The most impactful reading...Artfificial intelligence working for humans.

The most interesting and enlightening article/paper I read was inspired by my goal to pursue maximum efficiency through the use of computers or (science and technology). Let me not lie, I was basically looking for a way to redirect my tasks/assignments to a capable, equipped system that would complete these tasks/assignments for me - giving me more time to sleep and watch more and more movies(Apparently, a solution already exists). So, if you ever heard of crowd sourcing then you have an idea of what I am talking about but better still - you will find out how clever math algorithms(functions) can help you get the best results through crowd sourcing.

So, let me give you a glimpse of what the human-artificial intelligence paper is about. Firstly, you need to know what crowd sourcing is(if you don't - it's  an easy concept to understand). Crowd sourcing is basically outsourcing your problems(tasks) to a crowd(masses). Now, let us put some details into context. Think about all those outstanding essays, thought-provoking African studies essays and those improbable further math questions. Imagine what a relief it would be if we outsourced all these problems to corporates, historians and engineers(or everyone in the world). Trust me I know. Now, given that you outsourced a further mathematics assignment - how would you manage the answers(responses) if they are all different; how valid or applicable are all the people's responses;how would you know which one is correct or incorrect and the questions never end. I hope we can all understand that all these tedious cross-checking tasks would require a great deal of manpower over a period of time. If you do not have manpower or the time - we switch to fast computers which are genetically-coded to reason  and make judgements based on logic(some math and stats).

Following our predicament above, computers(actually thousands of equations) are designed to solve our multitude of problems. You may be wondering how clustered computers help our limited human intellect. It's really not complex when they do it though. These networks of crowd sourcing applications will take your further math assignment and break it down into small, reduced percentage error parts. Each part will be directed to specific groups of people. Some groups will generate the answers, while another group checks for errors made by the thinkers. Somewhere along this route of people, you may find 10,000 people solving the problems, 12,000 people finding errors and 20,000 marking the final answers. Secondly, these computers decide who to delegate which task to based on previous tasks, work experience, individual completion success rates and motivation indexes. All of this is complied and the best solution(for each question in your f.math assignment) is presented to your Further Math teacher. How smoother could life be?

However, it is unfortunate that these crowd sourcing services are expensive and may be ''inaccessible'' to us(ALA students). Despite the monetary barrier, I found this form of artificial intelligence to be a very practical, cost effective alternative to people trying to reinvent the wheel over and over again(important repetitive work). If this field of AI gains acceptance and popularity over next few decades, people will no longer have to work for one boss/company nor go to a factory/building for work. The possibilities are endless and as for ALA students, entrepreneurial leadership teaches us to maximize our opportunities. Substitute computers for pupils and do the rest of the math!

Why are you taking Scientific Research?

Well, most of the decisions I make in life are usually driven by two motives: the yearning to learn more and the pleasure of loving what you do. I will try my best to explain how these two aspects are applicable as reasons for taking Scientific Research at ALA.

The desire to learn more about the miracles of this world has always fascinated from a very early age. I think of it in this way; the more I know, the more things I have to share with other people(even though the number of sociable peers decreased exponentially - until I came to ALA). The mechanics of economics, technology and science has always been a safe haven for me. If I recall correctly, I always wanted to know how a stock market functioned or how skyscrapers were built in the most densely populated areas. Thankfully, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and some news channels made this task fairly simple - I remained glued to the tv for hours after hours. Honestly, I do not think I could survive in a world where I did not how things around me functioned.
 My curious nature was probably inspired by the fear of not knowing. The desire for knowledge is one end of the spectrum while on the other end lies the ability to understand. Therefore, my desire to learn more about the sciences of this world is complemented by both knowledge and understanding. The scientific research class does not only fulfil this aspiration, but it also allows me to stretch my mind into unvisited fields such as biology and psychology.

Now, moving on to my second point which is loving what you do. For instance, if you love spending a lot of time on the internet trying to figure out how artificial intelligence works in robotics and computers - you won't see your input as a burden because the results will give you pleasure. Going to the most extreme extent of criticising, validating and cross-referencing different sources. Basically, doing research allows me the liberty to explore beyond the boundaries of a field and I even lose track of time when I am doing it.

So, just to sum everything up, Scientific Research provides a platform for me to learn more from others and it also legitimises the time I spend doing research about my favourite topics