Assignment 3 is due on Thursday February 12 at 10am. It should be roughly 2000 words in length and is worth 10 marks.
Mobile devices currently exist which enable workers to do their jobs "at a distance". Select a few of these devices to discuss. For each of these devices, briefly describe the underlying technology, making clear why this can be viewed as computer science. Elaborate on how these mobile devices are being used in the workplace. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using mobile devices for work. Conclude with your own comments on how the use of mobile devices for work should evolve in the future and why.
For this assignment, students are expected to properly cite references in order to back up statements being made (both for the sections that describe the technology and where it is being used (cite the sources that made it possible for you to know all this) and especially for the discussion of the benefits and drawbacks (locate references that can serve to back up the arguments that you are making)).
In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to learn how to conduct research on a fairly recent topic. You will also be exposed to issues regarding the social implication of computers which are very much in the forefront of concerns today in the year 2009. You will, in addition, have the challenge of budgeting the allotted space to discuss the different subtopics required. One caution is to ensure that your essay has ample discussion of the social implications of mobile devices, so that you do not consume most of the pages simply describing the technology.