Preface to Ken Foster’s ISTAS 04 ReportThe 2004 International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS .04) was held on June 14th through 19th at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The Symposium is sponsored annually by the IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology (SSIT). The theme of this year.s conference was "Globalizing Technology Education". The SSIT is unique within the IEEE as it draws its members from all disciplines within the Institute. It also encourages participation by non-engineers who are involved with the effects and implications of technological activities. In keeping with this interdisciplinary nature, ISTAS '04 brought together engineering educators and practitioners with professionals in law, public policy, ethics, history and the humanistic dimensions of technology. The attendees represented countries in Africa, Europe and Asia and included a substantial number of students. Among the highlights of the Symposium was a keynote address by Curt Carlson, President and CEO of SRI International. In keeping with the conference theme, his presentation focused upon the dynamics of collaborative creativity within the engineering process, providing insights from SRI's distinguished work as a developer of leading edge technologies. A direct example of the global possibilities afforded within education was provided at the conference banquet when several WPI students described their experiences within the Global Perspective Program of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). This program affords students opportunities to work on significant social and technical issues in diverse cultural and international contexts. In describing their experiences, students outlined how they have employed their education to improve lives in Africa and Asia and contribute to the needs of non-profit organizations within Europe.
Brian M. O'Connell, SSIT President
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