Presentations: Day 2; Geeks Discussion; Early Computer Tech; Wired Article

Technology Presentations:

• Paper money: Ja'Miah
• Cement: Isobel
• The Telegraph: Jesziah
• The Radio: Britney
• The Microwave: Jenna
• The Telephone: Raeona
• The Television: Victoria
• Genetic Engineering: Turon
• The Atomic Bomb: Pahz
• The Internet: Kordae 

Some tips for future presentations.

Geeks Introduction discussion (10-15 minutes):

• In the introduction to his book, Katz raises the question: "Where does it begin, this sense of being the Other?" (pp. xvii) Discuss with your small group when you felt or remember feeling like an outcast? What was the situation? What happened to you? How did it affect you? Etc.
• Discuss your reaction/understanding of the term "geek"--see the definitions in the beginning pages of the book. Can you recall the first time you remember hearing the word used? What was the situtation? What did you think about the word? Recall and discuss.
• What did you learn about the history of Geeks (see pages xxiv-xxvi). What interested you or confused you about this history?
• Define geek as you understand it or use it today. How has the term changed since Katz wrote this book (2001)? (pp. xxvi-xxxi)
• Discuss Katz journey to write this book while he was working with the magazine WIRED & Conde Nast (pp. xxxi-xlii). What are some things you learned about the magazine publishing industry?

Video/Notes: Early Computing

• What are some of the key technological advances/discoveries that lead to the computer? List them in your notes as you watch the video

In the lab to look up the online magazine WIRED. Complete the following task:

1. Choose an article from the website and read it. In the COMMENT section of this post, briefly summarize the article and add your reaction to it. Reflect on what we have learned so far about technology; add personal connections and details, explore the idea and/or future of the topic you read about, etc.

2. On your blog write a post about your coming-out story about being a geek or a nerd; OR classify the different kinds of nerds and geeks that exist. Make sure you describe each type.

If you finish all your work, surf the internet (or work on your homework reading).

HOMEWORK: Please read the first part of Chapter 2: Digital Medea: Computers & the Internet. Annotate and take notes. Complete chapter 1 in Geeks. Bring your materials back with you to next class.