1. What is a bit and what does it mean to say that "it's all just bits"? (Koan 1) Give examples of the things today that are stored in bits?
Answer
A bit is the basic unit of information in computer science. It's "all just bits" means that many of the things we see on our computers such as photos, videos, and UIs.
2. Describe, in your own words, Moore's Law.
Answer
Moore's Law is the theory that the amount of information that can be stored on hardware will increase exponentially every year.
3. Give an example of how the digital explosion is "neither good nor bad" but has both positive and negative implications.
Answer
Digital explosion is neither "good nor bad" however it has both positive and negative implications. The positive implications have been greater access to others, the spread of information and knowledge, and advances in science. The negative implications have been that greater access to others can infringe on privacy and can things that were posted by an individual a long time ago can resurface and interfere with individuals careers or personal life, the spread of information and knowledge has also led to the spread misinformation and information that can be utilized to deceive others, and advances in science have also brought up many ethical dilemmas.
4. Find and summarize a news article that talks about the positive or negative impacts of a computing innovation. Is the technology itself positive or negative? Or have people used the technology in positive and/or negative ways?
Answer
The article dilineates the different ways in which computing has been used as a tool to spread 'fake news'. The technology is neither positive or negative, however it has been used in a negative was to misinform people and shift political narratives.