Technology as an Agent of Social Change

Making our lives easier everyday!

or

Making our lives easier everyday?

When you think of Technology what thoughts come to

mind?

Technology Survey

•What main theme(s) runs through the questions on the survey?

•Would this survey apply/have the same relevance for your parents/caregivers or grandparents generation?

The Social Media Revolution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eUeL3n7fDs

Benefits?Problems?

Now where did I leave my time machine?

To develop a deeper understanding of Technology, we have to go backward before we can forward.

And Then There Was Light…….

What Does This Quote Mean?

“We shape our tools and then our tools shape us.”

Marshall McLuhan.

How would you define ‘technology’?

You may refer to any resource for an answer.

What is Technology?

Definition from textbook (p. 105):

Technology is the creation of tools or objects that both extend our natural abilities and alter our social environment

•Examples:•A pacemaker •An airplane

Technology Brings Change

•Technology is an instrument of change – for example the printing press.

•It took the process of reading to the masses.•It brought change and opportunity.

Decisions, Decisions....

So does change begin with the Individual or with the

Technology?

Traditional TheorySocietal change is brought about by an individual person who shares an idea with the community

Example: the telephone (Bell or Meucci)

Technological Determinism According to Thornstein

Veblen, Technological Determinism: is when social change is initiated by technology. i.e. the invention of a particular tool takes on a life force of its own after it has been introduced. Society simply reacts to it.

Technology forms the material base of society and then determines the status of that society in comparison to other societies

Now for some group work…

In your Reading Circle groups, use large chart paper to brainstorm what you think are the most significant technological innovations of the last 50 years. (cans, zipper, paperclip, ballpoint pen)

And the Winner is…..

Of your extensive list, each group must select and rank their top five and provide a justification for each.

1? 2? 3? 4? 5?

Top Technological Inventions of the Last 50 Years…

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/news/2078467

Surprises?

50 Great Inventions Canada Gave to the World

http://www.mediatrainingtoronto.com/blog/2012/6/30/50-great-inventions-canada-gave-to-the-world.html

Surprises?

Now look at your choices and ask yourselves the following question…

Do we control technological change in our society, or does the development of technology change our society beyond our control?

We control tech. change Tech. changes society beyond our control

Weapons used for defense Weapons used for offense

Security alarms invented for protection

Security alarms give a false sense of security and may create paranoia

Printing press makes information more accessible

Propaganda, hate messages

Internet helps social connection

Surveillance/privacy infringement

Medicine heals people, extends lifespan

Addiction, overdose

Telephone helps communication/connecting

Distractions

Camera Phone captures memories/important moments

Invasion of privacy

Now It’s Your Turn Again…1) While still in your groups…down the middle of your paper, write a list of 5 technologies that have had a significant impact on you personally.

2) For each item on the list, draw a line to the left and a line to the right.

3) At the end of the line to the left, write one way in which this technology makes your life easier.

4) At the end of the line to the right, write one way it makes your life more difficult or something that frustrates you about the technology.

Technology And Me…

microwave oven

people able to eat on the run more often, family doesn’t sit down to dinner together

able to quickly cook so you can get to part-time job after school

Example:

Talk Time…..

Now share your findings with the other students in your group.Similarities? (Reasons for this?)Differences? (Reasons for this?)

Time to READ!!!!!!!

Write a summary of the key points.

Additionally address whether or not the article shows positive or negative consequences of technological change.

Furthermore answer whether the technological change is related to a traditional school (technology accompanies social change) or the determinist school (technology causes social change) and explain how.

Level of Understanding?