RESOURCES:  The following are only basic resources. You may have to search for others for additional information.

Basic definitions: A. http://whatis.techtarget.com/
B. http://www.atis.org/tg2k/
C. Basics of how almost all technologies work (How DVDs work, how digital television works, and much more).  You might start with the tabs “computer stuff ” or “electronic stuff,” or maybe do a search:  http://www.howstuffworks.com/

Each of the above has advantages and disadvantages. For example, A provides a definition for “frequency ” but not “frequency response” whereas C provides a definition for “frequency response.” A,B and C are good for simple definitions, but D is good for explaining the applications of technical devices.

Goal: To look at communication theory and its relation to technology; to think about the future of new consumer technologies.

I. Read about the “digital divide”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide

II. Blu-Ray and HD-DVD had been vying to replacing DVDs. Look up news about who won. Look up the new Blu-Ray standards.

III. Read about the iPhone; http://reviews.cnet.com/smart-phones/apple-iphone-4gb-at/4505-6452_7-32180293.html

V. Think about what you’ve read and discussed so far. Think about what factors affect whether or not a technology will be successful (whether people will adopt a technology).

Come to class prepared to answer the following questions about the topics above:

1. What is the “digital divide”?
2. How can the digital divide be bridged?
3. What is Blu-Ray? What are its standards?
4. Why did Blu-Ray win?
5. What are iPhone features? What is especially good? What are the problems?