Portfolio 5

The present century is a century of rapid scientific progress. Human have made countless breakthroughs in almost every area. Inventing of a kind of new technology is always making human life more comfortable and convenient; however, it could also have the potential of many disadvantages on society. Some disadvantages are caused by material of new invention, for example, Freon which is used as refrigerating fluid is destroying ozone layer. This kind of adverse impact is avoidable. Testing the new technology before putting into market would help to find whether it has adverse impact on the environment or anything else, in order to take measures to eliminate the negative effect, for example, finding an alternative material. Another kind of disadvantage is not caused by the technology itself, but caused by unethical abuses. Even though inventors’ purposes are making life better, inventions could have harmful effects on human once they are abused intentionally or accidentally. Just as the kitchen knife, is invented to help people, but also can stab people. There are two ways to prevent the abuse of technology. One is to depend on the self-discipline of users. That is to say, conscience and responsibility of human could eliminate negative effects of new technology on society. The other is to depend on the legal restriction. “Nothing can be accomplished without norms or standards.” Law can prevent and punish person who abuses technology illegally. Researchers have responsibilities to help establishing specific jurisdiction clauses to ensure the proper use of new technologies, because they are most familiar with their inventions. Any technology depends on its use to decide whether it is advantageous or otherwise. If they are used by users properly, any invention would benefit human, even caffeine can be used to ease patients’ pains. In the matter of what use to make technology, man alone can decide.

Portfolio 4

In general, there are no many difficulties with writing in my engineering class. Most of my modules are about science and technology, such as math and physics, in which calculation plays a more important role than writing. Besides EG1471 (English for Academic Purposes), I have but one module about writing; it is programming methodology which need to be written in computer language instead of human language. However, there is a little trouble in listening clearly in lecture, especially when the lecturer speaks a bit fast. For example, I could not catch what the lecturer of EG1108 (Electrical Engineering) says, so I have to learn by myself. Of course, it takes my some spare time to learn what I should get from lectures. In addition, I have some problems to understand questions accurately. It could not be ignored, because incorrect understanding or interpreting a sentence, even a short phrase, could lead to an absolutely wrong answer. For example, in physics, a question asked to express the answer as an angle measured south of west. Because I mistook the meaning of “south of west” and “south by west”, even though I could solve the question, I was not sure what value of angle is correct. Fortunately, after mid-term tests, another lecturer takes charge of the EG1108 lecture. She speaks slower than the previous one, so it is a little easier to understand her lecture. As for the meaning of questions, I think the only way to resolve it is to do more practices and try to get used to the common parlance in question and test. “It is the first step that is troublesome.” I believe that the learning block about language will be gradually away.

Porfolio 3

Summary
Solar power can provide energy for residential homes to meet the daily needs. Solar power needs only once payout, while it will be free to use all the life. Compared with other kinds of energy, it helps not only families save money, but also save natural resources. In most cases, solar power plays a supplementary role of traditional power systems. Even if not all energy required in the house is provided by solar power, families would save a considerable amount of money after a certain period. The front-end investment is different for different type of solar power, for example, the price of solar power systems that store energy in batteries is much higher than self-installed home water heating system. Each choice has own advantages. For self-installed system, people can save money from using their intelligence. For solar power system installed by a reliable contractor, there is warranty and quality guarantee of product, though it is more costly. Another compromise solution, which can save money and get a warranty at the same time, is that choosing commercially available solar panels, which is valid in a self-installed system, to install by themselves. Solar power can be complex, such as solar photovoltaic panels, which can store a huge amount of energy for family daily needs. It can also be simple, such as self-installed systems, which is made of aluminum cans, glass doors and other discarded articles. Whether the solar power system for residential homes is complex or simple, people can do their part to save the dwindling resources for the earth, and save money for themselves in the long term.

Wyk, A. Solar Power for Residential Homes. Retrieved September 29, 2008 from http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/solar-power-for-residential-homes.html