Three Discussions
Discussion 1
Chipping In
- Since the advent of the Human Genome Project along with the super leaps and bounds of technology, the “chip” has been part of the conversation. Do you think as a society, we will consent to be individually chipped? It is both wondrous and horrifying. Pets are chipped. Parents sometimes think chipping their children, at least during childhood, could be a good idea. Why is it coming? What makes it beneficial?
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/08/09/you-get-chipped-eventually/547336001/
- Respond to at least one of your classmates. Can we avoid all of this chipping technology that your classmate mentioned? Why is there a negative association with the idea of being chipped? Are there alternative ways to keep track of people and information besides using chips?
Discussion 2
Choose one topic. Post a main post and a reply to at least one other student. You may respond to both topics with a main post, but you still need a substantive reply to another student in at least one topic. This is what makes our conversation a discussion.
Topic 1: Social media
- Do you think the increase in digital spaces (social media platforms, websites, chat areas, discussion boards, online games, workspaces, classes, conferences, hangouts, email and text messages) has brought people closer together and/or encouraged isolation among people? Explain your position.
- Respond to a classmate. What can be done to encourage civility, thoughtful discussion, and respect in these online spaces? What could be done to change your thoughts on this?
Topic 2 : Parenting, technology, and families
- Has technology helped parents do a better job?
- How old is old enough for a cell phone?
- Is technology (or the misuse of it) hurting “real” relationships? This involves people making the decisions about their technology.
- I have strong feelings about this. Do you? Does anyone know an elementary school kid with a phone? Have you ever seen a parent hand a baby or toddler (or any other age) child his or her phone to “shut” them up? Have you ever seen a child try to get his or her parents’ attention, but the parent is on Facebook? I see this especially with very young parents and I have seen children get hurt or be hungry as a result.
- Does it happen to you? Are your children, parents, spouses, or friends on the phone when you need them? (This requires some negotiating with your own family.)
- Respond to one of your classmates. Do you agree with your classmate and their assessment of families and technology?
Discussion 3
Choose one topic. Post a main post and a reply to at least one other student. You may respond to both topics with a main post, but you still need a substantive reply to another student in at least one topic. This is what makes our conversation a discussion.
- Productivity
- How is the Internet of things changing the ways that we live? What kinds of apps and devices do you use? What is most useful to you? What do you spend time doing online that you have realized is not productive? How do you change this behavior?
- Time
- How do devices cut into time spent with family? See the link below. Do devices keep you from welcoming others into your life, even your own family. We’re on a mission to get Canadians to eat together, because so much good happens when we do. Learn more at http://eattogether.presidentschoice.ca/ .
