Portfolio Reflection Questions
Make a copy of this document in your Portfolio Assignments folder and answer these questions in the spaces below. Once complete, turn in this assignment according to the steps given by your teacher.
2.11 Impacts of CS: The Digital Explosion Curriculum Page
Post brief answers using complete sentences to the following questions.
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 smallest single unit of data that can be stored in a computer- a 1 or a 0. “Its all just bits” illustrates that everything that can be stored on a computer, software, programs, photos, etc., are all comprised of bits of data. More examples include audio files, documents, and applications.
2. Describe, in your own words, Moore's Law.
Answer
Moore’s Law is the law that states that the processing speed, or overall processing power of all computers doubles every couple of years as technology advances.
3. Give an example of how the digital explosion is "neither good nor bad" but has both positive and negative implications.
Answer
Examples of the digital explosion being both positive and negative include that for example- bank transactions can now we performed quickly and digitally, but the information that is digital relating to one’s bank account could then be targeted by identity thieves and hackers.
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
Social media is a computing innovation that has exploded in the last couple years. The technology itself is seen as positive, as it brings people together in a digital space where they can keep in contact with each other and updated on friend's lives. There is a downside, though, that people become obsessive and addicted to social media, obsessing over how they display themselves and what others think of them. Additionally, cyber bullying has arisen as another negative effect of social media.