Tradition through technology

The best way to keep in touch with old traditions is through new technology, claims a tech fan.

AD: Hi, heard that you had gone on a religious tour...

BC: It was simply amazing - the architectural splendours, the mind-boggling engineering... And complete peace of mind. You should have come...

AD: I’m really not interested in…

BC: Your generation is so stuck with its technology, devices and the little pleasures they have to offer that you’re slowly losing touch with your culture…

AD: We pursue our interests while you follow yours...

BC: And in the process, you forget your roots and your tradition. How much does this generation know about our history, our architecture and…

AD: I disagree - technology does help keep in touch with tradition. In fact, it acts as a bridge between us and our culture...

BC: Oh c'mon...

AD: Really. For instance, you had gone visiting religious places for a whole week. Many others aren't as fortunate as you are, like my grandmother who suffers from arthritis. But I can take her to all the places that you visited, online...

BC: Is that possible?

AD: Today, a lot of temples, churches and mosques have live streaming and webcasts of their religious services, so those who are unable to travel can have a ‘virtual darshan’.

BC: I always knew that there were many ways to reach God…

AD: But I’m sure you’d never have thought that the tablet would one day become a portal that…

BC:Takes us to the Almighty.

AD: Right! Several places of worship also have websites that offer walkthroughs - a multimedia clip that shows you around to give you a feel of the place.

BC: I'm told that popular video sites like YouTube also have several such clips...

AD: Absolutely. Do you think all this would have been possible a decade ago?

BC: Perhaps not, but I still feel that the passion has waned. It's still the older generation that wants to use technology to stay in touch with their tradition...

AD: A cousin of mine learns Carnatic music from a teacher through Skype.

BC: So what's the big deal? It's a bit like e-learning, isn't it?

AD: The student lives in Michigan and his teacher, in Mylapore. Apparently, the boy's parents were keen that he should learn music only from that teacher, so they worked it out in such a way that he would have exclusive classes online...

BC: So a computer and a set of speakers transformed into a music classroom...

AD: And almost 12,000 kilometres were reduced to nothing on the click of a button. Yet you blame technology...

BC: The examples you give are aberrations...

AD: Absolutely not. While on the topic of music, do you know the kind of interest a live podcast of a Carnaticrecital generates? Millions who cannot be at the hall can tune in on their mobiles...

BC: I can't imagine staying glued to my mobile for that long. Think of the number of personal loan, credit card and club membership calls that I might miss...

AD: Go ahead, be sarcastic, but that won't take away from the fact that technology only helps bring people closer to their roots. A smartphone or a laptop with an internet connection can take you to a church in Goa, a temple in Rishikesh or to a concert in Australia...

BC: Finally, mankind has been enlightened on the key benefit of greater internet speeds and faster downloads...

AD: I don't understand...

BC: People can now rest assured that their prayers can reach God faster through the net.

AD: And what about His blessings?

BC: Well, they can download it at their leisure. 

Smartphones for smarter answers

Is technology making learning simpler – or is it simply making it redundant? A debate ensues…

BC: Hi, was trying to reach you last Saturday... Where were you?

AD: Had gone to meet a Professor of Dentistry - he's an expert surgeon as well.

BC: What could a tech fan and a dentist have talked about? The commonalities between the traditional wisdom tooth and the modern Bluetooth?

AD: He had some very interesting things to say about how today's students were using technology, but for all the wrong reasons - like cheating in their exams, for instance...

BC: That's pretty sad - there have been days when I've wondered as to how different things could have been if we had the same kind of technology back in my time...

AD: I don't believe it – you’ve actually found something good to say about technology...

BC: Today, you have so many resources online - like the Salman Khan Academy, for instance – besides the deluge of educational CDs, online courses, YouTube videos... Students have never had it so good...

AD: It must have been tough for you in college, having to depend only on books...

BC: Absolutely! There were certain courses, for which books were issued in the ratio of 1:3, which is one book shared by three students! Then technology evolved and photocopiers came into our lives. Soon photocopying select chapters from books caught on like wildfire, and the copies were passed on from one batch to another.

AD: And then the internet came along...

BC: Right, I think of the options available for students today – and it saddens me that all they can think of is how to misuse technology...

AD: Not all of them though... We speak of using technology to learn and to prepare for exams, but it is unfortunate that some students use it during the exams - mobiles, websites, and even scientific calculators with answers stored in the memory...

BC: I guess Bluetooth, micro-sized earplugs and hands-free devices that one can attach to mobiles have made it easier for them...

AD: Absolutely, which is also the reason why mobiles are no longer allowed inside exam halls in most places...

BC: But then, students must be thanking technology for making mobiles so small – it’s so easy to hide them anywhere, even under a shirt collar...

AD: And smartphones have smarter applications, so students can log in for online help, have their answers checked for grammar and spelling or use apps to find the answer to problems that might otherwise require them to remember complex formulae...

BC: Back in my times, the only aid that we were allowed to carry with us was the log book.

AD: Things have changed, haven't they? Googling for answers, messaging friends, using camera phones to record the question paper and passing it on, crowdsourcing answers using closed social networking groups...

BC: And half the time, the teachers don't even know what's going on. 

AD: See, I keep telling you how important it is for the older generations to update themselves on technology...

BC: But why can't these students realise that copying is a waste of time? Marks might get you to an interview, but the minute they start asking questions and know that you don't know much...

AD: Universities are wisening up and have begun to equip themselves on the technology front. For instance, most universities abroad have acquired software like TurnItIn, which helps spot plagiarised papers that have been submitted by the students...

BC: So TurnItIn helps colleges nab errant students and turn them out...

AD: With colleges aspiring for greater transparency in exams, and with teachers getting glassy-eyed about technology, how do you think students are going to react to all that’s happening?

BC: Perhaps they'll look for greater transparency in seeking answers during exams... with Google Glass.

For the love of technology

Is a career in IT born out of a passion for technology or is it merely a lucrative decision? A conversation begins…

BC: Hi, you look deep in thought - surely your generation has an app to do that for you...

AD: Just finished a weird call from a potential client who asked me to go through her website and wanted to know if I found it really interesting...

BC: What's wrong with that?

AD: I cannot reveal details of the client's operations, but assume that they are into creating software that handles patient monitoring and insurance processing for hospitals... How can something like that ever be of interest to anyone?

BC: How can a tech fan like you generalise a statement like that?

AD: Look, I can imagine being in love with technology that creates a new operating system to challenge Windows or a new search engine that can pose a threat to Google - or even a new social networking site that will give Facebook a run for its money - all $70 billion of it...

BC: Let me then rephrase my question - if you are not in love with your job, how can you do it well?

AD: What about IT careers, for instance? Are you telling me that students join IT companies and BPOs because they are passionate about technology?

BC: Well, you've got to ask them...

AD: Think of all those chemical, civil and mechanical engineers in IT handling completely unconnected careers... Why did they study what they did? Why did they then make the shift?

BC: For the same reason that an instrumentation engineer, after two years of B-School, chooses to sell soap?

AD: But...

BC: So why do you think most youngsters choose information technology as a career in India?

AD: IT companies hire en masse - I've read articles about entire batches of engineering students recruited by IT companies.

BC: How can that be a reason for choosing a career?

AD: You can't blame students for wanting to feel secure right after college, can you? And most IT companies conduct campus interviews in the final year, so...

BC: ...students have a job even before they pass out!

AD: Right. Pay scales are another reason. Compared to typical engineering jobs in the manufacturing sector - be it in an auto-ancillary unit or a chemical plant - the IT sector pays better.

BC: Why is that?

AD: For one, the IT industry earns primarily in dollars. So the project that you’re on earns your company a lot more in terms of billings and profits than, say a batch of cam shafts or spindles of yarn. Hence the rewards are bigger too…

BC: I guess the responsibilities and the pressures involved must be as high…

AD: Sure. Another factor influencing this choice is exposure. IT takes young employees to other countries, widens their horizons, and even gives them a chance to settle abroad... So I'll be incredibly surprised if someone were to tell me that all these students took up IT jobs solely because of their love for technology.

BC: So what did you tell your potential client?

AD: I didn't say much, but the point is, if her job didn't give her American clients and dollar billing, would she be doing back office jobs for some hospital abroad?

BC: I guess not. But there’s an easy way to find out if she’s truly in love with that kind of work.

AD: And that is...?

BC: Find out if she grew up dreaming of creating payroll packages and patient monitoring software ever since she was five years old.

The foetal attractions of technology

Prenatal testing and its implications – or technology and its complications? An old-timer wonders if technology has only added to the worries of pregnancy.

BC: Hi, where were you all of yesterday?

AD: At the hospital. I had accompanied my cousin for her scan. She's expecting and is due in a few months...

BC: But she had gone for a scan last week...

AD: That was a Doppler test.

BC: And what about the one a few weeks before that?

AD: That was the NT Scan, to check for Down's Syndrome.

BC: No, the one after that…

AD: Must have been the Anatomy Ultrasound Scan…

BC: I can't believe it - so many tests...

AD: Look, it helps in...

BC: I know a couple that had a nightmare with these tests. The baby was diagnosed with a prominent lateral ventricle in the fifth month of pregnancy...

AD: And…?

BC: Well, they were asked to wait and watch, in case the lateral ventricle's growth attained normalcy on its own. They went through a harrowing time...

AD: Look, at least they knew about it...

BC: Knowing something and not being able to do anything about it can make one feel so helpless. How can it be that technology has evolved enough to spot an anomaly, but not enough to cure it?

AD: Ah, so technology is to blame for nature's mysterious ways. Today, technology can help detect a host of complications that may not have been possible in your generation, like Spina bifida, Down's syndrome, anencephaly or hydrocephalus...

BC: Back then, we were clueless about these. Besides, the kids that were born in ignorance didn't seem the worse for it...

AD: Why do you think couples had so many children back then? Our infant mortality rate was so high...

BC: But things were simpler in those days. All one needed was a doctor or a midwife. Today, you need a team of radiologists, sonologists, gynaecologists, anaesthetists and paediatricians for a baby to be born.

AD: When you have the resources, why not use them? It surely beats having a semi-literate midwife assisting childbirth.

BC: But there are hardships as well. The expectant mother is made to go through so many scans to monitor her baby. Think of the foetus being exposed to the harmful radiation, not to mention the trauma that the mother goes through, sitting there for hours, week after week, after drinking gallons of water, because the scans need to be carried out on a full bladder.

AD: There have also been cases where technology has helped cure...

BC: I prefer the good old times with lesser technology – life seemed pretty uncomplicated back then. Women would go to the doctor once to confirm their pregnancy and then back again for delivery. Today, the whole thing is so intimidating that couples can never enjoy a pregnancy. It's about running from the doctor to the lab and the scan centre all the time. And the tests - Nuchal Translucency, Chorionic Villi testing, Amniocentesis... In fact, the girl whose baby had a prominent lateral ventricle claimed that her Dad had wanted her to become a doctor, which she never fulfilled. But now, thanks to her pregnancy, she says that she is almost there.

AD: So what happened to the baby?

BC: Thankfully, everything turned out fine. It was a baby girl – and I’m sure that she will turn out to be quite photogenic.

AD: How are you so sure?

BC: Think of all those 2d, 3d and 4d images taken of her - she sure must have had a lot of practice posing for them.

Converging on technology

Two-in-ones could be passé, but devices with multiple functions are here to stay, claims a tech fan.

BC: Hi, you were planning to buy a mobile...

AD: I finally chose a phablet.

BC: A what?

AD: It's a phone and a tablet. In terms of size, it could be bigger than a regular smartphone, but smaller than a tablet. And in terms of features and functions...

BC: ...it gives you the best of both worlds.

AD: Isn't that the way the world is going? The mobile phone has already crunched several devices into one - camera, radio, alarm clock, music player, video game player...

BC: ...and of course the phone!

AD: I read an article about camera phones eating into the market share of digital cameras and cellular service providers causing a severe dent in the sales figures of music companies because of mobile downloads...

BC: But then, if you are a true-blue photography enthusiast, you might balk at the thought of a mobile camera taking the place of an SLR...

AD: Absolutely. But this is the age of technological convergence, which results in one device performing the functions of many. Just think of its advantages... We can spend on fewer gadgets, for one...

BC: I was thinking of the hapless folks who have to attend zillions of weddings every year. Now, all their budget gifts like alarm clocks and transistors will go for a toss!

AD: You continue to miss the point rather successfully…

BC: Look, it only complicates things. For instance, I need to buy a new laptop, but you've been insisting that I get myself a tablet. I'm not sure...

AD: Get yourself a Tablet PC.

BC: Here we go... What's that supposed to be?

AD: I'm surprised you haven't heard of it - the ads are out everywhere. A Tablet PC is a combination of a laptop or a notebook and a touchscreen monitor - so it's...

BC: ...part-tablet and part-computer.

AD: Right. And in some models, you can actually flip, slide, fold, swivel or even remove the display screen and use it separately like a tablet...

BC: Sounds like technology's putting the poor laptop through a gruelling exercise schedule...

AD: Perhaps it's a natural way to get rid of bloatware. Ok, I was kidding. But seriously, can't you find a single positive in these new developments?

BC: I'm worried about what could be next - a microwave and a refrigerator in one? You put in water and open the door a few minutes later, not knowing if you are going to pull out ice or burn your fingers in boiling hot water...

AD: Always the pessimist, huh?

BC: Incidentally, I read a news item claiming that pessimists live longer than optimists. Could it be because we are less dependent on technology?

AD: We began talking about technological convergence, but your kind will lead to a technological exigence.

BC: Well, one thing that technology does create on a regular basis is jargon. There was a time when parallel processing was a buzzword because one machine could do multiple operations simultaneously. Then came multimedia, where various forms of media and technologies could be handled by one device. Guess its technological convergence now...

AD: You should watch an hour of Smart TV to find out how television and the internet can combine to create magic. You'll possibly have a different opinion of technology...

BC: My opinion of technology was formed on the basis of a device that helps me create, calculate, plan, visualize, simulate, organize, delegate, discover, understand, store...

AD: That must be one heck of a computer.

BC: It is, and it is the ultimate example of convergent technology. It's called a brain.

Booted out by a robot

Is automation making our jobs easier or is it easing us out of our jobs? The argument continues…

AD: What's that you're reading?

BC: It's about the ill-effects of technology on mankind...

AD: I'm not surprised. How on earth do you manage to pick out such articles like a...

BC: ...needle out of a haystack?

AD: I don't know about that, but I'm sure that you will use it to needle me. So what's the rant about this time?

BC: Does automation really result in job cuts?

AD: It’s a common fear shared by employees the world over that one day, they would be replaced by a computer or a robot...

BC: I've read some articles which say that by 2016, over 750,000 jobs will be lost in the US… And most of it could be blamed on automation.

AD: Can you imagine robots sitting in cubicles and playing solitaire on their computers?

BC: I'm sure that those who have lost their jobs don't find it funny...

AD: But how are you so sure that automation is taking away these jobs? It could also be a result of outsourcing…

BC: I recall seeing an article published in 1961 that talked about labour unions blaming automation and technology for the high unemployment rates that they were facing at that time.

AD: But then, people opposed the industrial revolution for similar reasons, centuries ago…

BC: In fact, a new phrase was coined in the 1930s to describe this phenomenon - technological unemployment.

AD: But automation has amazing benefits, beyond the usual efficiency and speed of response advantages that we talk about. For instance, robots are used for intricate surgeries...

BC: It'll ensure greater accuracy...

AD: ...and also minimise chances of infection because of the absence of human intervention. This would result in more lives saved.

BC: But I don't see technology replacing people in the service sector. It's probably one field where automation has to stay in the back-office because people are more comfortable dealing with a human interface.

AD: Imagine having a robot serve you coffee when you order room service.

BC: Well, at least it won't spit in your coffee if you're mean to it.

AD: I make my own tea, thank you. Unfortunately, industries like retail are affected in more ways than one... While the entry of electronic scanners, computerized check-out facilities and vending machines has reduced the need for manpower, online shopping...

BC: ...has made physical stores redundant.

AD: Right. Apparently, an American company has invented a textspresso machine that helps you order your cup of coffee even as you're on your way to the coffee shop. So your order will be waiting for you, nice and hot, when you get there.

BC: Even sectors like agriculture, accounting, education, manufacturing and banking have had several layoffs because of technology...

AD: You’re talking about people being displaced, but today, sitting in front of a web camera, one teacher can reach – and teach – thousands of students across the globe…

BC: Talking of reaching places, imagine calling a cab service in the future - an automated voice takes down your request, a software package sends you a confirmation to your mobile and finally an robotic car that drives itself comes to your doorstep...

AD: With projects like Google's driverless car, that day may not be too far away...

BC: But Google's car might bring other advantages that a normal car possibly can't.

AD: Like what?

BC: It will probably be fitted with two engines - a fuel engine to power the vehicle and a search engine to find your location.

Barking at the moon

Technology has evolved enough to send animals into space, but not to ensure their safety, laments an old-timer.

AD: What would you say if I told you that a primate is on the verge of triggering a missile war?

BC: I would ask you to stop monkeying around...

AD: News has it that Iran has launched a monkey into space...

BC: So what does the poor monkey have to do with launching missiles?

AD: There are concerns that the technology used for this mission could also be used to develop and launch long-range ballistic missiles across continents, though Iran has categorically rejected this military connotation to its space program...

BC: Well, technology can launch missiles and start wars, but why drag a poor monkey into the fracas?

AD: Lab rats, guinea pigs, test animals – take your pick. Unfortunately, these unsuspecting ‘subjects’ are sent ahead to step on the figurative landmines in space so that humans can have a safe passage thereafter...

BC: But how can an animal...

AD: It could be for various reasons - like checking the heat resistant capacity of the shields provided in the shuttle, for instance. If an animal can survive the extreme heat produced by the insane speeds and the conditions that exist miles above earth, then it could be deemed safe for humans.

BC: But what of the poor animals?

AD: According to reports, the monkey sent up by Iran did come back alive, but several animals that were sent into space did not.

BC: Sounds pretty cruel. If technology has taken all those giant leaps that we talk about, then surely something ought to be done to safeguard the lives of these animals... Some of them probably die out of sheer fear as they don't understand what is going on around them...

AD: They are trained for their expedition, in terms of being in zero gravity conditions or eating specific kinds of foods. In some cases, chimpanzees were even taught to interact with the spacecraft by pulling levers for specific purposes.

BC: But then, they didn't volunteer for the mission, did they? Their families wouldn't exactly be crowding around television sets to watch their hero in action...

AD: No, they didn't, but several billionaires have. Guess some of them regard this as a high adrenaline adventure sport that few can dream of and fewer still can afford.

BC: I know, I read about Dennis Tito being the world's first space tourist around a decade ago. 2001, was it?

AD: That's right, and six others have made it to space and back after him.

BC: But what of the animals that didn't make it?

AD: Laika, the first animal in orbit, didn't survive – but her fate was known even before the mission began as technology hadn't evolved enough to ensure a safe passage back to earth in the ‘50s. A whole series of ‘Albert missions’ also failed, where monkeys named Albert perished during various stages of the mission. However, Sam, Miss Sam and Ham made it back...

BC: Sam, Ham... Part of a naming convention?

AD: They’re acronyms - Sam stood for School of Aviation Medicine, while Ham represented Holloman Aero Med...

BC: If technology can send life forms into space, surely it should be able to create robots that could simulate these animals and send them instead...

AD: Maybe technology hasn't reached that point in its evolution. Or perhaps human lives have always been considered more precious than other life forms on earth.

BC: Well, at least the various incidents of animals being sent into space have helped clear up the mystery of why dogs bark at the moon…

AD: I’m waiting…

BC: Because they've spotted the rabbit up there, of course!