Module 13, What I've learned.

Module 13

            During my time in IST 1100 I’ve learned about the uses and benefits of information technology on a global scale as well as an individual scale. It’s important to realize that the influence of information technology will not slow but only continue to grow; thus, I have learned the importance of staying ahead of the technological trends in order to make myself competitive in the business market. 

            I believe that Friedman’s concept that the world is flat is true.  We can see it practically everywhere we look.  Businesses have flourished by using all of the advantages the World Wide Web and computers can offer.  Companies can now sell their products primarily online without the concern of ever running out of shelf space in one of their stores.  This is an advantage that the long tail concept provides.  Businesses are essentially able to double their profits by selling less popular products that are harder to market online.  Or on the other hand, a small business or even an individual, can now market their products on a global scale.  The possibilities that the Web provides for business and individuals is seemingly limitless and the ability to access the internet through advancements in mobile phone technology and tablets has only helped these possibilities expand.

            I have also learned about outsourcing and how it has grown exceptionally with the growth of the internet.  While outsourcing has done a great deal for our global economy by creating a global market, it has also decreased jobs here in the United States.  It’s scary to think that practically any job you can think of may one day be outsourced to a different country to be done for less money.  I think this is an important factor to consider when deciding which career field you want to enter.  This should be a serious concern because any job that can be outsourced most likely will be.          

            Another key development was the creation of Work Flow Software.  This software is used in virtually all work environments and allows people from businesses all over the world to connect and collaborate together resulting in work being able to flow from across the office or across continents.  I think that having knowledge of various work flow software and how to use them in the work environment is an important aspect to make yourself more marketable and competitive in the business world.

            Not only has the spread of information technology provided advantages in business but it has also impacted individuals on a social level.  The ability to find information on any topic through the use of internet search engines has proven to be the ultimate benefit for any student.  Also, we now have the ability to collaborate with other students from the comfort of our own homes through the use of email or web chat sessions.

             IT has become the key component of how business is done. As our world continues to adapt more and more towards an information based society, it will be crucial for individuals to possess knowledge and demonstrate proficiency on how to manage and maintain information technology in the work place.  I believe that the career opportunities in the field of computers will only continue to expand.  Information technology will find its way into every business eventually and the businesses that don’t adapt to the technological world won’t survive in the long run.  I think that this realization has been the single most important thing that I’ve learned in this class.  We have to accept that the world is already in the computer age and soon almost every aspect of business will be affected by it.  With this knowledge, we must stay ahead of the technological trends and make ourselves “untouchable” in the employment market in order to stay competitive in a technological world.