Will you complain? Will you make a difference? Will you vote? The subtle effect of our peers actions...

We all look around at society and can see things that we would like to change.  We often get stuck in a rut though that as one single person we can't do anything that will make a difference.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  Something as simple as a smile to the stranger in the hallway or a nice text to your mom can dramatically change someone's day.  Then starts the chain of paying it forward.  The same could be said for voting.  This is a current hot topic in our society right now.  How do the political leaders get the younger generation (us!) to show up at the polls.  Read the following article about one approach to this situation.  Are you planning on voting this year?  What do you think regarding how peer pressure effects our actions?  Are your actions often swayed by what your friends are "reporting" on facebook, twiter, and other technological devices?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/10/28/stewart.colbert.rally/index.html

Something interesting...time traveller?

I just wanted to share this with you because I thought it was really interesting.  Not sure how much I believe it but it will is something to think about...

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/10/28/charlie.chaplin.circus.time.travel/index.html

How capabale are robots?

There is a trend in society to constantly strive for an easier and more effective way to complete tasks.  Human performance is often threatened by the creation of a "robot" or machine.  Read the following article about Emily.  Do you see this as a helpful invention or is it over the top?  What do you think some of the pros and cons are to inventions similar to Emily?  List AT LEAST two other "robots" that have been created to replace human roles.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/10/25/technology/robot_lifeguard/index.htm

How to be a millionaire before you turn 25!

Review the following slide show.  Make sure you read about all 25 people! What are at least three trends you notice from one millionaire to another?  What business idea interests you the most?  Why?  If someone came up to you and offered you a million dollars to tell them your best entrepreneur idea what would your idea be?

http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/slideshows/slideshow_pop.html?nm=YoungMillionaires

Group Project

Choose a topic related to technology in society.  Create a 5 minute power point about that topic.  Include details such as prominent people, pros and cons to society, how it will affect the future, and anything else you think we would be interested to learn about your topic.  Be creative and professional with your presentation.  You may work in groups of 2 or 3.

Topic approval - 5 points
Information - 25 points
Presentation - 15 points
Use of class time - 5 points
Total - 50 points

Presentation date: Tuesday, October 12 


*****Post your topic and group members to this blog today.

Computer Hackers

It doesn't matter whether you are dealing with you personal Facebook account or the computer system of a nuclear power plant hackers are always trying to destroy what you created.  Read the following two articles about computer hackers.

http://theweek.com/article/index/207552/did-the-west-attack-irans-nukes-with-a-computer-worm

http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/13225746/facebook-hacking-on-the-rise

Have you or anyone you know ever been the victim of a hacker?  What is the difference between a computer virus and a worm?  Why do you think people get so much enjoyment out of ruining other people's creations?  What are two ways you can protect yourself from hackers?

Same story, different views.

Here is two stories written on the same topic.  What do you think of the story as a whole?  Which side do you see to the story?  What do you think of the cause he donated to?  This needs to be at least 5 sentences long!

http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/23/technology/zuckerberg_donation/index.htm

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/23/zuckerberg.donates.money.mashable/index.html