Case Study 2

In this case you are asked to study the effects on society of one use of embedded computers. You should first read carefully the ‘Inventing the Future’ article on p 294. Then pick an example of embedded computers to study further. It can be one from that article, or any other one you know about or find by research.

In your report you should:

- explain briefly what the embeded computer does and how it does it

- give at least 3 ‘pros’ (benefits of this technology).

- give at least 3 ‘cons’ (adverse effects it might have)

Be sure you have adequate detail - eg “an ‘artificial passenger’ computer might fail” is not as good as “an ‘artificial passenger’ computer failure might result in a cold shower for a driver at a time when he was not sleepy at all, but concentrating on a risky bit of driving!”

To give an adequate answer, you will need to draw from the text (not just p 294 – there is lots more – try p256, the index under ‘embedded’ etc.) and your own creative thinking.

To give an excellent answer (i.e. ‘A’ quality) you will need to draw from sources outside the text – from research on the web, from personal experience, etc. For example, you might like to view the video on the Web site for your text called ‘Say Hello to Asimo’, or do some Web surfing - there’s a gazillion ideas out there – for example:

http://motoringfile.com/2007/01/10/mini-usas-motorboards/

Guidelines for responding:

• Answers to D2 must be posted in the D2 Forum in the discussion board for your section of this course. Do not post in the Discussion Board for course called “07W_GED5038_310_311_312_313 Technology and You” (this Board is for questions and answers only).
• This exercise may be done alone, or in teams of 2 or 3 students (teams larger than 3 are not permitted). If done as a team, all team mates must be in the same section. Each team (or individual working alone) must open one (and only one) thread. Ensure that the last name of each contributor appears in the thread header. You may enter one to three posts (use reply button for posts after the first) to complete your contribution to the discussion. Do not reply to the posts of others, or post questions in this forum.
• Remember the importance of correct attribution. Also, remember that spelling and grammar do affect comprehension (and your mark!). It is essential to spell check and proof read your work.

Deadline for posting: see Weekly Planner. Review the marking rubrics (below) before final posting to be sure of your A+!

Evaluation – D2 Forum Name(s):________________________________

Mark (out of…)	Assigned for…
7	Names of team members in thread header, one thread only Clear explanation of one use of embedded computers, covering what it does and how it does it Clear explanation of at least 3 ‘pros’ and at least 3 ‘cons’ with adequate detail Quoted material attributed correctly (correct ref after quoted text; ftnote with Author, date of pub, Title, Publisher, URL of page) Clear writing, sufficient ‘own words’ content, headings used, no grammar/spelling errors serious enough to affect readability
3	original thinking – adds from web research, other sources adequate research, clearly related to question Provides correct attribution for added material

Mark ____________10 (minus 20% per day late penalty if posted after deadline.)