Media & Technology (debate)

Media technology is often seen as the "wave of the future". The message is clear: if you don't want to be left behind in the last century, you've got to join the system. Here's an example:

What Most Schools Don't Teach

Media technology includes desktop publishing, print-on-demand, the internet, video-games, cable, satellite, and global television, digital and interactive television, CD's, DVD's, Blue Ray, etc. Every year new products appear on the technological horizon--each one promises to be better than the last. But who remembers the 8-track, or the laser disc, or the Atari 2600? The central question might be: do we need all this stuff? The media's answer: yes.

The Story of Stuff (2007) video documentary

Technological Determinism: The assumption that technological progress is inevitable and that it is necessary for social change.

Okay, technology and computer programming seems like it's here to stay for a while. It definitely can make our lives easier (or more complicated). Let's set up a little debate. Where do you stand on the issue?

Volunteers (teams of 4) will choose either to be PRO technology, or ANTI technology. These two groups will be asked to discuss the topic while the rest of us view the debate in a classroom fishbowl.

But first, let's go do some research.

Anti Technology: build a case against rampant consumption of technology--is all technology necessary? What are the negative effects of some technology? Look this up and be prepared to declare: why can't we live a simple life in our cabin in the woods like Thoreau. 

Pro Technology: build a case for the consumption of technology--how does technology help us improve our lives? Look this up and be prepared to declare: we can't live without technology! 

Others: (choose 1 item from this list and research. Each of you will present a quick 1-2 minute presentation on the item and ultimately decide if the innovation/invention was good or bad for humanity)

• The Wheel
• The Printing Press
• The Internet
• Semiconductor electronics
• The Atom Bomb (Nuclear Fission)
• Cement
• Air conditioning
• Fracking
• Dynamite
• The Steam Engine
• Refrigeration
• Optical lenses
• The Telegraph
• The Radio
• The Microwave
• The Telephone
• The Television
• The gun
• The Airplane
• The mechanized clock
• Paper money
• The assembly line
• Cigarettes
• Styrofoam
• Alcohol
• The Cotton Gin