Vyas 1

Sharat Vyas
Professor Malcolm Campbell
English 1103
9/28/15
Topic Proposal: Catalysts for the Evolution of Computer technology
Introduction/Overview
The topic that I have an interest in is technology. Specifically its evolution over the past
decades. I am curious to learn if there is a specific component that acted as a catalyst for the
growth of technology. I have developed some of my own ideas as to what acted as a catalyst and
catapulted society from a letter writing population to an instant messaging population. Obviously
the computer and internet did play a big role, but what inventions got us to that point?
I dont think people realize how large of a role technology plays in their lives. You can
take any college major offered at this university, and I am positive that it will utilize technology
in some form or fashion. For example, a botany major can use modern technology to analyze the
amount of specific bacteria in a type of algae. An economics major can use the processing
capabilities of a computer to create and test complex models in hours that would have taken
years to test by hand.
I came to this topic in quite an amusing way. Originally, all I knew was that I wanted to
do a topic that involved technology. As I began reading and doing some preliminary research, I
became distracted, went off on a tangent, and began to watch funny YouTube videos. About
halfway through, I saw an advertisement for the new iPhone and thought to myself Another new
iPhone its only been a few months since the previous released. It was at that exact moment that
my lightbulb went off. I began to think about how rapidly the computer is evolving and how far

Vyas 2

it has come since Colossus(One of the first computers used to break German Enigma code in
WWII) in 1943.
As I continued to research, I found some conflicting views on the the most important
component of the computer was that acted as a catalyst for its future growth. For example,
Sharon Gaudin from Computer World magazine argued the most important component of the
computer was the transistor. On the other hand, an author from CNN argues that the silicon chip
is the most important invention and that without it, computers would not have been at the point
they are in their development.
Initial Inquiry Question(s)
I had some trouble determining my question. Originally it was Is there a specific
invention that acted as a catalyst for the growth of technology, but as I began my research, I
found that technology had a very loose interpretation and had different meaning for different
individuals. Originally I tried to define what I thought technology meant to me but that venture
ended up being unfruitful. I have modified my original question and now think I have a viable
and successful initial inquiry question. My question will be Is there a specific invention that
acted as a catalyst for the growth of computer technology?

My Interest in this Topic

I have had an interest in computers since I was a child. I am currently a computer science
major and know a good amount about our current technology and where technology is headed.
However, I do not know much about the computers history till this point? What has gotten
computers to the point they are today? I am interested in computers and their history, because

Vyas 3

they have allowed our world as a whole to stay better connected. Thanks to the strides made by
computers, I can now FaceTime a family member that is on the other side of the globe. I am also
interested in computers because they are utilized by a person from every walk of life and by
every person regardless of their life. That is part of the reason why I find computers so
interesting. They are used by most of the population and can be used for such a variety of topics
and in such a variety of ways.
Next Steps
My next step is to begin researching information about my question. I plan to go ask
some of my Computer Science professors what invention they think played the largest role on the
development of the computer we use today. In addition to that, I am going to begin reading about
the history of the computer in general. I plan to look at multiple timelines that outline the major
developments of the computer. I will take these events and begin to research each of them
individually to learn about why they played such a vital role.
Once I have done that research, I plan on digging into the librarys scholarly resources.
The information available on the database will help me create my argument and will also ensure
that my supporting details are factually accurate. I plan on subscribing to the free newspaper and
magazine subscriptions such as New York Times that are offered through the library and sourcing
through those to see if I can get any additional information.
After that, I plan on mapping out my essay. I want to map out some of my arguments and
their supporting evidence so that my paper has a sense of flow and organization. Once I complete
that step, I am planning to begin writing a first draft of the paper. I do not want to rush this paper
and by getting a head start, I can a lot more reviews from my peers. I think that by giving them
time to read my paper, their comments will also be much more helpful than if I got them to peer

Vyas 4

review my paper the night before it was due. I look forward to begin my research and eventually
finding an answer to my question.