Final Post: Wrapping Up and Reflecting

As our time blogging together draws to a close, we’d like to wrap up by each discussing a bit of what we’ve learned about technology, knowledge, and power relationships through writing this blog. 

Is the Internet making us stupid?

Nicolas Carr says that intellectual technology changes the way we think, including non-digital technologies like the ‘map.’  “What historians of maps tell us is that this, this technology changed the way we think. It gave us, in general, a more abstract mind. We began to pay more attention to the abstract patterns that lay behind what we saw and what we heard.” (See video below.)

Despite many advantages the internet bombards us with distractions and the devices we carry with us are sources of constant interruption.  This must be affecting our brains in some way. Carr agrees, saying “we never get any reward for concentrating and paying attention to one thing without interruption… this encourages a more superficial way of thinking.” This is the opposite of reading a printed page. The processes required for that kind of focus and concentration have connections to creating memories, contemplation and deep thinking.

Furthermore, being able to look something up is not the same as remembering. Remembering involves making connections with other facts, experiences and emotions – all required for deep thinking and contemplation. Carr going on to addresses multitasking and possible addiction to new information! Scary stuff!

Near the end Carr acknowledges that you can, as some people do, make a case that these losses (deep thinking, contemplation, focus) are acceptable because they no longer having a place in this fast paced society.

What do you think?

Social Media: Connecting and Empowering Communities

Written by: Stewart

Social media. It is a tool that connects  families from around the world. It can connect people to news, politics, and entertainment. It can act as a starting point for global change. It can also help to connect and empower communities.

The Impact of Technology on Education

Written by: Zakaria   
                     
Students today enjoy unfettered access to the wealth of knowledge that has accumulated worldwide in the last several hundred years, all thanks to technology.
They can tap into the global information pool at anytime and anywhere. Computers are widely available at school. Not only are they found in high schools, but also in the primary grades. Children today almost invariably have home computers. Very often they do not even have to share the family computer as they have their own.
Their use of computers at school is essentially an extension of their extracurricular activities. While their home use of computers may involve gaming, it also includes online research in the preparation of essays, reports and other assignments.

                        

Marginalized Communities and Tech Companies: Baby Steps Towards Diversification

Written by: Catherine

I’ve heard a lot of wealthy dudes talk about how easy it is to make it big in the tech sector, simply put some effort into your great idea!

The ludicrousness of these claims for those of us who aren’t already privileged is obvious, so I’m not going to put my effort into demonstrating how flawed they are. Rather, I would like to introduce you to Stephanie Morillo, a Dominican tech advocate from the Bronx, NY. In the following video (well worth your 15 minutes, I promise) Ms. Morillo shares her story, and her recommendations for increasing diversity in the tech industry, at an AlterConf in New York.

Social and Traditional Media Helping to Keep Corporations Accountable to Their Customers

Written by: Stewart

On October 22nd 2015 Samantha Grant was shopping for a winter coat and ventured into the Queen West Aritzia in Toronto, Ontario. While in the store, Grant was unable to find a coat in her size on the rack so she asked a store employee to help her find the appropriate size. Grant then overheard the employee say that she didn't know why she was helping Grant find a coat as she probably wouldn't be able to afford the coat because she was Black.