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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 populations.
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 almost 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
powerfulness of a computer to create complex models in hours that would have taken years to
test by hand.
I came to this topic after much debate. 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 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.

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I began to think about how rapidly technology was evolving and how far it had come since the
ENIAC 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 untill this point? What has gotten
computers to the point they are today? I am interested in computers and their history, because

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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 I get there 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 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

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time to read my paper, their comments will also be much more helpful than if I got them to peer
review my paper the night before it was due. I will ?

Sharat,
I think it is great that you are doing a paper on something you have so much interest in! Having
experience in the field without having covered the specific questions you are trying to answer
will probably be a big advantage to you. The fact that you thought of using professors as
resources is wonderful. Who better to consult than experts in that field right here on campus?
Make sure you name specific resources (besides these teachers) because it says to do so in the
template. I wish I knew what the ENIAC was, maybe provide some sort of short explanation?
Yearbooking for three years has got me nitpicking on small grammatical errors, please dont hate
me :) Yellow is me suggesting you add this in, blue is capitalize, and green is I think it should be
taken out. When you put almost positive it reminded of me when Malcolm said not to use I
think. Be sure of yourself! Everyone on campus definitely has to use technology, usually every
single day. I think the end of your paper might not have saved also, double check and if you can
send the new copy back to me by tonight I will read over it again. :)
Youve done a great job! I hope you have fun with your research!
-Misty Morin