User:Vtaylor/Computers and the internet in society/10. Technology Advances, Social Trends

= 10. Technology Advances, Social Trends =




 * Technology is changing the society in which we live. There are many new and exciting innovations introduced each year to benefit the people of the world.

Learning outcomes
 * learn about work in progress and how it could impact the lives of millions
 * understand the importance of innovation and creative thinking
 * identify areas where technology is advancing
 * imagine technologies for future Tech Awards

Keywords
 * innovation, technology advancement, smart materials, nano-technology, blockchain, digitization, datafication, virtualization, xaaS everything-as-a-Service, transparency, governance, accountability, sustainable

Study notes
 * What are some of the new and exciting benefits that technology is bringing to society?
 * Is there a limit to the innovation in technology to benefit society?
 * Do we each have a role to play in ensuring that technology is used for good?
 * Are you aware of applications of technology that are causing serious problems? What is being done about these? How can you help?
 * What would be a great candidate for a future Tech Award?

== Assignments==


 * 1) Before you start the reading and the assignments, take a few minutes to think about what you already know about the topic - Technology Advances, Social Trends . Write a sentence or two about this in the I know... discussion.


 * 1) Read the Study notes for an overview for the topics that will be covered.


 * 1) Read, view, listen to several selections in the Media list.

Review and comment on 3 others. What questions does this raise? Provide another viewpoint or add additional information. Your responses should be 2-3 sentences.
 * 1) This week we are going to be looking at the future of computers and society. From the selected media, or search the web to find a resource that suggests different outcomes or directions for computers and society. This could include anything from education and work to wearable computers. Find one that you think is particularly interesting about the social issues discussed and why these are important. What do you expect will result from the interactions between technology and society? Will it be good or bad? Post the link to the resource selected and your analysis in the Future of Technology and Society discussion topic.


 * 1) Interesting topics discussion revisited. Look back through the posts in Module 2. Interesting topics discussion. Pick a topic that you would like to research further. It may be your own topic or someone else's. Select a resource - an article, blog post, diagram, chart, video, podcast, or an infographic that provides additional information about the topic.  Post a link and a summary of your findings to Interesting topics revisited. Review 2-3 others. How has this expanded your understanding of the topic?


 * 1) View the video Future of Technology (Apr 2009). The video is old but well done. Then view the video Did You Know 2021? (Jan 2021). There are lots of facts and figures in each to highlight what is happening with technology. But what is the "big picture" message they are trying to make? What are some questions that you have that will be statistics in the future? Find a resource with information on one or more of the "facts" presented in the video. Post a link to the source of your information update and a comment about what you see as the main message to the Future... video updates discussion forum. Read 2-3 other reviews.


 * 1) The Tech for Global Good Awards honors individuals, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies who are using technology to significantly improve human conditions. The technology used can be either a new invention or an innovative use of an existing technology. Read through the information about the awards. Then visit the videos of recent winners and honorees. Which one do you think will impact the greatest number of people? How will people benefit? Post a link to the honoree or award winner and your reasons for making your selection to the discussion Tech Awards with social impact.


 * 1) WebXR - Virtual/Augmented Reality - Although it would be nice to have a special viewer, you can still see the videos in a regular browser from your computer or phone. You won't get the full effect, but you will get the idea. Access the WITHIN site and explore. WebXR is an open specification that makes it possible to experience WebXR - VR (Virtual Reality)/ AR (Augmented Reality) in your browser. The goal is to make it easier for everyone to get into WebXR experiences. You won’t be able to see in 3D or interact as fully in most  example experiences, but you can still look around in 360 degrees. View several of the experiences. Select one and post a link and short summary of your experience. How was this different from a regular video? Have you ever used a VR viewer? Is WebXR going to change how we experience audio and visual content? Post your reply to the WebXR Experience discussion.


 * 1) Why Do We Explore? From the time of our birth, humans have felt a primordial urge to explore -- to blaze new trails, map new lands, and answer profound questions about ourselves and our universe. Review 2-3 articles and assess the relationships between technology, innovation and exploration. Post a note and a link to a relevant article about the connections to the Exploration discussion.


 * 1) Select one of the discussion topics from any discussion in previous modules (modules 1-9). Read through the posts. In your own words, write a short summary of the important ideas discussed. What questions were not answered? Try to give the reader one or two important points that are made in the discussion. Post your 2-3 sentence summary to Discussion Summaries discussion.


 * 1) Have you seen some new and exciting technology that we haven't talked about? Looking to technology today and beyond, there are new applications, new software tools and new directions in information technology. Select a web site that is an example of where we are going. Post a link to the site and describe your selection in the What's new and important? discussion forum. Review 2-3 other posts and provide your thoughts on the technologies and applications highlighted.


 * 1) Review  Collaboration and Group Projects and complete the Group Project preparation Quiz.

The details are provided in Module 11. Final Projects. Use the Project template for your outline. The template is view only. Make a copy for your own group project.
 * 1) Individual and Group Project - The "group project" is part individual work, followed by collaborative work. In addition to the individual work, start working on the group work part of the project.  Your project group is your Project Groups Discussions group.  Your grade will be based on your participation.


 * 1) The Group Project is only one module but there is a lot of work to do. And you are working with several other people. This takes extra time and cooperation. Start NOW. What is the process for producing final project? Why is this going to work?  How can you communicate to ensure that everyone is working together?  What If there are problems with this arrangement?  Discuss these questions as they apply to the Group Project in the Project Group Discussion.


 * 1) Throughout the quarter, watch for news items about computers and society. For extra credit, post a link and a note about why you think that this news item is applicable to this class to the information to the X. News Item discussion.


 * 1) I wonder... revisited - Revisit your previous I wonder... assignments. Pick one topic to research more. Find at least one additional source of information that addresses your questions. Summarize your findings and post with the link to I wonder revisited discussion.

== Media ==

FUTURE

MIXED REALITY (XREALITY)