Week 1 discussion
DQ1
What is technology?
Instructions for this discussion topic
Review each of the following resources and respond to the
questions posed below. In this course, it is a good practice to take notes on
the videos and readings so that you can begin to integrate the concepts covered
in each. This will also be helpful when you take your quizzes.
Overview of the historical impact of technology
Kelly, K. (2009).Technology’s epic story. Available at:
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/kevin_kelly_tells_technology_s_epic_story.html
Diamond, J. (May 1, 1987). The worst mistake in the history
of the human race. Discover Magazine, 64-66. Available at:
http://discovermagazine.com/1987/may/02-the-worst-mistake-in-the-history-of-the-human-race#.Uu73L_ldWSo
Some technologies that have helped to change the world
Anthony, D. W. (1994). Moving life forward. Faces
(07491387), 11(1), 14. Available at:
http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=9410050431&site=eds-live&scope=site
Popular Mechanics (n.d.). 101 Gadgets that changed the
world. Available at:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/101-gadgets-that-changed-the-world#slide-1
Dvorsky, G. (2012). Ten inventions that changed the world in
ways we didn’t expect. Available at:
http://io9.com/5951267/10-inventions-that-changed-the-world-in-ways-we-didnt-expect
Discussion questions:
1) Based on the
resources provided above, how would you define technology? Be sure to use your
own words!
2) What are some
of the key points made by Kevin Kelly regarding the role of technology in the
evolution of humanity? Do you agree with his main arguments? Why or why not?
3) According to
Diamond, what is the worst mistake in the history of the human race? What does
this mistake have to do with technology and society?
4) What do you
think are the top 3 most important technologies of all time? Justify your
choices.
5) What is your
own favorite technology? Explain your choice.
Remember that in order to earn full credit for discussion
participation, you are to must respond fully to every question and submit your
best writing. Remember that you must respond to at least two of your classmates
before the end of the academic week.
Your responses to the discussion and to your classmates are
due on Sunday evening at 11:59 PM EST. Manage your time wisely so that you do
not incur a late penalty (refer to the syllabus). Time passes quickly in an 8
week course. Don’t procrastinate!
DQ2
Black out!
On July 30, 2012, the world’s biggest blackout took place in
India when three major power grids collapsed. To learn more about the story,
visit:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57483166/india-blackout-worsens-620m-in-dark/
How do you think you would survive a power blackout?
Although it may seem a little counter-intuitive, we are
going to start our consideration of technology in modern society by removing
technology from our modern lives. This
will lay an important foundation for the remainder of the course. This week,
you are to pick one 24-hour period in which you avoid technology as much as
possible. This includes the use of the following:
Cell phone and handheld devices
Computers, laptops, tablets
Television
Video games
Smart phones
iPods, MP3, radio
any other mobile device
Stove/Oven/Microwave
Dishwasher
For an extra challenge: start your day by filling large
containers with as much water as you think you might be able to haul from a
river or outside well and use only that water throughout the day instead of
relying on water from tap.
Obviously, if you must use any of these devices to perform
your job or to keep children safe and healthy, you may do so. You may use
kitchen appliances to prepare your meals (I don't want your family to go
hungry!) and turn your air conditioning or heat on to keep your family
comfortable, but during your blackout day, avoid as much modern technology as
possible while you are at home. Be very mindful of the technologies that you
use or avoid during the day and how this impacts your ability to function. The
objective of this exercise is to help you to appreciate the ways in which
technology impacts your functioning in everyday life. If you have other family
members, see if they will participate with you and use this opportunity to talk
about how technology impacts your life as a family.
After you have completed your blackout period, respond to
the following questions in 2-3
paragraphs:
What technologies were you aware of using that past
generations did not have? How do these technologies impact your life?
What technologies did you give up during your blackout?
What did you miss the most and why?
How did the absence of these devices impact you in the home,
workplace and other areas of your life?
Throughout the week, please respond substantively to at
least 2 classmates for this discussion topic.
Week 2 discussion
DQ1
Accessibility of
Technology: In Their Shoes
In this discussion activity, you will attempt to use the
Internet via screen reader software and will compare/contrast this experience
with using the Internet visually in order to analyze the way that technology
has or has not lived up to the expectation of equalizing information-sharing.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: If
you are a student who has a visual disability and who already uses a screen
reader program, please consider completing this assignment using a screen
reader program that is different from yours and/or by visiting websites to
which you do not normally go.
Steps:
Review some of the leading screen-reader software available
to individuals who are blind or low-vision today:
http://www.afb.org/prodmain.asp
Select a free screen reader program for your phone, tablet,
or computer to use for this Activity:
http://www.screenreader.net/index.php?pageid=11
http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/wa.php
http://www.readspeaker.com/
http://usabilitygeek.com/10-free-screen-reader-blind-visually-impaired-users/
Turning off your monitor, and using only the screen reader
program and your speakers, navigate to your top 5 favorite websites and attempt
to use each, noting your experience as you go.
Keep track of missed links, content that does not work with the screen
reader, and any difficulties you encounter.
Make one of your visits to a website with a lot of video
content – could you access the video with the screen reader?
Try to access a website to which you have never been before
– keep similar notes.
Then, access a disability organization’s website – any of
your choice, but several are listed here:
www.aapd.com
www.afb.org
http://www.unitedspinal.org/
http://ncil.org/
Analyze your experience with each website and respond to the
following questions
Did you notice differences in the websites?
What did you find frustrating about this activity?
What would you recommend to make this experience easier?
Do you think that you would have an easier time navigating
with a screen reader program if you had more experience using it, or were there
other factors?
How does this activity alter your perspective on the
experience of the visually impaired and those with other physical impairments
that make technology use a challenge?
Remember, in order to earn full participation credit for
this discussion topic, you must respond substantively to at least 2 classmates
throughout the week.
DQ2
Reenvisioning the
Educational System
Watch the following fascinating perspective on education:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
(Note: you may want to take notes!)
Respond to the following items in 2-3 well-written
paragraphs. Once you have responded, read and respond to the ideas of at least
2 of your classmates during the week. Refer to the syllabus for guidelines on
discussion participation.
Summarize three main points you took away from this
presentation.
Visit the following website identifying the top educational
systems in the
world:http://www.ncee.org/programs-affiliates/center-on-international-education-benchmarking/top-performing-countries/
Take a look at 3 or more of these countries and briefly describe why these
systems are so successful. Do you see any commonalities across these systems?
Given what you have learned this week about the social
sciences, education, and the transformative effect of technology on learning
and development, propose an educational model for the future. What do you think
should stay the same, what should change, and what role does technology play in
helping to implement your model? What are the potential consequences (positive
and negative) of the changes you propose?
Week 3 discussion
DQ1
The changing nature
of intimate relationships
View and read the videos and readings provided for
Discussion Topic 5 and complete the following questions as a response to this
topic.
1) Briefly
summarize the main points made in the resource list for this discussion. Focus
particularly on the works of Turkle (video), Broadbent (video), Janssen et al
(2014), and Malt (2007).
2) Integrating
what you have read/viewed, how has technology changed the nature of social
relationships in people of all ages. How has it changed the manner in which
“relationship work” is conducted? Are
relationships and our sense of self weakened or strengthened by technology? How
do you feel about these changes? (Be sure to cite the authors you reference in
your response.)
Your response should be several paragraphs in length. Be
sure to use your best writing skills and proofread your work. Once you have
posted your response, respond to the work of at least two classmates to earn
full participation credit.
DQ2
Online social
identity and what it says about us
1) Briefly summarize
the main points from the readings/resources for Discussion Topic 6.
2) Activity:
a. Conduct an
Internet search on your own name and email addresses. Be sure to include
nicknames or other names that you have used in the past. You may want to
include screen names or avatar names. What, if anything, do your screen names
and email addresses say about you?
b. Also use
keywords that pull for publicly available information such as tax records,
bankruptcy, marital status, criminal background, and court proceedings. Try to
find private information about yourself including phone numbers, records about
children, and work history.
3) Reflection:
Respond to the following questions in your response to this discussion topic
What information did you find about yourself? Were you
surprised by what you found? Did you find things about yourself that you would
rather keep private?
The information that you found on the Web creates a
perception of who you are. We can think of this as your “online social
identity.” What does your online identity say about you? What might a hiring
manager, supervisor, friends, and loved ones think about the online image you
have created?
4) McWhorter’s
(video) entertaining discussion about texting suggests that language is
evolving before our very eyes and is a nuanced and legitimate form of
communication. Irvine’s article supports
this idea, noting that the modalities of communication used by young people
have changed as the result of available technologies. Yet, future employers and
college professors emphasize the importance of formal, unemotional writing as
essential to presenting a proper and professional social identity. Referencing the resources for Discussion Topic
6, do you think that employers and educators are wrong in their strict
expectations of formal communication? Why or why not? What do you think is the
proper place for new “languages” that have evolved in tandem with technology
(e.g. txting, L33T speak, emoticons, etc.)?
Remember to respond to at least 2 classmates throughout the
week. I have toyed with the idea of letting people search on classmate names,
but thought that might be a little too invasive. Still, this is publicly
available information. If you have thoughts about the social image created by
your classmates as reported by them, let them know. Be diplomatic, be kind, be
helpful, but be honest.
Week 4 discussion
DQ1
Technology and the
changing nature of work
The following resources are also listed under Week Four
Learning Resources for your convenience*
For this discussion, watch the following videos:
1. Erik Brynjolgsson (2013) The key to growth, race with the
machines available at:
http://new.ted.com/talks/erik_brynjolfsson_the_key_to_growth_race_em_with_em_the_machines
2. Robert Gordon (Feb, 2013): The Death of Innovation, the
End of Growth. http://new.ted.com/talks/robert_gordon_the_death_of_innovation_the_end_of_growth
And read the following articles:
1. Ronne, J. (2015). What technological advancements will
most affect our lives in the semi-near future? Retrieved from:
https://www.quora.com/What-technological-advancements-will-most-affect-our-lives-in-the-semi-near-future
2. Newman, R. (2012). Ten businesses that will boom in 2020.
http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2012/09/10/10-businesses-that-will-boom-in-2020
3. Boston.com (n.d.) Thirty fastest- growing jobs by 2020.
Available at: http://www.boston.com/jobs/2013/12/30/top-fastest-growing-jobs/TFcyHJvsq47aqcdQb8K18J/story.html
4. Boston.com (n.d.). Thirty of the fastest declining
occupations. Available at:
http://www.boston.com/jobs/2013/12/30/the-fastest-declining-occupations/PRZVnJg25iIBgJFyv70BxN/story.html
Discussion questions:
What does Erik Brynjolfsson say about productivity and
income? How does Brynjolfsson say that people can find gainful employment if
they have to compete against technology? (1-2 sentences)
What does Robert Gordon say about productivity and
innovation? (1-2 sentences)
Brynjolfsson and Gordon present contrasting viewpoints on
productivity in the US, but both agree that worker incomes have fallen. Looking
forward, do you side with Brynjolfsson’s optimism or Gordon’s pessimism about
technology’s impact on the worker and why?
What do you think will happen to income and standard of living in the
decades to come?
Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook at:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/. In the search box, type in name of the career you that
you hope to pursue. Depending on how specific the career is, you may be given
several links as options or you may be taken directly to a summary page. Once
on the summary page, pay special attention to the information about job outlook
for the next ten years.
What career did you choose?
How many jobs currently exist for this career?
What is the expected job outlook for this career?
How do you think your chosen career will be impacted by
technology?
Remember to respond substantively to at least 2 other
classmates during the week to earn full participation credit.
DQ2
Technology and
Work-Life balance
The following resources are also listed under Week 4 content
for your convenience* Read the articles below:
1. Kumar, H., & Chakraborty, S. (2013). Work life
balance (WLB): A key to organizational efficiency. Aweshkar Research Journal,
15(1), 62-70. Retrieved from:
http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=86442529&site=eds-live&scope=site
2. Smith, J. (Jun 3, 2013). The best big companies for
work-life balance. Forbes. Retrieved from:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/06/03/the-best-big-companies-for-work-life-balance/
3. Tobak, S. (Jul 24, 2013). The work-life balance myth.
Retrieved from:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/2013/07/24/work-life-balance-myth/
Discussion questions:
Using your own words, define “work-life” balance.
Based on what you have read, why is work-life balance
important (cite sources as appropriate) for individuals as well as
organizations?
Based on what you have read, what are some effective
strategies for improving work-life balance?
What different approaches might anthropologists, gerontologists,
and sociologists take regarding work-life balance? In other words, what issues
arise regarding work-life imbalance might be of particular interest to each of
these social sciences?
Throughout the week, remember to respond substantively to at
least 2 classmates in order to receive full credit for participation.
Week 5 discussion
DQ1
The Digital Divide
Review the materials for this discussion and respond to the
following questions:
Does the existence of a digital divide violate the
Declaration of Human Rights? If so, which articles do you think are violated?
Should the Internet be a right? Defend your position. What
are the costs and benefits associated with your position? What policies or laws
might be affected by your position?
Is it possible to close the digital divide? Defend your
position.
How might technology be used to close the divide?
Remember to respond to at least 2 classmates this week to
earn full participation credit.
DQ2
Copyright versus
creativity
Respond to the following questions:
1) Briefly describe your understanding of copyright, fair
use, and creative commons. How do these terms relate to one another?
2) How does Lessig say that laws make criminals of today’s
technology proficient children? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
3) You have a blog that has become very popular with friends
and strangers. They tell you that you are a great storyteller and a fantastic
photographer and should write a book of your adventures. You decide to self-publish a book of the
stories and pictures you documented on your last trip and hope to make a little
money from this venture. The book will be available in electronic form, so your
pictures will be easy to “borrow” online. Would you apply for a copyright, a
Creative Commons copyright, or no copyright at all? What is your reasoning?
4) A nice decision tree about copyright is available at the
following link:
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson1085/CanIUseIt.pdf.
Question: At the bottom of the .pdf, you’ll note that the work has been
copyrighted. Does this mean that sharing this link with you as part of this
discussion is a violation of copyright? Why or why not?
Week 6 discussion
DQ1
Stem Cells
Technological advances have made it possible for scientists
and practitioners to expand life expectancy and improve quality of life. Some
of these advances are not without controversy. One such area that has generated
ethical debate is that of stem cell research.
In this conference, you will explore what stem cell research
is, and the controversy surrounding it. Stem cell research is an excellent
example of the interdisciplinary impact of technology on society. Beyond the
philosophical questions raised regarding the nature of human life, stem cell
research also generates debate at the policy level.
1) Before you
read the following, record what your current understanding of stem cells is.
2) After reviewing
the learning resources for this discussion topic, respond to the following questions
(use your own words):
What are stem cells?
Why are stem cells considered important? What are they
capable of doing?
Explain the difference between adult and embryonic stem
cells.
What are the controversies inherent in stem cell research?
Does the information in this discussion topic alter your
original ideas about stem cells?
Your response to these items should be 2-3 paragraphs in
length in total. In order to receive full credit, remember to respond
substantively to at least 2 classmates throughout the week.
As with all controversial issues, thoughtful discussion is
encouraged, but it is important to be respectful of the opinions of others and
to express yourself in ways that are not inflammatory or deliberately
provocative.
DQ2
Longevity, public
health, medical technology
The average life expectancy (LE) in 1900 was 47 years of
age. In 2008, the average LE in the US was 80 years, and by 2020, the US Census
Bureau projects that the average LE will be 79.5 years. Life expectancy in the
US differs by sex and race. Women live about 5 years longer than men, and
whites live about 4 years longer than African-Americans. (Source:
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s0105.pdf)
At the population level, increased life expectancy has been
attributed to two major factors related to technology. Public health measures
such as vaccinations and water treatment have added 25-30 years to our life
expectancy while medical advances have added about 5 years. These measures have
significantly reduced the incidence of infant mortality and allowed people to
be healthier well into their 70’s, 80’s and beyond. (Source:
https://www.census.gov/prod/1/pop/p23-190/p23190-g.pdf)
Part 1: Take the following online survey:
http://www.livingto100.com/calculator/age
Take note of the questions being asked in the survey and
consider the factors that might impact your longevity. (NOTE: The survey does
ask you to provide an email address and create a password as the calculator is
regularly updated to account for new research findings. If you have strenuous
objections to providing your email address you can create a dummy account
through a free email provider or contact the instructor for an alternate
writing assignment. )
Part 2: At the level of the individual, genetic and
environmental factors help to predict how long a person will live. For this discussion topic, review the
following (embedded in the discussion topic #12 area):
1) (article) Zeliadt,
N. (July 1, 2010). Live long and proper: Genetic factors associated with
increased longevity identified. Scientific American. Retrieved from:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=genetic-factors-associated-with-increased-longevity-identified
2) (video) DeGrey, A.
(2009). The economics of immortality. Retrieved from
http://bigthink.com/videos/the-economics-of-immortality (7:17)
3) (short story) Vonnegut, K. (1953). The big trip up
yonder. Retrieved from: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/30240/30240-h/30240-h.htm
Respond to the following questions:
Share your survey results – what is your predicted life
expectancy? What factors contributed to your longevity (or lack thereof)?
Briefly summarize 1-2 points made in each of the resources
in Part 2. Limit your summary to 1-3 sentences per resource. Your summaries
need not be exhaustive – just tell us
what you found to be the “take home” message for each resource.
What are the economic, sociological, psychological, and
healthcare implications of an aging population that could live indefinitely?
What role does technology play in health across the
lifespan? How does it keep us from being healthy? How does it promote health?
(If you are having trouble answering this question, the optional resources
below may be helpful)
How long do you think we should live? Should we live
indefinitely or should there be limits? Justify your response.
In order to receive full credit for this conference, remember
to respond substantively to at least 2 classmates throughout the week.
Optional additional resources that may help you to answer
conference questions (or find some resources of your own!):
Berkley (2003) – Are biotech foods safe to eat? (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52295)
Centers for Disease Control (2011) – Four specific health
behaviors contribute to a longer life (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/LiveLonger/
)
Dye (2012) – Living longer: Increasing lifespan may be in our
control
(http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/humans-live-forever-longevity-research-suggests-longer-life/story?id=17100148)
Olshansky et al (2005) – A potential decline in life
expectancy in the United States in the 21st century (http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr043743#t=article)
Giuliano (2011) - Public health longevity developments –
focus on foods
(http://www.anti-agingfirewalls.com/2011/01/23/public-health-longevity-developments-%E2%80%93-focus-on-foods/)
Health Canada (2008) – website on biotechnology and food in
Canada (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/sr-sr/biotech/food-aliment/index-eng.php )
Meer & Misner (2008) – Biotechnology and food
(http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/health/az1066.pdf )
Milstrey (2011) – Longevity technology will transform mankind
(http://www.usforacle.com/longevity-technology-will-transform-mankind-1.2651047)
Shah (2007) – Public health meets mobile technology (http://www.cdc.gov/news/2007/03/mobiletech_main.html
)
Virginia Assistive Technology System (n.d.) - Assistive technology and aging (http://www.vda.virginia.gov/pdfdocs/Assistive%20Technology%20&%20Aging%20-%20All.pdf)
Week 7 discussion
DQ1
The cost of readily
available entertainment
The Internet has created numerous ways for the public to
obtain music without paying for it even though this activity violates copyright
law (Note: Interestingly, it is rather difficult to find Internet sites in
favor of anti-piracy laws. Think about why this might be the case.). The
Internet also provides numerous ways for artists to promote tours, new music,
and memorabilia.
Review the Discussion 13 learning resources regarding online
piracy and respond to the questions that follow:
How have the ways that people access and purchase music
changed over the years and what role has technology played?
What are the ethical concerns related to accessing
entertainment and what, if anything, has been done to address these concerns?
Are the claims of the motion picture and music industries
justified? Do you think the Internet has created more harm than good to artists
in the music and entertainment industries? Why or why not?
Do you think the power of the Internet, social media, and
crowdfunding are likely to change how entertainment is created and financed in
the future? Why or why not?
Remember to respond to at least 2 classmates during the week
in order to earn full participation credit.
DQ2
Technology and child
development
Review the Discussion 14 Learning Resources and respond to
the questions that follow.
1. According to researchers, what are the potential
consequences of tablet technology on the physical, cognitive and social development
of children?
2. Let’s pretend you have a friend with a 1 year old and a 5
year old. She asks you for your opinion as to whether she should allow either
of her kids to use her iPad to plays educational games. Based on what you have
learned from this week's learning resources, compose a message to her with what
you think are the pros and cons. Include some recommendations. Your response
should be 2-3 paragraphs long and should outline some of the things you learned
from the discussion resources.
Remember to respond to at least 2 classmates during the week
to earn full participation credit.
