A year in review...

The year winding down to an end "Top 10" lists continue to pile up reviewing what was hot and what was not for 2011.  Yahoo made a bunch of top 10 lists to recap the highlights and lowlights of the year.  Pick 2 things off those lists and briefly explain how you think they affected society.  Then pick on topic and explain how you could relate that topic to technology.  BE CREATIVE!

http://yearinreview.yahoo.com/

Solar power....something you've considered?

"Solar Power" is a term most people recognize but few people fully understand the market behind the term.  Recently many of the manufacturers of products to generate solar power have saw a steep decline in business and as a result are facing bankrupcy.  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

Course Evaluations

Please take a few minutes to complete this online course evaluation.  Thanks :)


Tuesday/Thursday Class - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DMCN6YD


Monday/Wednesday Class - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DMSNF58

The survey will reference the course outcomes.  Here is a list of them. Be sure to think outside the box when analyzing how they were achieved.  For example: "Mathematics" - no we did not discuss how to add, subtract, or solve equations however we regularly would incorperate "use of logical processes" such as the day we talked about hackers effect on stocks.  These are little things to keep in mind, please let me know if you have any questions!

(1)Mathematics - including numerical literacy and knowledge and use of logical processes.
(2)Analytical thinking - gathering, organizing, and evaluating information.
(3)Analogical thinking - using former knowledge and experience to help comprehend and explain new situations.
(4)Critical thinking - the ability to identify and define criteria, understand biases, and construct objective judgments.
(5)Problem Solving - the ability to analyze situations and synthesize solutions.

MERGER....good or evil word?

Mergers are a normal part of the business world.  They often help large companies gain more power by eliminating some of the competion.  The small business owners have the option to keep their individuallity which means assuming the risk that goes with owning a business or sell out to the larger company and aquire the settlement funds.  What would you do if you were a small company? Why would you do this?  AT & T is attempting a mobile take-over essentially.  In this area they already merged with Alltel and their next plan is to merge with T-Mobile.  The second stage is not going as smoothly.  Read the following article.  Do you think the people behind the operation really have everyone's best interest at heart?  Have you been part of the Alltel merge? What are you thoughts?

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/29/technology/fcc_att_t-mobile/index.htm

Final Project

Write a two-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.  Papers are due by the specified times.  All final projects must be handed in as a hard copy.

MW Class - Due by 2pm Monday, December 12
TR Class - Due by 2:30pm Tuesday, December 13

Cyber Monday Trend

Have you ever heard the term "Cyber Monday" before?  It is the new trend taking over the consumer world.  What effects do you think this will have on our society? From communication and personal interaction to transportation and the economic outlook.  Challenge yourself to think outside the box.  What do you think of Cyber Monday and other similar trends? Did you take part in the sales? Read the following article for more information.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/28/business/cyber-monday/index.html

Black Friday helper :)

Friday is one of the largest shopping days in the nation and here are a few aps to help you make the best of it! Which one would you be the most likely to use and why? 

Happy thanksgiving!!!

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/technology/1111/gallery.black_friday_apps/5.html

Outside of the "technology" box...

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.  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

Presentation Review

Which presentation was your favorite and why? Also, what were two interesting things that you learned from the presentations!

Hackers are running wild!

Hackers destroy things on a daily basis.  They get thrills out of ruining the operations of technology for other people, they thrive on the challenge of destorying what others have made, to them its usually a game.  Visit the following website. http://news.yahoo.com/security/ Read the article I assigned to you then write a brief summary of the article.  We will get in groups to discuss the articles then share the higlights with the class.

***If you are not present in class please chose an article, write a detailed summary, then comment on another post from one of your classmates.

Enjoy the long weekend!!!

Group project

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.

Topic approval - 5 points (Post topic to blog today)
Information - 20 points
Presentation - 15 points
Use of class time - 10 points
Total - 50 points

Presentation date: November 14/15

*****Post your topic and group members to this blog today.

Instant...but neccessary?

When it comes to technology in our society people are always wanting faster and "cooler" ways to complete tasks.  Here are two articles about how two commonly used internet tools have moved forward in ways most of us had never even considered.  What do you think of these new changes?  If you could improve or change one thing about both of these applications what would it be?  What do you think about how fast tecnhology in general changes?  Is being able to do "instant" searches something you think is valuable?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/09/google.instant.cashmore/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/09/14/cnet.youtube.instant.creator/index.html

What's on your mind?

So we've been talking about things I have found on random websites and thought were interesting and applicable to our class for the last few days and now its your turn.  Go to CNN, FOX News, Yahoo, or a similar website and find a technology related article that interests you.  Be creative, it does not have to directly be about computers but has to incorporate technology in some way.  Post the link to this blog then write about why you found it interesting and how it relates to technology.  Also, include one question or thought that you are wondering about regarding the article.  You can use a similar format that I use to start our daily blogs.  After you are done this you must respond to someone's post....start off by stating their name and then share your thoughts! Have fun and find something that interests you!

PS: GO LOOK AT GOOGLE'S HOMEPAGE!!!

Scan or pat down?

Most people dread the time when they get to the front of the line at the airport security terminal?  The time when you might get searched from head to toe or you might walk through the detector and head to the coffee shop in seconds.  Read the follow article.  How would these body scans make you feel? Is this a good alternative?  What are some pros and cons? Share your thoughts!

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/01/airport.body.scans/index.html?hpt=T2

What are you searching?

As a society we are somewhat obsessed with searching the internet for information about any topic under the sun.  Personally as soon as I am questioning something I turn to Google or Yahoo for the answer.  Things such as song lyrics, mathematic conversions, weather, the relationship status of a celeb, etc.  The options are endless.  What are three things you regularly search on the internet? Read the following article.  How many of the Top 10 have you searched this year?  Which of the Top 10 interests you the most and why?  Which is the least likely for you to search?  How do you think our instant searching habbits are changing society?  Do you think the constant and virtually instant access to information allowed by technology is a good or bad thing? Why?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/12/01/yahoo.most.searched.terms/index.html

Aps, aps, aps!

It seems that applications are becoming a part of every thing in society.  We've all heard the phrase "There's an app for that" and it is becoming more and more true with every passing day.  Here is an article about 5 aps that "celebrate laziness!" Not exactly something I think we should CELEBRATE but definitely something that is kind of interesting to think about. Which of the five would you most likely incorperate into your life? How do you think the constant onset of new aps affects our society?  Do you tend to stay up to date on the current aplication advances?  Also, do you have any applications installed on your phone, computer, etc. that you use regularly? Finally, state one app you would like to see created and explain briefly how it would potentially work.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/19/tech/mobile/apps-celebrate-laziness-netiquette/index.html

More Facebook, more self-esteem?

Read the article.  Do you think what the researches found is generally true? Why or why not?  How many hours a week do you spend on Facebook or other similar networking sites? Do you feel that these hours benifit your self-esteem? Do you often feel better abou yourself after you've read something nice someone wrote on your wall or relived a fun moment in pictures? Share your thoughts.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/03/01/facebook.self.esteem/index.html?iref=NS1

Remembering Steve Jobs....possibly the current day Einstein?

The past week has been revolutionary for not only the technology world but also the global community in general due to the passing of computer genius Steve Jobs.  We have discussed his contribuions briefly in this class before but due to this event we will take a look deeper into the impact he made on our society.  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://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

People used to think it was amazing if you had a phone in your car...

And now its not unusual to find a 10 year old with their own cell phone.  Things we think are common parts of everyday life were once some sci-fi dream that people thought would never happen. Here is a few things that today we might think are bizzare but might be common place at your 20 year high school reunion.  Which do you think is most likely to become a reality? Why?  Choose three of the inventions and discuss how you think they will affect society.  What will they replace? How will they aid people? How will the hinder our current way of life?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/03/25/science.fiction.kaku/index.html

Tablet Take Over

Tablets are the hot item in electronics right now and are currently taking over the technology industry.  Read the following article about just how fast their popularity is growing.  Also, tablets are so small and user friendly it has been suggested that they will be popping up in unfamiliar places before we know it.  The second article is about one such example.  Read both articles.  What do you think? Do you own a tablet already? If so, what kind and what do you think about it? If not, do you plan on getting one in the near future and what is appealing about tablets? What are some other uses you can think of for tablets? What are some pros and cons to the current technology boom?

http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/19/technology/tablet_forecasts/index.htm

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/04/20/server.tablet.mashable/index.html

HOT TOPICS

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

Get in a group.  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 technology advances and how they have impacted society.  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.

Hacking
Sales & stocks
Computer worms
Smart phones
Facebook
Social networking
Google
Technology unvieling
Twitter
Smart cars
Health care

Computer Hackers

It doesn't matter whether you are dealing with you personal Facebook account or the computer system of a nuclear power plant hackers are always trying to destroy what you created.  Read the following two articles about computer hackers.

http://theweek.com/article/index/207552/did-the-west-attack-irans-nukes-with-a-computer-worm

http://theweek.com/article/index/207552/did-the-west-attack-irans-nukes-with-a-computer-worm

 

Have you or anyone you know ever been the victim of a hacker?  What is the difference between a computer virus and a worm?  Why do you think people get so much enjoyment out of ruining other people's creations?  What are two ways you can protect yourself from hackers?

Advertising overload?

Everyday we as a society visit million of websites.  What we often don't notice though is all the advertisements we are viewing. Companies pay marketing agencies and websites billions of dollars a year to "get their name out there".  Complete the following two tasks focused on this topic.

1.  Go to a website you find interesting (post a link to this blog).  Look through the page and take note of the advertising.  How many ads are on the homepage? (post this in your response)  Had you ever noticed them before?  Do you use any of the products that are being promoted?

2.  Read the following article.  Would you pay for this service?  Do you think Twitter should charge for this tracking device?  Have you ever thought about how advertising is so integrated into everything we are exposed to on a daily basis?  What is another example of this "subtle" advertising?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/11/18/cashmore.twitter.business/index.html

How to be a millionaire before you turn 25!

Review the following slide show.  Make sure you read about all 25 people! 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?

http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/slideshows/slideshow_pop.html?nm=YoungMillionaires

 

Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel?

This is something your parents and driver ed teachers have been telling you for years but are you really taking their advice?  Read the following article about how car manufacturers are trying to keep up with the latest trends in technology.  Do you you think this is a good idea?  What are some of the pros and cons to their new ideas and integrated car technology?  What does your vehicle currently have factory installed and what other technology do you regularly use that is not "part" of your car?

 http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/09/21/smartphones-high-tech-cars-onstar/

 

Smartphones, smart purchases...

Smartphones are very benificial for their seemingly endless possible applications.  Here is a quick slide show of some smartphone uses that you may be unfamiliar with to help you ease back into school.  Read through the slide show.  What opportunity are you the most interested in?  Which one do you think is the most bizzard?  How do you feel about these suggestions in general.  Explain your answers.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/news/1107/gallery.back_to_school_shopping_smartphone/index.html

An Apple a day...

There is constantly the ongoing debate of Apple vs PC.  They both offer unique features while maintaining the basic fundamental qualities of a personal operating system.  The following article is a look at the highlights of the head of Apple's accomplishments as he steps down from his position.  What do you think about Apple technology? Do you currently own any?  Which do you think is Job's greatest accomplishment and why?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/08/25/top.steve.jobs.moments/index.html?hpt=te_bn14

Welcome to Social Implications!

Welcome to Social Implications of Technology the Fall 2011 edition.  Find a news article that interests you. Copy and paste the link to the article you found as a reply to this blog.  Have you ever blogged before and what do you think of blogging?