Impact of Technology In Democratization of Knowledge - Essay Example

? Impact of technology in democratization of knowledge Technology has democratized knowledge. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Democratic societies expect information to flow freely in the modern times. Technology has contributed to the democratization of knowledge in enormous ways. Internet is perceived to be intrinsically democratic. It’s been argued that the internet is a large democratizing force (Cullell 2008). Personal computers are perceived to be democratic instruments. Democracy has enormous influence on the flow information and knowledge. Internet places considerable emphasis on dissemination of information rather than quality. Most information technology based connections are referred to as internet technologies. Internet technology has become a treasure place for academic curriculum content (Lytras 2010). It provides students and learners with resources daily. Students verify lecture notes from internet. Internet technology has created a chance for information to flow without many constraints. The idea making knowledge democratic has a strong appeal to masses. It acknowledges that information and knowledge is a social construct and rarely is the perspective of individuals (Dominic 2007). Knowledge democracies are known to eliminate hierarchical barriers and political boundaries with an aim of exchanging knowledge. Internet serves as a platform where information and knowledge is passed freely (Maasein & Weingart 2006). Geographical and political boundaries are easily overcome through a digital space (Halal 2008). People are able to take up roles and characters in a digital environment (Cullell 2008). Democratization of knowledge suggests that information and knowledge flows freely around organization or the world. There is an assumption that the best ideas float at the top. Internet has created stage where information that cannot be shared in some places due to government restrictions is posted for the world to view (Maasein & Weingart 2006). Almost any person can place their views, research and comments for the rest of the world to read (Dominic 2007). This can weakened bureaucratic ways of sharing public information. Through internet, ordinary people can engage experts on matters. Many existing scholarly debates touching on the challenge of democratic legitimacy in the global governance place emphasis on growing strength on international institutions. Internet has immensely contributed to anti globalization protests and critics of institutions like the international monetary fund (Lytras 2010). Through technology, people from all corners of ht world can express their sentiments and disapprove the autonomy of international institutions (Dominic 2007). Skeptic publics are beginning to question the power and legitimacy of international institutions through the technological platform (Maasein & Weingart 2006). The democratic deficit in the international governance poses a principal challenge (Halal 2008). Democratic publics are seeking to use technology to assert their opinions and control over government and social institutions that affect their lives. Organizations are considering reforms to make decision making processes easy and practical through the use of technology (Cullell 2008). There is no doubt that technology has contributed to democratization of decision making in institutions (Lytras 2010). Technology has given rise to scholarships that enhance the effectiveness of democratic institutions (Maasein & Weingart 2006). These strategies are aimed at constraining the exercise of authority and power through sharing of knowledge and information (Lytras 2010). Governments and other social institutions are using technology to resolve conflicts over interpretations of uncertainty regardless to the geographical distance (Dominic 2007). Democracy cannot be adequately discussed without a sharp focus on institutions (Maasein & Weingart 2006). Democracy is harnessed and executed through institutions. People are increasingly using technology to exploit the authority and independent power of institutions. According to Hass, technology has altered the framework and construction of accessing information and the freedom that goes with it. The idea of information and knowledge needs to be reviewed in the light of technology and the impact if internet communication technology (Dominic 2007). Technology has altered how knowledge gets internalized into a society. The internet has broken the fruitless attempts of communities interacting before the discovery of the World Wide Web (Maasein & Weingart 2006). People never know who to contact and how to get the people outside their geographical boundaries (Lytras 2010). Technology has created a way for information to be shared in multiple channels simultaneously (Cullell 2008). Technology has developed ways of faster processing of information and availing it to possible digital audiences. Information and knowledge is expressed without fear or favor (Paganetto 2004). Smartphone’s have revolutionalised the enhancement of knowledge through audio transmission (Halal 2008). This knowledge has led to substantial impact of the levels of freedom in the society (Maasein & Weingart 2006). Tyranny is being challenged through complex ways of expressions personal opinions by means of technology (Dominic 2007). The rise of video websites like YouTube has caused ordinary people to be posting video clips or footages for the world to have a glimpse (Halal 2008). There is a strong feeling that modern day social dynamism is centered on technology. This crux of technology is the smooth flow of ideas and knowledge expressed in a digital atmosphere. Through technology, online learning has become embraced as one of the mainstream methods of learning. Under this concept, students learn and attend virtual classrooms and participate in professional learning while in different continents (Maasein & Weingart 2006). Thousands of students have acquired degrees under the same online degree programs (Dominic 2007). Students have the opportunity to subscribe to electronic libraries and acquire all the learning materials they need on any subject. Technology has left an indelible access in the acquisition of knowledge (Halal 2008). The digital atmosphere created by technology facilitates constant flow of ideas that are beneficial to the society and individuals (Cullell 2008). This has also enabled a phenomenon called pluralism of place. This refers to the ability of a character to exist in more than one place at the same time. For instance, an individual could be watching, television, communicating on cell phone and listening to an online radio program at the same time (Maasein & Weingart 2006). This has the effect that it is possible to participate in multiple environments and create an impacts though technological empowerment. Knowledge flows in an atmosphere where rich, in information communication technology. The concept of technology has facilitated the flow of knowledge and sharing on ideas (Dominic 2007). Therefore, it is considered that knowledge on technological matters is necessary in matters that concern knowledge. Development of information technology affects the flow of knowledge directly (Paganetto 2004). Organizations have begun embracing the relevance of information communication technology and are investing in cutting edge technology (Halal 2008). Society has begun to accept technology as a vital ingredient for information passage and growth. For instance, a survey showed that businesses are commencing to use web 2.0 and that over 74 per cent of organizational executives plan to either maintain or expand the usage of technology to facilitate information flow and acquisition of information (Lytras 2010). Therefore, it has become indispensable for organizations and society at large to understand the impact of development of information communication technology on knowledge. One of the ways of doing this is to invest in the knowledge of technology and technological forecasts (Maasein & Weingart 2006). Moreover, in the modern world, knowledge flow has become the lifeline of many organizations and government at large. Most societies have begun to appreciate that the vital information needed for profitability is rarely in located within their boundaries (Dominic 2007). They have resulted in investing in ways to locate the information beyond their rich. The role of the internet has been critical in the entire process. Studies show that the internet has affected they way information is disseminated and how knowledge is acquired. Huge advances in technology have affected the process of information flow and innovation (Paganetto 2004). Internet technologies have affected the way workers source information (Lytras 2010). In modern times, knowledge workers are saturated with ideas and information (Halal 2008). Advances in technology have affected the effectiveness of information passage and application of knowledge. Technology has affected the speed of information flow (Maasein & Weingart 2006). This means that knowledge is easily accessible. This is different from the traditional approach with information and knowledge vastly depended on hierarchical and bureaucratic procedures (Paganetto 2004). International governance has taken a fresh look under the influence on technology. Global politics mirror domestic societies in democratic societies (Halal 2008). Technology has affected the ability of global players to govern with conferences being held through video conferencing and other high technologies. International governance can now achieve goals with much ease thank to the information superhighway (Cullell 2008). Technology has bridged the digital divide between remote societies and highly developed societies. Through technology, many have come to believe that the world is a global village (Paganetto 2004). The concept that the world is flat has come about because of the easy on passage of knowledge under the atmosphere of advanced information technology. Technological advancement leads to increased flow of information (Lytras 2010). Therefore, increase in technology is directly proportional to increase in knowledge (Halal 2008). There are over 70 million web applications where individuals express their personal knowledge through informal expressions. At the moment, social networking software is the basis of social interchange currently (Maasein & Weingart 2006). Strong versions of social networking software are being launched. This has facilitated sharing of business contacts and relationships which lead to information flow. These upcoming technologies are influential in managing knowledge in a democratic atmosphere. In conclusion, the barriers that affect the smooth flow of information are being bypassed. The structures are still on paper, but their usefulness has been redefined through the introduction of technology. However, many argue that technology alone is not enough to spar growth in the modern society. In the past, democratic technologies were absent and the hierarchical huddles affected social effectiveness. Technological advancement has made a substantial impact of the level of knowledge in every society. This is amount of information that flows in the society can be reflected through the technologies that have been are established. The impact of technologies cannot be understated when it comes to information flow and knowledge acquisition. Technology has profoundly democratized knowledge in the modern world. References Cullell, F,2008, Information Flow and Knowledge Sharing 1st ed. Elsevier. Dominic, A. C. 2007. Access to Knowledge Created by Information Technology Vendors and Client Staff Work Performance, 1st ed. ProQuest, 2007. Halal, W. 2008. Technology's Promise: Expert Knowledge on the Transformation of Business and Society 1st ed. Palgrave Macmillan. Lytras, M. D. 2010. Knowledge Management, Information Systems, E-learning-Learning, and Sustainability Research: 1st ed. Springer. Maasein, S., & Weingart, P. 2006 Democratization of Expertise?: Exploring Novel Forms of Scientific Advice in Political Decision-Making 1st ed. Springer. Paganetto, L. 2004. The Knowledge Economy, Information Technologies and Growth,1st ed. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Read More