Recitation 3: Sensors by Kat Van Sligtenhorst

Moisture Sensor Basic Circuit: It was very easy to get the basic function of the moisture sensor working, and we were able to do it on our first try. After connecting the circuit, the sensor was able to register when it was placed in a bottle cap filled with water, and displayed higher outputs on the screen.

Moisture Sensor Second Circuit: To add something to our circuit, we wanted to incorporate an LED bulb that registered when there was not enough moisture in the soil. We struggled with the mechanics of configuring our device to do so, and ultimately couldn’t quite figure out how to get it working correctly in conjunction with the code.

Q1: What did you intend to assemble in the recitation exercise? If your sensor/actuator combination were to be used for pragmatic purposes, who would use it, why would they use it, and how could it be used?

A1: We intended to build a moisture sensor that was connected to an LED bulb. In theory, our device would be used by gardeners to make sure their plants received enough water. If moisture levels in the soil were to cross a certain lower threshold, the LED would turn on and signal that the plant needed to be watered. After significant moisture had been added to the soil, the light would switch off again.

Q2: Code is often compared to following a recipe or tutorial. Why do you think that is?

A2: Like a recipe or tutorial leads a person to a bigger-picture result through smaller, exact steps or measurements, code speaks to a computer in building blocks of meaningful, instructive language in order to achieve a particular outcome.

Q3: In Language of New Media, Manovich describes the influence of computers on new media. In what ways do you believe the computer influences our human behaviors?

A3: I think computers, particularly as they become more and more integrated into our daily lives, have a massive effect on human behavior. Because of the rapid processing times, near-instant communications, and other conveniences of computers, we suffer from shorter attention spans and the need for immediate gratification. Also, as Manovich mentioned, computers and the resulting new media allow objects and information to exist in many different versions. As a result, the world is made smaller, and humans are able to be more integrated in a global community full of information sharing. However, this seems to have had a negative impact on human behavior as well–increased isolation and fewer in-person interactions.

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