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Unions and Technology. Computers in Society. 1950: 2 computers 2003: millions 2020: billions. Computer Communication Tendencies. Computer Communication Tendencies. Decentralization Customization Linkages made fragile and temporary Hardware translated to software
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Computers in Society • 1950: 2 computers • 2003: millions • 2020: billions
Computer Communication Tendencies • Decentralization • Customization • Linkages made fragile and temporary • Hardware translated to software • everything is connected • A new biological metaphor
Computer Communication Effects • De-industrialization • Globalization • Virtual Companies • Dynamic Employer-Worker Arrangements • Contracting-out
Computer Communication Effects • Workplace • Education
Computer Communication Effects • The Imaginary Workplace A workplace of unlimited resources based on creativity which can produce full employment and is predicated on democracy in the workplace.
Computer Communication Effects • Education in the Imaginary Workplace • workers become L’earners • life-long training and education • computer-based distance education • more private educational activity than public
Predicting Technologies • Entertainment and toy industry • Corporate existence • Democratic communities • The Internet • Linux
Predicting Technologies • A period of rapid change • The ‘90s Gold Rush • Fast change means societies are easily deflected • Same arguments for laissez-faire capitalism • We have to learn how to confront change
Predicting Technologies • The technologies which exists today are hazy prototypes of what will appear tomorrow.
Speaking of the “Internet” in 2003 is like speaking about the “Electricity” in 1903.
The Internet • The Internet is an enabling, multi-purpose technology. • This means many more technologies are headed our way.
The Internet • The book enabled: • Literacy • Grammar • The Reformation • National borders • Capital markets • The Industrial Revolution • Unions
The Internet • Electricity spawned: • Telegraph • Light bulb • Telephone • Movies • Radio • TV
Will unions be part of this New Electronic Society?Yes. If they participate in the design of new technologies.
The Internet CourseReader • An educational computer communications program • Designed by unionists for group work • Helps solves problems due to: • High Internet costs • Undependable electricity • Expensive telephone connections
The Internet CourseReader Internet
The Internet CourseReader Internet
The Internet CourseReader Internet
The Internet CourseReader Internet
The Internet CourseReader Internet
The Internet CourseReader Internet
The Internet CourseReader • Developed as “Open Source” Software • Free of charge • “Source Code” available for programmers • Translatable • Freely distributable • Foundation of an international union-owned, union-designed educational computer communications network
Union Web Sites Internet
Union Web Sites Internet
Union Web Sites • Web Page Creation Software • Mozilla • Open source “free” software • Available in: Belarusion, Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Sorbian, Slovak, Slovenian, and Ukranian.