Technology in Education

Technology is becoming much more prevalent in schools these days. The majority of classrooms have multiple computers. Some have tv's or smart boards. All of these tools are making teaching easier and using technology to get the lesson across. But is technology also hurting the student? While technology is used in the classroom, it is also used outside the classroom for homework or research. The majority of students have laptops or iPads and stay up late at night to complete their work on them. For some, I know that working on a computer can be somewhat distracting. When typing something up or looking up information on the computer, I know that I personally get distracted. I will type up a little bit and then check facebook, go on twitter, or listen to some music and next thing I know, an hour has passed and I am still not done with my work. The only thing stopping someone from getting distracted is self control which some people lack. Also, studies have shown that using electronics before bed such as a computer or cell phone throws off your sleep schedule due to the bright lights. And I know that lots of students stay up working on homework before bed. An article from US News says "The problem is that light exposure before sleep can disrupt body rhythms and suppress the release of the hormone melatonin, which promotes sleep."

Your iPhone is Killing People

There are many parts to an iPhone and many materials that make up this lovely piece of technology. But what are the dangers behind it and what are the sacrifices being made in order for us to enjoy that phone? The factory where they make these phones has such harsh conditions that the workers are miserable. They work long hours with short breaks if any. They work in uncomfortable conditions that have led some people to suicide. Is it far for these people to lose their lives or work like this just for us to enjoy our phones? Recently we watched a video with all of the chemicals that are in the materials used to make an iPhone. Thinking that people have to work with these materials on a daily basis is upsetting. If this problem was more prevalent in society and people spread the world, would things change? Would people keep buying iPhone's? Would the factory change its ways? No one really knows the whole story behind the production of iPhones. But if they did, what would change? The reality is probably nothing because the brand itself is successful and people enjoy their phone. This is just another example of us being selfish and putting our wants ahead of other peoples need.

Discussion Questions

1) Would you prefer a production based society or a consumption based society? Why?

2) Is there ever a point where we are truly satisfied with everything around us and in our lives?

3) Do you see our society as more production or consumption?

Social Media is An Outlet

The internet is used for everything these days. When we do not know the answer to something, we turn to the internet. You can basically find anything on the internet. People use the internet to make friends even. People will just add random people on Facebook or follow them on twitter and in some cases, friendships form over the computer. Or take match.com for example. People are meeting their significant others over the internet. There are still some concerns with what on the internet is true and what to trust. Some people, I think, are too trusting over the internet. So if people put so much faith and trust into the internet, it has become a great place to rap consumers into advertisements and buying things they do not need. So many people are on the internet these days that advertising on the internet is the most effective way to get a product out there. Personally, I notice the ads but do not necessarily pay attention to them because I find them annoying. On the side of browser pages, there are constantly ads but how often do people pay attention to them? And on videos, there are ads but 9 times out of 10, we skip them or do something else while they are playing. However, ignoring said ads may not be what everyone does. Some people might actually look at those ads and they may appeal to them. Even though some people like myself find ads to be annoying, using the internet to broadcast said ads is the smartest marketing move.