Atoms/Bits

The expanding use of technology in a rapidly changing society.

Atoms

• The term atoms describe the physical and tangible items in our lives that carry

information, such as books, CDs, etc.

Bits

• Bits describe the smallest type of information on a computer.

The Numbers

- 35% of American families own personal computers

-50% of American teenagers own a personal computer

-30 million Americans use the internet daily

-The internet itself is growing in size by 10% monthly

“Computing is not about computers anymore”

Nicholas Negropante stated that computers have become a general part of daily life for most of the

world.

From the beginning, computers have been rapidly changing and creating convenience for everyone.

Negropante's Argument

Nicholas Negropante created an organization “One Laptop Per Child” which provides those

who aren't able to afford laptops the opportunity to have one for educational purposes. The one

thing I do not agree with is the fact that Negropante claims that poverty could be simply

cured by the presence of a laptop in a child's life. But what he fails to realize is that a laptop

does not provide food, clothing, clean water, etc.

Eliminate Poverty with Bits?

• Negropante Comparing Atoms to Bits while supporting his One Laptop Per Child Campaign in a controversial manner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o97UD78s6iM