Artifact VII: Technology
Topic: Art, Technology and Games
Learning Unit Objectives:
• Learn about the history of computer graphics
• Examine the role of technology as a force for cultural maintenance and change
• Discuss the validity of art created with the aid of machines
In the article “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” by Beverly J. Jones, she stated that she believes has evolved as time goes by. Her primary thesis is “to establish the relation of specific image, object, event or environment to conceptual frames, (which) exist within art and technology and are present in other forms of symbolic and material culture” ( Jones 21). Also, she explained that the effects of origins and practices exist in current art and technology, and prove that graphic design has become more advances than the past, but the new forms of art and technology are frequently cast in the mode of old forms.
Jones uses many examples to explain her thesis, one of the three historical examples Jones provides is computers were used to generate the earliest computer graphics and displayed on oscilloscopes in the 1940s. Ben F. Lapofsky and Herbert W. Franke were among the pineers creating there images, and their work continues to promote exploration in similar work (Jones 22). Then since computer graphics were made, the computer graphics was two-dimensional screen in the earlier years , and then more advanced technology to improve many aspects of computer imagery like in memory space and speed, which make the three dimensional images to appear on the computer screen. These evolution of technology are not only become more advanced, but it is gradually embedded in the art and culture.
One of the current examples about the technological advancement I found is about an article from The New York Times called “Scientists Uncover Invisible Motion in Video” by Erik Olsen. He introduces a new technology that focus on pixel in a video to identify changes. Originally, they developed the program is to monitor neonatal babies without making physical contact, and then they believe that the new technology will applied in manufacturing and oil exploration industries and improve the working efficiency like “a factory technician could film a machine to check for small movements in bolts that might indicate an impending breakdown” (Erik 1). From this example, the developments of computer graphics not only increase the quality of current video games that everyone knows, but also bring many benefits to the human’s life. Also, I believe the art and technology connect to each other tightly because the advanced technology could provide multiple approaches to create art works and gradually become one of the powers to help human beings solve the problems in the world.
Reflection:
After learning this topic, It allowed me to take my time to look the past technology and reflect on how the technology has changed. Also, it helped me to examine connection between technology and art, and some skills from playing games. The internet allows anyone to seek information and resources anywhere and anytime, which dramatically improve the quality of life. In terms of art, I believe the technology enhance and improve it and making the way to create an art work easier and more efficient. After watching that video called “Gaming can make a better world” by Jane McGonial on TED, I realized playing games are not always bad for individuals, many games perhaps could create a simulation like reality situation and help people to cultivate some life surviving and problem solving skills.
Video games have been improving over the past decade in graphic design and realistic game play. Many people spend much time on it. Recently, I saw a movie called “Ender’s Game”. This below picture is from this film, which discussed the US military want some child soldiers to fight a real war through tricking them into thinking that they are playing a game in the future. This film definitely confirmed that people can learn some skills through playing game to deal with the real problems with the development of technology in the future.
Learning goals for the future:
Technology almost exist everywhere in the world, I know there are some disadvantages it will take in our life. But we cannot ignore the importance in our current modern life. I hope and I will learn more knowledge and improve my skills in technology in the future. By the way, I will try to select some challenging and strategy games to play because that may strengthen my mind and exercise some of problem solving skills.
Bibliography:
Olsen, E. (2013). Scientists Uncover Invisible Motion in Video. Bits: The Business of Technology. Retrieved February 28 2013, from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/scientists-uncover-invisible-motion-in-video/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0