July 11,2017
My first journal entry:
I plan on entering the Information Technology field with hopes to one day owning a tech company. My ideal job outside of college would be one that allows hands on interaction with technology. Although programming is interesting it is not the concentration and direction I see myself heading. Having an associate’s degree in Automotive Technology, I enjoy working with my hands and diagnosing problems. I feel that this is one of the criteria that makes me an ideal candidate for what my career goal is.
The creation and innovation of new technology is something that will always be expanding. The hardware used for today’s technology, although the circuitry and size may change, the form and function will typically remain the same. One way to remain up to date on new hardware would be to be an active user and member in the tech community. This may require going to conventions that showcase new hardware and software technology. Doing this would help me to be better prepared and in extension, my possible employer. Some proposed technology advancements could mean: increase productivity, security, or just size reduction of the overall system.
There are possible challenges that could arise in this career choice such as: few job positions available, or companies require higher amounts of experience. Also being as this job is manual labor to some extent, the pay will not be as sufficient as one who programs software. I intend on learning the most I can from my college experience in hopes it will translate to a career that I enjoy.
July 13, 2017
My second journal entry:
I can remember around the age of 8 or 9 and playing on my first computer. I believe this to be a major factor in my career decision. As much as I love computers and what they are capable of, but I also understand the growing danger of computers. Of course, computers by themselves are tools and on that, completely harmless. When used properly it is an endless supply of knowledge, resources, and communication; however, when improperly used and for personal gains at other’s expense, it’s very damaging. At UNCC while studying the Computer Science field, I have noticed the great lengths instructors go to encourage ethical thinking. I believe this is done to make students are always thinking, “Why am I creating this? Is this ethical?”.
Unfortunately, I believe our terrors of some type of cyber-attack hitting our major infrastructure is imminent. We are one of the greatest countries in the world with some of the greatest technical minds. As I have recently studied on this topic of cyber-attacks, we as Americans live in a fictional utopia in that we are immune to a major attack. Although America has smart technical people, they are humans just like everyone else; they make mistakes. The only thing is when these people who create damaging software and then lose it, should be held accountable for that loss. It is the responsibility of the creator and the organization to ensure that software does not get lost and into the hands of the wrong people.
July 21, 2017
My third journal entry:
I think critical thinking can be useful in all forms of writing mediated communication. Factual information is needed in certain contexts, but at times some outside thinking is required as well. We don’t know all the outcomes to every situation. It requires that particular individual(s) who think outside the box, come up with new scenarios for any situation. For example, in a technical report such as a manual for some piece of hardware. When the author is writing, he must think of ways that a product can potentially harm the user in order to reduce legal actions against the company. This requires some critical thinking because even things that should go without saying must be written, like not using the hair dryer in the shower. While that example does not require critical thinking, it proves that technical writers must provide all sorts of warnings, notes, etc. no matter how obvious or obscure they seem.
I believe imagination plays a part in technical writing as well. People who create new products typically use their imaginations to envision how something will work before construction. Without the use of imagination, some products or services may never exist nor would creators/users be prepared to utilize products appropriately and safely. Society should have a desire to be proactive instead of reactive and it is this creative mindset that allows writers and creators to provide users with quality products. If we use our imaginations to think ahead, we may also be able to think of ways to make something better, safer, more efficient before it is used.
Although imagination can be useful for some applications, it may not be needed for all. If we think about software testing, the software is designed to work a certain way. If the program does not satisfy the requirements set by the purchasing company, then it is wrong. Imagining other ways for the program to run is not what the customer wants, just for it to run how they need it to. While details are important, going overboard and over customizing, can actually be off-putting for the user.
July 27, 2017
My fourth journal entry:
A few years back I re-read the book Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. In this science fiction novel, the world has been at war with a distant species and requires the knowledge of a genius 8-year-old to save us. When in the end, war was not the intended purpose but humans did not want to take the chance. I think this can reflect many different aspects in our society where people are afraid of change. For example, the oil companies who have billions invested in the production and world dependence on it. As the earth continues to struggle against the effects of pollution, those who could have the greatest effect for change chooses not to. It could also be as simple as human beings are afraid of the unknown and the possible outcomes of it.
We believe that technology is something that we control and if need be, stopped. I believe that the technology and the change it will bring is unstoppable, but should be manageable. Unlike the book where the invasion was stopped, we are allowing technology to slowly come in a takeover many aspects of our daily lives. This will continue to occur as long and we conform to the uses of computer technology and not make it conform to our needs.
August 3, 2017
My fifth journal entry:
I am going to take the positon of the supervisor. A supervisor is required to ensure that the goal of the business is being completed. The business managers above me, or the CEO is looking at me to keep work progressing in a timely manner. In order for me to do this, I must walk around or email people to check on the status of a certain project. This technology helps me to monitor my teams and know where I have lazy workers. The company uses this information when it comes time for promotions or yearly bonuses. We have to know who is being efficient with their time here, and who is not. Our business depends on the efficiency of our employees to get a job done in a timely manner with little to no downtime. I do not agree with using this technology; but I am scrutinized similarly to my workers. We should trust our employees to do what they were hired to in a timely manner, and without the constant oversight from the company.
It would be difficult for myself to work in a company that is always watching and criticizing my work ethics. We are all grown adults who understand the need to complete a job. Unfortunately, we live in a growing society where it’s always a rush to get something done. I believe that there can be fun times at work, not just serious. Balancing the two out, would provide a fun yet challenging place to work.