Computers are here to stay. They have recently joined the public sector as a versatile and dynamic tool for communication. With the computer, we have the benefit of radio, telegraph, telephone and TV technologies. The computer has now evolved to a new level of speed, transporting us through Cyberspace into a vast array of data, text and images. Many programs are interactive; they respond to questions and directional requests from the user. The applications of computer technology are widespread at work, at home and at play. This guide provides a projected overview of the role of computers in your virtual future based on current trends.
The virtual classroom refers to a classroom which exists in a nontraditional academic setting; Cyberspace. Homebound students, physically challenged students, and general students as well as the public can actively participate in a course via their computer. A Virtual Classroom Interface can serve as a user-friendly guide to the major components of an actual Real World classroom; such as homework, lectures, class discussions, class syllabus, classroom bulletin boards, class readings, grades, and homework. The AIM Lab at the College of ACES at UIUC has developed such a Virtual Classroom Interface prototype which is currently being adapted with flexible applications for courses at the University and primary schools. A search on the Internet for "Virtual Classroom" will provide extensive text and images from educators who are exploring the great potential of Virtual Classroom technologies. Don't forget to bring your virtual apple!
The computer has already altered the face of the workplace, and few employees in any profession can escape the demands of this new overseer, record keeper, and task master. In spite of the semblance of personality or intelligence, the computer is merely a sophisticated tool at our command. There is no HAL at the helm. The virtual office allows the individual or group to work at home or during travel by land, by sea and by air. Desktop publishing and E-mail communication makes it possible to send a memo without stamps, telephone costs, or postal delays anywhere in the world and expect a reply within hours. Internal office documents can be created by a team of employees while sitting in the same room or across the continent. Laptop computers are portable and lightweight, and can store image and text files which would fill dozens of file cabinets in the conventional office. The PDA is a 'personal digital assistant ' which can transmit satellite images of crops to a farmer in the field, translate the menu when dining abroad, or call for navigational assistance when your sailboat drifts off course. As on-line data security develops; commerce, banking and shopping are increasingly taking to the Interenet. In your virtual future, instead of 'commuting' to the workplace, you may 'telecommunicate' to the workplace via your computer. All aboard!
The virtual community of the future will utilize computer technologies for entertainment, commerce, recreation, education and professional communications. Virtual art galleries will bring 3-D holographic exhibits to the public. Virtual libraries will offer millions of volumes of text, photos and illustrations which can be checked out simultaneously by thousands of patrons. Local, national and global political forums, debates and even voting will be possible via the Internet. Computers may be a tool to strengthen Democracy itself, as computer technology makes information, education, news and discourse widely available to the public. Small community gardens as well as high-rise farming compound could be monitored and regulated for climate control by computers. Cars, airplanes and boats may be propelled and navigated via computer. Global environmental monitoring by computerized satellites may provide data to scientists on earth. Anyway you view it, computer technology is out of this world!
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