1. The primary thesis is that computer graphics have changed and developed over time, which can explain many cultural and historical changes.
2. “The group also produced one of the first interactive environmental pieces, called Automatic Painting Machine No.1. It consisted of a painting mechanism, control unit, paper-tape reader and a happening zone. Four types of input were used to control this device: manual, paper-tape program, light-sensor input from happening zone and sound sensor input from this zone” (Jones, 53).  She explains that the individuals who worked on the project were not artists but engineers.  It also proves how different types of technologies can come together to make one invention that could change the face of its subject.
3. One technology that has been pivotal in today’s news is our advances in space exploration. Within the last couple of years, we have put a rover on Mars to discover if there are other life forms. We will be grounded for about 2 years and hopefully we will have a better understanding of the planet. Information about this mission have been posted in newspapers and online everywhere. It is truly amazing to be able to see the pictures that are taken on Mars by the incredibly advance technology and then interpret the information here on Earth. I read the article NASA: Mars rover snapped pic of rocket stage crash, which provided details of what the rover has captured thus far. It seems that we have learned a lot and will continue to receive helpful information. It is hard to believe that computers, televisions, phones and high technology resources have not always been available to us and there are so many things we could not possibly know without these inventions. Our generation has been fortunate enough to have these technologies available to us. In the article it states, “Seconds after the car-size rover parked its six wheels in an ancient crater, a tiny camera under the chassis snapped a picture revealing a smudge on the horizon.” It is interesting to see how much of our technology has come together.  Each day we are learning more and we will continue to invent new ways to learn more about space.

Change, A. NASA: Mars rover snapped pic of rocket stage crash. 10 August 2012. < http://news.yahoo.com/nasa-mars-rover-snapped-pic-rocket-stage-crash-175835573.html >. 24 November 2013.

The TED viedo of Jane McGonigal makes the point that some video games may help solve real world crises.  She uses many examples about how gamers feel accomplished and try things that they never knew were possible.  They often get reassuring feedback that they are successful when there is a positive outcome from their game.  There have been many debates about the harms or benefits of children, teens, and even adults playing video games that are sometimes violent.  Do you think there is any truth to the idea that video games can help people solve real life problems?  Do you think that technology, as a whole, will give people more skills to be successful in their own lives?