The last post!

Well I want to thank you all for your awesome work this semester, you have been a great class! 

Today is our last day of class and we are going to do a short recap of the semester.  I want everyone to pick one topic or article we discussed in this class then gather information to give the class a 2 minute current update on the topic.  Post the information and summary to this blog.

Please remember hand in your papers by Thursday, December 19th at 11:30 AM.  If I am not in my office just slide them under my door!

Have a great Christmas holiday!

Who is watching you?

Government spying has been a huge hot topic issue over the past twelve months.  Now major tech giants are banning together to limit this "privacy intrusion".  Here is the latest news on their efforts.

http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/09/technology/nsa-government-spying/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/05/tech/web/microsoft-nsa-snooping/index.html

What are your thoughts on government spying?  Is it something that effects your day to day life?  Do you think they are overstepping or simply just doing their jobs? Share your thoughts!

No class - 12/5/2013

There will be no class Thursday, December 12th.  Please use this time to catch up on missed blogs or start your final paper.

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.  Papers are due by the specified time.

All final projects must be handed in as a hard copy.

Due by 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 17th

Marketing Mania - The Superbowl Edition

It is no secret that many viewers of the Superbowl are more excited for the commercials than the actual game.  Many go as far as to DVR the event and fast forward the game!  Here is one websites list of the best and the worst ads.

Do you agree with their selections?
How does the marketing done during this event effect the game?
How does it affect the consumers?
Is there anything that you suddenly want or crave during these commercials?
How has technology changed the marketing plan of these businesses?
What are some other ways that advancements in technology has shifted how companies market their products?

http://www.superbowl-commercials.org/23531.html

http://www.superbowl-commercials.org/23491.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?  Did you 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/

No Class 11/21/2013

Just a reminder - No Class 11/21/2013

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!!!

Tornadoes in the Midwest
Affordable Care Act
Google maps
Daredevil Divers
Mayor of Toronto
JFK Theories
Toddler napping with puppies
PS4

Exercise Technology

To promote exercise and the upcoming Olympics, Moscow has adapted a very unique ticket price.  Check out the link below to learn more! What do you think?  What are some other ways that technology promotes fitness?  Share a link to another fitness technology idea that you think is cool!

http://www.viralviralvideos.com/2013/11/11/moscow-subway-ticket-machine-accepts-30-squats-as-payment/

Reminder - No Class 11/12/2013

Just in case you haven't been in class recently I wanted to remind everyone that there is no class today. We will meet again on Thursday, November 14th.  See you then!

Another sign that technology effects everything...

Many 20 - 30 year olds spent their childhood begging their parents to take the to Blockbuster or another local movie rental place.  This is apparently something youngsters and adults no longer look forward to.  Blockbuster is feeling the effect of the growing trend of online streaming of movies, tv shows, and various other media sources.  Here is an article of just how extreme this trend has become.  What is your viewing preference?  Do you subscribe to an online broadcaster such as Netflix?  How do you think this is affecting society?

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/dish-network-close-blockbuster-stores-193325822.html


Here is an opinion of why Blockbuster is a dying company.

http://news.yahoo.com/netflix-genres-documentaries-standup-comedy-190658208.html

What do you think?

Another side to the Olympics

There is no doubt that the Olympics are a worldwide phenomenon that captivates audiences every two years.  Recently, London hosted the 2012 Summer Games and Sochi is set to host the 2014 Winter games.  The following articles outline a few interesting points about how technology was a major part of the Olympics in London.  What are some other aspects of the games that technology effected?  Was it a positive or negative effect?  If you could stir a technology revolution at the Olympics, what would be your targeted area?

 http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240161354/The-Olympics-in-technology-stats

http://www.itproportal.com/2012/07/24/the-tech-behind-the-2012-olympic-games/

http://news.yahoo.com/how-new-technology-has-transformed-the-olympics.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.

Yesterday was a big day in the transportation industry!!! Read the following article and share your thoughts!

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/world/europe/turkey-marmaray-tunnel-first-day/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

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?

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

Hidden Agendas and Exposed Problems

Go to check out multiple news outlets.  What are you seeing splashed across the homepages regarding Obamacare?  How has technology effected the roll out?  How do the hidden agendas of each news outlet affect their coverage?  What are your thoughts?  Write a brief update of this topic and answer the questions from above!

On a "lighter" note....

No pun intended but today's post centers around an article about a 'smart fork' designed to help people loose weight.  It seems a tad ridiculous but it is not mystery that people will try just about anything to rid themselves of a few pounds.  What do you think of this technology?  Find an article on a technology advance you feel is somewhat far fetched.  Post the link to the article as well as a brief explanation of the technology and your thoughts on the impact of the invention on society.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/19/tech/innovation/hapifork-smart-fork/index.html?hpt=te_r1

POST for 10/22

There is NO CLASS today.  I sent out an email yesterday afternoon to the address you have designated on campus connection however, I just wanted to make sure everyone was up to date!  There is no class today but THERE IS A BLOG :)  The blog post is below, "Privacy...what's that?"  Please respond to the post and then reply to two classmates posts by tomorrow evening.  Thanks!

Privacy...what's that?

It seems as though nothing is actually private anymore - people post pictures of what they made for supper, girls write things about other girls online that should be kept to themselves, boys do the same.  People enter their credit card number into numerous websites offering many products and services - some cites are secure others only promise this.  You may enter your email address and personal information on one cite but who is to say where it will end up.  Last week the top dogs in online advances met to discuss the future of online privacy.  What do you think are acceptable online privacy standards? What are you privacy settings on Facebook and other social networking cites? Is this something you are aware of when creating profiles?  Share your thoughts!

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/tech/web/online-privacy-policies/index.html

"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?  Why?

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

Group Presentations Review!

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

Class - Thursday, October 2

There will be no official class today but it is a work day for your projects.  Please get together with your group members and use this time to build your presentation and handout.  If you have an questions please email me at alissa.hoehn@willistonstate.edu.  Presentations are Tuesday and if you are not in attendance you will be deducted 10 points off your grade for the presentation. See you all then :)

Group Presentations

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)

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

Presentation date: October 8, 2013


***Post your topic and group members to this blog today as well as two links to important information.

Millions of Dollars of Drama

The following article gives a brief overview of the other side of winning the lottery.  To most people this sounds like a dream come true however for some this is the farthest thing from reality once it all settles in.  How have lotteries and lottery winners changed as technology advances?  What are some of the pros and cons of how technology is effecting society in this situation?  How would you feel if you won the lottery?  What is the first thing you would do?  Respond to this post and

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/25/20663854-the-drama-is-nonstop-powerball-winner-wild-willie-wants-his-old-life-back?lite&43001

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

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 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

Sunken Treasure

This is one of those occurrences that seems fit for the movies however, it is very real life.  Monday night started an epic production to remove this massive ship from the shores where it has been beached for the last several months.  Read the following article regarding this extraordinary situation and the process planned to remove the ship from the sea.  Check out the pictures - they are amazing!  What technology is used in this process?  Think deeper than what meets the eye - no pun intended :)

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/15/world/europe/italy-costa-concordia-salvage/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

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/

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, mathematical 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 articles from 2012.  How many of the Top 10 have you searched over the past few years?  Which of the Top 10 interests you the most and why?  Which is the least likely for you to search?  What is one thing your regularly search? How do you think our instant searching habits 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://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/12/12/top-10-google-searches-of-2012-whitney-houston-tops-list/

http://news.yahoo.com/year-in-review-2012-top-10-searches-elections-215305454.html



Here are the links from 2010 and 2011 if you want to check them out!

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

http://yearinreview.yahoo.com/2011/us_top_10_searches#Top 10 Searches

eText book? Yay or nay?

After watching the video and reading the following article what are you initial thoughts about the transition Apple is proposing to move away from standard 10 pound textbooks to iBooks that can be read, stored, and used like a normal textbook however incorporate the convenience of the iPad.  How do you think this evolution would affect not only the classroom setting but also society in general?  Also, are you in favor of the proposed idea?  With the start of the school year in full swing, is this something you wish was an option at WSC?

These articles are from almost a year ago but this is still a current hot topic issue! What are your thoughts?

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/19/tech/mobile/apple-ibooks-2/index.html

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/01/19/apple-expected-to-unveil-digital-textbook-platform/

First Post

Welcome to Social Implications of Technology the TR Fall 2013 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!