This week, Edward L. and I did our presentation on Arduino, a multiplatform microcontroller that can be programmed to fulfill many different functions. These functions can range from being able to detect earthquakes before they happen and tweeting when one is detected to powering a mechanical bull for dolls to ride on. For computer programming aficionados, this circuit board is a very exciting piece of technology. It utilizes its own programming language, but it closely resembles the C++ programming language that is standard in a lot of programming software. Arduino is also very affordable--the base chip costs around $25-$30, and add on devices called shields range anywhere from $10-$100.
One really unique aspect of Arduino is that it promotes open source programming. Open source programming is essentially a movement to get away from proprietary elements of other programs, which means that people are allowing their creative and intellectual property to be utilized by anyone who wants to utilize it without any major copyright or ownership issues. By allowing for open source development, programmers can create newer concepts based on things other people have already developed. Arduino strongly promotes creativity and innovation among those who have a knack for programming.
Linked below is a TED talk done by Massimo Banzi, creator of Arduino:
Also linked here is our Prezi on Arduino:
Although I missed this presentation, I appreciate the posting of the TED video, along with the Prezi, to help me learn more about this product and where to find more information about it (as I certainly will).
ReplyDeleteSpeaking to whether or not this product is "cool" or not, I would have to say this is most definitely cool. This project encourages people to teach themselves about hardware and software, using the examples of others. It might have one drawback, in that it covers such a broad spectrum of technology that it could become hard to comprehend all of the necessary information. However, to see how this product has encouraged the sharing of many different information projects is fantastic. When one does not know how to do something, he can always borrow the knowledge from others until it becomes fully catalogued in his own brain.
I think everyone should be exposed to this project because the logical processes behind it are so important to develop. By combining the mechanical (hardware development) and theoretical (software development) methods of learning, I believe that this product has a variety of applications to mental development for persons of all ages.
I should preface this by declaring that I know absolutely nothing about computer programming. That being said, if it is used for good, I think that this device is great. The most important part is the condition that it is used in a beneficial way. Should it be used to promote laziness or antisocial behavior, I would vote that its cool status be revoked. We have enough worthless technology in the world, I hardly think we need anymore. That being said, in the very least it is going to have people thinking critically, which is always a good thing.
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