Today’s Technology Trends

當今的科技趨勢A closer look at where technology is and where it is going by Simon Stopps

SC: What is the difference between computer science, computer engineering and management information systems (MIS)?
EC: In general, computer science tends to deal with theory, methods and processes. In computer engineering, the emphasis is on applying those theories to real-world situations. In contrast, Management Information Systems goes a step further and focuses on applying various technologies in business situations.

SC: What areas of computer technology are growing in importance?
EC: There are a lot of exciting things happening with technology right now. Currently, there is a lot of emphasis on mobile technologies-like cell phones. There is also a lot of interest in search technology, especially with regard to searching for things like images and videos.

SC: What area of computing are becoming less important?
EC: We are currently seeing a shift away from computer science and toward engineering and MIS. I don't know that it's because computer science is becoming less important. It's just that theory has developed so quickly that businesses need a chance to catch up with applications.

SC: What technological changes should we expect over the next little while?
EC: Basically, we are going to continue to see smaller, faster and more powerful devices. We are also moving toward more integrated technologies. In smart homes, for example, every thing is integrated. You can open windows and doors or turn on lights and appliances remotely.

SC: What impact are mobile technologies having?
EC: Originally, cell phones just made phone calls. Next, they sent text messages and then came images and video calls. Now we're seeing cell phones that make extensive use of extremely varied applications. Eventually, these applications should let us control the other integrated technologies in our lives, while we're on the move.

SC: What challenges will need to be faced as technology moves forward?
EC: In most cases, the technology is ready, but the need is not great enough to justify teh expense. The exception to this is in the area of surveillance. We also need to ensure dependable cell phone coverage as people move around, especially by plane or high-speed rail.

Grammar on the go:
What areas of computer technology are growing in important?
"growing in importance" =" becoming more important."
Having clean water to drink is a subject growing in importance.
"growing in"
"growing in popularity"
Ever since the bakery started selling their special cakes, the bakery has grow in popularity.
"growing in confidence"
Timothy's unique internship position has allowed him to grow in confidence.

Vocabulary Tips:
emphasis (n)- 強調重點 emphases (v)-
* The main emphasis of the program is to help foreign students to adjust more easily to the university.
* We should put more emphasis on the quality of our products instead of our marketing strategies.
shift-轉移,轉變change to
*The politician's drastic shift from supporting the Republican Party to the Democratic Party is a big risk.
*The poll is designed to collect information regarding the shift in consumers' demands.
application-應用,運用
*The applications from this research are mostly used in the field of medicine.
*Engineers are still working on developing a practical application of the theory.
justify-成爲某事的正當理由. give a good reason for something. it comes from " just"-公正的
*I find it very difficult to justify your frequent tardiness. 。。。為你的屢次遲到找到正當理由。
*Being offended doesn't justify your behavior. 被冒犯並不能成爲你行爲的正當理由。
dependable-可靠的，可信靠的。靠得住的
*You have to find a dependable accountant to manage your money.
*The car might not look very fancy, but it's quite dependable. 不很豪華但是很可靠。
coverage (n)- 含概的範圍。cover(v)-覆蓋
*The dictionary gives very good vocabulary coverage. 字典含概相當多的單字。
*People without any form of health coverage always get rejected by the hospital. 任何保險
impact-effect
integrate- technology all come together.
smart homes- it means the house build with many technology involved that make people's living much convenience

Chat Room
the Chair of the Computer Science Department
chair-椅子,.
chair係主任=chairman(男的)- chairwoman(女的), chairperson(中性)
chair (v)-主持
chair a meeting-主持一個會議
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The exception to this is the area of surveillance.
exception- come from "except" -no exception, excluded.
There are no exceptions to the rule-每人都要遵守規則，每人可以例外。
except-（介係詞）除。。。之外。
Everyone is going to the party except me
except-（連接詞）但是，只是。however
I would go to the party, except I have a lot of work to do. 我很想。。。只是（但是）我有。。
accept- to receive, to agree, to take in. 接受， 接納。