>Review the sections in von Wodtke ch. 10 where he talks about "the evolution of the work environment" and "bonding" mind to machine. Do computers liberate the user, or do they simply represent a greater sophistication in technologies of control?

I believe computers liberate the user in some ways. For instance, computers can eliminate past manual operations such as mathematical calculations. I prepare reports of the shipments made by our department at work. I not only had to type the figures, I also had to add them up. Then if I only wanted to see specific information, I would have to retype them and add them up again. With software programs such as Access, I still type (key in) the numbers but the computer can do the adding and sorting. This is also true with a software program called Excel. I can create a template of a rate page for use over and over. I can key in the information once, and then when it changes, simply go to one field where the information has changed and Excel will recalculate all the related fields. This actually produces more accurate reports since the software does not make mathematical or typing errors. Additionally I can transmit this information instantly to many other people. So put to use in this manner, I believe computers can liberate the user of "menial" tasks so that they can utilize their time better. As von Wodtke says, "Computers can empower creative people to express themselves in multimedia and work collaboratively through telecommunications." (pg 259)

Where I believe control comes into play is in regard to accessibility. There is a danger, because of the fast paced evolution of computers, that many people will be, as they say, lost in the dust. Those people who do not have access to computers because of location or financial situations are at a great disadvantage. Those people who are unwilling to utilize computers are finding themselves unable to communicate with those who have computers. Those able to utilize computers have the ability to grow and prosper. Those who are not able find themselves falling behind and therefore being at risk to be controlled.

Throughout time this has been the scenario. Technological advances have given those with it the power over those without it. The white man with guns overpowered the indians. In W.W. II, the Adam bomb dropped on Hiroshima gave the Allies power of Japan. Like any other technology, computers can and are used by humans to oppress other humans.

So in answer to the question, my answer is "yes". Computers liberate the user and they represent a great sophistication in technologies of control.