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 :)