupied with ethical concerns that affect society, human society. Perhaps in the future, we can grapple better with independent-minded artificial intelligence or ethical rights for robots. We may have more patience, more insights, and possibly more accepting of this being a recognized outlet for robot oppression or abuse.
How should the course be adjusted to keep up with these changes?
Link a channel that steadily updates on Minds and Machines topics. I would highly recommend VICE YouTube channel, accessible scientific magazines, or for minimal bias: science articles from National Public Radio. It should be related to technological innovations AND journalism, public news, and media outlets.