One of the most interesting parts of this module was the podcast on plagiarism. I found the differing views caused me to think about plagiarism in a way I had not done before. In particular the comment made by Malcom Gladwell - toward the end of the podcast - about creating things from scratch made me realize that no one really does create anything from scratch - we each build on what we've learned and experienced throughout a lifetime. For example the advancements in medicine which are made today happen because of the advancements made a century ago, and so on. How do we credit all those who have contributed to what we know?
One thing I did not know prior to this module, was that patents expire in seventeen years. I had no idea that patents even had an expiration date at all - I just figured those inventors were set for life, reaping the financial rewards of holding a patent. Another new discovery - or maybe this was a reminder - was the vast number of ways that the electronic information is vulnerable. In connection with this reminder was the restoration of my concerns over identity safety. Because of this I continue to pay bills the old fashioned way - checks - and do little or no shopping on line. My confidence in security vs my confidence in Hakers abilities lean toward the Hakers.
Over-all, this module has been as enlightening as all the others. Thanks to Sue and Kathy - this course has been challenging and yet delightful as I have expanded my knowledge base and increased my confidence when faced with technology.
Good points Maryann. Plagiarism is a huge thing and goes beyond the academic setting. I always say that when you think of a new idea, just know that it may not be as new as you think and that some else is probably thinking about it or thought about it.
ReplyDelete