Culture

1. Culture Opportunities for humans to interact with computers help to break down cultural barriers.

2. Computerised translators enable users to type in words in their native tongue and vast dictionaries respond with translations in the chosen language which in turn can remove language and communication barriers. • They are relatively cheap to buy and portable or alternatively you can access on the internet.

3. How people use computers • Texting has grown rapidly and can be used as an alternative to speaking in order to confirm meetings, arrange delivery and communicate. • PDAs and other devices are used in addition to or as replacements for paper diaries and enable remote access to the internet and documents such as spreadsheets and databases. • Emails have now replaced memos and in some cases formal letters.

4. Portable music has developed with the use of MP3 players and iPods. • X-box and play stations have taken gaming to another level. Adverse effects of this are the reduction in verbal and face to face communication and the opportunities for employees to hide behind a computer rather than give verbal instructions to criticism. Some would say that professionalism is being lost through the widespread use of emails, as there is no universal protocol for email language and layout.

5. Psychological and Sociological • There has become less variety of work in some environments. • Robots used in manufacturing leads to less specialised work being done manually. • Deskilling can lead to workers feeling less valued. • Automated machinery has taken away the need for specialist trades and has reduced costs considerably.

6. Some trades are in danger of dying out: traditional furniture making, stained glass making, dress making and tailoring. The division of labour and technology development have led to the reduction of the scope of an individuals work to one or a few specialised tasks. Work becomes fragmented and individuals lose the integrated skills and comprehensive knowledge of the craftsperson.