Computers and People: Essays from The Profession

W. Neville Holmes

Wiley, Oct 27, 2006 - Computers - 324 pages

Thought-provoking perspectives on how computers and people interact

This intriguing collection of essays and overviews presents new insights and perspectives into the roles that computers and digital technology have played and could play in society. The thirty-four essays were originally published in the IEEE Computer Society's flagship magazine Computer. The essays are grouped, each with a substantial overview and extensive discussion points, and all written by Neville Holmes, one of the foremost authorities in the field.

Computers and People has six main chapters:

• The Basis of Computing considers what technology is, and why digital technology is particularly significant in today's world.
• Computers So Far details how computers have been used and misused, questioning many common beliefs and practices.
• Computers and Education argues that the greatest potential benefit of digital technology is in education, and examines reasons why this potential is ignored in so many areas.
• Computing and Professions takes a close look at the nature and role of the computing profession, but brings out issues that are important to all professions.
• The Potential of Computing suggests several ways in which digital technology might be used to greatly benefit different areas of society.
• Facing the Future looks at the major problems facing the world and at how digital technology and computing professionals could help mitigate these problems.

The book is intended for anyone interested in learning more about the true nature and significance of digital technology. Not only will it instill a greater appreciation of the possible dangers and benefits of digital technology in our society, but it will also promote understanding of how much more digital technology could benefit society and what kind of professionals are needed to fully realize its potential.

Contents

• The Basis of Computing: 1
• Computing So Far: 39
• Computers and Education: 87

About the author

W. NEVILLE HOLMES, B.E.E., M.Cog.Sci., Mr. Holmes is an Honorary Research Associate in the School of Computing at the University of Tasmania, Australia. After graduating from Melbourne University, he spent two years as a patent examiner before working as a systems engineer at IBM Australia for thirty years. Taking early retirement, he took up teaching about computing at the tertiary level in Tasmania. Mr. Holmes was a foundation member of the Victorian Computer Society and was awarded the 1974 ANCAAC Medal for his paper "The Social Implications of the Australian Computer Society." Since 2000, he has been editing and writing the feature column "The Profession" for the IEEE Computer Society's flagship magazine Computer.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Computers and People: Essays from The Profession; IEEE Computer Society Press; IEEE Computer Society publications; Volume 58 of Practitioners Series
• Author: W. Neville Holmes
• Contributor: IEEE Computer Society
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Wiley, 2006
• ISBN: 0470008598, 9780470008591
• Length: 324 pages
• Subjects: Computers / Computer Engineering; Computers / General