Class Work
1. Quick discussion of the interviews you conducted:
- What technological advances did the interviewee note?
- Was the interviewee a fan or a foe of new technology? What were some of the reasons for the stance?
- What technology did the interviewee use either with enthusiasm or reluctantly?
- What other interesting "facts" came up in the interview?
FYI:
Here are some quotations about technology.
http://www.quotegarden.com/technology.html
3. Moving more toward the dangers of technology, we will be watching a version of "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury.
We will stop periodically to discuss and take notes on the technology presented and the issues associated with that technology. Again, I ask, "How real is too real?"
Movie version of "The Veldt":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhOf-CN7xRc
If you want to listen to the author read the story, here is the link:
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=the+veldt&vid=5c461ad5f3da306aa292f8850c5c8730&l=29%3A24&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DV.4795521194987392%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DeJYwGm2nIVU&tit=BRADBURY+13+%26quot%3BThe+Veldt%26quot%3B+narrated+by+Paul+Frees&c=4&sigr=11anf7iq6&sigt=11oq5k22q&ct=p&pstcat=animals&age=0&&tt=b
Here is Stephen Colbert reading - it you prefer:
- What are the issues presented in the story/video?
- Is technology the problem, or is the problem something else?
- In what ways might humanity change because of technology? Are we less "human" than our cave-dwelling ancestors?
Let's talk in pairs- talk about each topic for one minute then move on to the next topic. By the end of the speed discussions, you will have listened to and shared many new ideas!
Technology and health.
Technology and safety.
Technology and communication.
Technology and war.
Technology and exploration.
Technology and driving.
Technology and parenting.
Technology and . . . (Let's continue the brainstorm!)
Homework
1. Select one gizmo or gadget that you will do without for 24 hours. Keep of journal of your thoughts/feelings/actions during that time. Note how your life changed, if it did. Note if you experienced withdrawal symptoms like the children in "The Veldt." Would you want to go without the item for longer? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Post a summary of your experience on CANVAS. (35 pts.)
2. Take a look at the directions for the Technology Friend or Foe writing assignment. The history section is due by Tuesday. We will work through this step by step.
Select one technological gizmo or gadget to serve as the focus of your next essay. Conduct research on the item. Find out the history of it. Either tell the history in paragraph form or create a bulleted time line. Be sure to post your source(s). 25 pts. Post in CANVAS.
Directions for the paper:
Technology – Friend or Foe?
For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition. Consider
the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a
debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not
support that point of view.
I.
Introduction –
a.
Identify the specific technology you will be
discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, video
games, etc.
b.
Capture the attention of the audience in the
normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from
an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In
short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.
c.
In addition, state your thesis – make your point
of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this
is the case.)
II.
The body of the paper will do several things –
a.
Convince the reader that their either need or do
not need the technology.
b.
Provide a brief history of the specific technology
you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it
invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?
c.
Provide clear evidence to support your point of
view. You must have proof from
i.
At least three experts/sources.
ii.
A current news source such as a newspaper or
magazine article or news cast.
iii.
An interview with at least one user.
iv.
A personal anecdote.
v.
Lines from literature – poem, short story, or
novel. Feel free to use Jekyll and Hyde,
“A Sound of Thunder,” “There Will Come
Soft Rains,” or other SciFi literature. (These are suggestions only.)
vi.
Strong statistics from an expert source.
The body of the paper will be
several paragraphs in length.
III.
Conclusion –
Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either
give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need
or do not need one. Consider:
a.
Convenience
b.
Cost
c.
Safety
d.
Environmental impact
e.
Impact on society
