Final Class Completion Checklist

We will be meeting Tuesday, December 16th at 9:30AM.  You can hand in the final project at this time or you can use this time to complete the paper - it must be completed by 11:30AM.

Please email me at alissa.renner@willistonstate.edu if you have any questions!


Final Paper

Write a three-page, size 12, double spaced, 1" margin paper on "How Technology Affects My Life". 
Please use specific examples as well as broad statements. Be sure to discuss various aspects such as communication, ethical factors, advancements, etc.

All final projects must be handed in as a hard copy and a digital copy must be uploaded to your e-portfolio.

E-Portfolio

The following items need to be uploaded to your e-portfolio:
   1.  Class syllabus (can be found on Moodle)
   2.  Final paper (mentioned above)
   3.  A quick summary of how you met the following outcomes for this course (this can be less than one page but needs to be at least one good paragraph!)
                 Students will be able to:
                     1. Use current news events to interpret the effects of technology.
                     2. Identify technology developments to debate the effects on society.
                     3. Create presentations reflecting analysis of current trends in technology.

Blog post reply

This is the last thing on the list so once I see your reply I'll know you read through the whole thing and know what to expect!  Please reply to this post with three things you enjoyed about this class and one thing (or more) you would change in the future!

Past, present, future.

As the Christmas season heats up and another year draws to an end, here are some amazing pictures to highlight some of the events of 2014! What are some trends you see?  If you were going to upload 2 pictures to summarize your life in 2014 what would they be and why?  Being able to express our views and emotions in pictures that are so readily available to the public is a definite technological advancement of the past few years.  In what other ways is it noticeable how technology has impacted our society based on this slideshow?  Pick three pictures specifically and discuss the technological components present in the picture and how they are impacting our society?

http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/05/world/gallery/2014-year-in-pictures/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Wowza. FYI

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/gasoline-price-war-lights-up-in-oklahoma-city-as-dollar2-floor-drops/ar-BBgjBcx?ocid=iehp

Solar what?

Solar power is an evolving technology that keeps trying to break through as a dominant energy source.  Here is just the latest example of this trend?  What do you think about solar power?  How would introducing solar power as a mainstream energy supply change our society?  Research two other solar powered technological advances.  Briefly summarize this technology and explain how it would impact our current society.

http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/04/technology/tommy-hilfiger-solar-jacket/index.html


***OLD POST***

"Solar Power" is a term most people recognize but few people fully understand the market behind the term.  Over the past 5 years many of the manufacturers of products to generate solar power have saw a steep decline in business and as a result are facing bankruptcy.  The following article will discuss some of the factors leading to this decline.  Have you ever considered how intricate the energy field is?  What do you think the declining solar power market will mean for the economy and the US in general? What do you think a difference maker would be in the situation?

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/30/technology/solar_power/index.htm

Jobs still making an impact.

The past decade has been revolutionary for not only the technology world but also the global community in general due to many events.  The passing of computer genius Steve Jobs was a monumental moment in technology history and his work is still making an impact.  He was an intricate man whose innovations in computers and technology in general may never be matched.  Read the following few articles then briefly summarize what you think of him and his contributions to society.

http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/01/technology/steve-jobs-emails/index.html?iid=Lead&hpt=te_t1

http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20117575-37/what-i-learned-from-steve-jobs/

http://www.forbes.com/profile/steve-jobs/

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/8-things-didn-t-know-life-steve-jobs-172130955.html

Outside of the "technology" box.... (11/25/2014 post)

We will not meet in class on Tuesday (11/25/2014) however there will be a blog entry for this day.  Please respond to this blog and reply to two classmates's responses! See you next Tuesday, Happy Thanksgiving! :)

When the word "technology" comes up we tend to instantly think of computers, hackers, or anything that starts with "i" however technology encompasses a much wider array of topics.  Today we are going to look at how technology effects transportation.

The following article discusses one of the newest trends in air travel.  Do you think it will become a reality?  Share your thoughts!

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/01/27/hypersonic-paceliner-aims-to-fly-passengers-in-2050/

Then, click on the link and take the quick quiz :) What do you think was the most worthwhile invention? Why? After you have completed this search the internet for another innovative transportation technology advancement that you find intriguing.  Paste the link in your response and write a brief description of the new technology.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/18/tech/innovation/transport-firsts-quiz/index.html

And to end on a slightly comical note, and weird perhaps, here's the newest technology crazy idea! Thoughts?? - other than GROSS!

http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/24/technology/bus-poo-environment/index.html

Black, Small, Cyber, Giving

What comes to mind when you read the 4 words in the title?  There is actually a correlation between all these words!  Read the following articles.  What trends do you notice? What do these trends say about the current economy and society in general?  Are you planning to participate in any of these events?  What are your thoughts on all of this craziness?

http://www.ecommercebytes.com/cab/abn/y12/m11/i27/s04

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/retail/2012/11/report-cyber-monday-sales-up-27.html

http://fox4kc.com/2012/11/27/black-friday-cyber-monday-and-now-givingtuesday/

HOT TOPICS - Round 2

You have the first 20 minutes of class to complete the following tasks.

You can work in partners if you would like! Chose one of the topics listed below or one you come up with on your own. Post your group and topic choice to this blog. Read 2 to 3 articles and give the class an update on current events in society and how technology is influencing that event. Do not read any article that is over 3 months old. Post the links to the articles you reviewed and a short summary on your topic.

Here are some options to get you started but feel free to be creative and pick something not on this list!!!

Online shopping
Black Friday
Landing on a comet
Assisted suicide

Voting and elections - hot debates and technology overload.

What do you know about the election based solely on the media exposure you have encountered? This could be through TV, radio, or social media.  Are you planning on voting?  How has this process changed over the last 10 or 20 years?  (You might need to do a little research on that one!)  Also, in what ways has advances in technology shaped the measures North Dakota residents are currently viewing on the ballot?  Information can be found below about ND measures and also things that are National issues.

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/a-look-at-north-dakotas-ballot-measures/

http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ballot-measures-embroiled-in-debate/article_ebb077de-564e-11e4-b724-771b9c7b5fb7.html

http://ballotpedia.org/North_Dakota_2014_ballot_measures

http://news.yahoo.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2014-midterms-210302493.html

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LYKDV2B

Ebola - the great debate.

Check out the following links.


http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/29/health/us-ebola/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2014/10/16/ebolas-very-contagious-ebolas-also-hard-to-catch-confused-heres-how-to-understand/

http://www.vox.com/2014/10/21/7020519/Ebola-facts-maps-charts-graphics


Share your thoughts on the Ebola virus pandemic.  What is technology's role in this issue?

Unsolved Mystery

As I type this blog post on October 27, the largest  mystery in recent memory is still unsolved - what happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?  There are endless theories swirling around the media to answer this question yet there still is no concrete answer.  Here is one article currently considered breaking news - remember this is as of March 20th.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/20/world/asia/missing-plane-q-and-a/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

How is this whole tragedy being effected positively and negatively by advances in technology?

What would be different if this mystery disappearance had occurred 50 years ago? 100 years ago?

Search and read a few more articles on this topic. What do you think happened to the aircraft?

Face to Disgrace

For many years Lance Armstrong was the face of cycling.  In recent years, and thanks to some advances in technology, he has become the disgrace of cycling to many people.  The article below outlines why this shift has occurred.  Share your thoughts on the topic.  Discuss how technology advances triggered this fall.  What are some of the social implications of this discovery?  What is another instance in sports where events such as this have changed someone's legacy?  Post a link to an article about that event as well.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/22/sport/lance-armstrong-controversy/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Mid term presentations

I just wanted to give you all a heads up about the midterm project for our class.  The description is below.  Let me know if you have any questions: alissa.renner@willistonstate.edu

Choose a topic related to technology in society. Create a 5 minute power point about that topic. Include details such as prominent people, pros and cons to society, how it will affect the future, and anything else you think we would be interested to learn about your topic. Be creative and professional with your presentation. You may work in groups of 2 or 3.

Things to cover...
 - brief history of topic
 - prominent people (2-4)
 - current update of this technology
 - future plans for advancement
 - analyze the effect the development of this technology has had on society (pros/cons)

Create a fun handout (quick facts, word search, etc.) to give to the class after your presentation.

Topic approval - 5 points (Post topic and group members)
Information - 25 points
Handout - 10 points
Presentation - 20 points
Total - 50 points

Presentation date: Tuesday, October 14th 


***Post your topic and group members to this blog as well as two links to important information you will be using for your presentation.

Video Post

Post your video links here with a 2 - 3 sentence description :)

Hoax? Fact?

There are often stories circulating on the web that make you think "that can't be real'.  The story below is one of those stories that is still making its rounds! What did you think when you initially saw similar headlines?  What are some other stories similar to this that have trended on social media?  Find a story (real or hoax) that seems too far fetched to be true.  Paste the link and describe the story!

http://www.business2community.com/social-buzz/iphone-6-contaminated-with-ebola-virus-hoax-goes-viral-on-facebook-01016045

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-stagnant-despite-huge-iphone-sales--sears-slumps--tekmira-pops-163144093.html

A new take on an old word.

You have 5 minutes.  Without conducting any research or Google searches define feminism, what it means to you, and how it applies to you life. Do not over think your answer. Go.

The great dam controversy

On Tuesday there were some minor discussions on ISIS's plans to overtake a dam in Iraq.  Here is some more information on that dam and the current updates on this development.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haditha_Dam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosul_Dam

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-push-for-iraqs-dams-draws-american-airstrikes/

After you have read these post 3 important take-aways from the article.  These will be our discussion points.

HOT TOPICS

You have the first 20 minutes of class to complete the following tasks.

You can work in partners if you would like! Chose one of the topics listed below or one you come up with on your own. Post your group and topic choice to this blog. Read 2 to 3 articles and give the class an update on current events in society and how technology is influencing that event. Do not read any article that is over 3 months old. Post the links to the articles you reviewed and a short summary on your topic.

Here are some options to get you started but feel free to be creative and pick something not on this list!!!

Ebola outbreak
ISIS
NFL
Drones
Enterovirus spread
Apple iPhone

September 11

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2011/09/07/natpkg-911-aircheck-timeline.cnn.html

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1151859712001/flashback-911-as-it-happened/?intcmp=latestnews#sp=show-clips

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/09/11/tributes-to-mark-11-anniversary-1879396789/

Find an article relating to 9/11, post the link, briefly summarize the article.  Then reply to one other classmates article.

Centralization vs Decentralization

Read the following article. Relate the ideas of centralization versus decentralization to the impact of technology on our society. Be creative and think outside the box. There are no right and wrong answers.  Your response must be at least 2 solid paragraphs longs. Feel free to research some other articles to use in your response but make sure you paste the link at the bottom of your reply.

http://adamp.com/management/centralization-vs-decentralization/

Don't quit your day job but....

Review the following slide show.  What are at least three trends you notice from one millionaire to another?  What business idea interests you the most?  Why?  If someone came up to you and offered you a million dollars to tell them your best entrepreneur idea what would your idea be? Or if you want to keep it a secret, what issue would it address?  Why?

http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-how-to-be-a-millionaire-by-age-25/index.html

Who is laughing now?

It seems as though many trends in technology start out by causing people to shake their heads and say "that will never become popular!" And before we know it, we don't know how we lived without that certain technological advance - Facebook and Cell Phones are prime examples! :)  Here is another invention that might be heading right down that path.  When these glasses were first introduced there was a large crowd laughing that they would never become mainstream.  With the new improvements, they might just be the next big thing we start to wonder how we ever lived without!  What do you think? Find another example of  some"outrageous" technology that either became hugely popular or became a joke (Hello Snuggies!)

http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/25/technology/innovation/google-glass-luxottica/index.html

Media Mayhem

The media is a one of the most dynamic constants in daily life - it will constantly be bringing us news of current events almost in real time due to the significant advances in technology over the last decade.  This morning on CNN these were three of the highlighted, "breaking news" topics.  How are they a representation of our current society? Which article interested you the most? Which one would have you clicked on first if you would have simply been browsing CNN.com?  Although these articles cover extremely diverse topics what are some similarities among the articles?  Share your thoughts on how the media and advances in technology are shaping our society?

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/28/world/africa/ebola-outbreak/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/28/world/europe/france-suspected-isis-link/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/28/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/brad-pitt-angelina-jolie-married/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

First Post :)

Welcome to Social Implications of Technology the Fall 2014 edition.  Find a news article online that interests you.  If you're having trouble thinking of where to start feel free to Google a topic that interests you or stop by cnn.com, yahoo.com, or any other news outlet that crosses your mind! Copy the article's link and paste it as a reply to this blog.  Also, have you ever blogged before and what do you think of blogging?

Welcome to our class, hope you have a great semester!