Module outline

Danny’s Intent

• Each student uses research skills to choose an emerging technology, describe its applications, analyze its potential benefits and consequences to society, and summarize their overall opinion on the technology. Bottom line: Why is it relevant?

Essential questions

• What is “technology” and what are the different types of technology?

• What direction does modern technology seem to be heading?

• How can technology help or hurt us? On what scale?

• How do ethics relate to technology?

Learning objective

• Students can define “technology” and “applied technology”, and distinguish between the two

• Students can identify positive and negative consequences of technology

• Students can infer ethical concerns regarding technology

• Students can form educated opinions on technology based on scientific fact and logical reasoning

Activities

• Introduce

  • Watch: What is Technology

    • In a google doc, describe the difference between technology and applied technology. Give 2-3 examples. Response should be 3-4 sentences.

  • Review syllabus

• Expose

  • Postive and negative benefits of technology

    • Watch: The Unintended Consequences of Technology

  • Considering Ethics

    • Watch: Technology in 20 years

    • Watch: The Ethical Dilemma of AI

    • In a short paragraph (3-4 sentences), summarize the ethical dilemma of AI. Then, explain (in 1-2 sentences) how we (society) can address/mitigate some of these concerns.

• Practice

  • Choose 3 emerging technologies that interest you. Use these sites:

    • https://interestingengineering.com/

    • https://www.popsci.com/technology/

    • https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/

    • https://www.newscientist.com/subject/technology/

    • https://www.technologyreview.com/lists/technologies/2020/

      • For each technology example that you chose, briefly describe the technology and the applied technology. Then, list any ethical concerns regarding the technology.

• Create (DOK)

  • Research an emerging (current) technology that interests you. Use credible sources, such as the ones listed above in “Practice” (ask Danny or Advisor if you are unsure)

  • Create a Google Slides presentation (minimum 8 slides, follow R&W guidelines) discussing the following:

    • Describe the technology? What is the applied technology?

    • What are its applications to individuals? What are its applications to society? For whom is the technology intended?

    • What are possible benefits and consequences of the technology? Do the benefits/consequences apply to individuals, society, or both?

    • Are there ethical concerns regarding the technology? What are they?

      • Are the ethical concerns legitimate? How can we address them?

    • Summarize your overall opinion on the technology and why it is relevant

• Reflect

  • Revise and resubmit presentation, as needed.

  • Is this technology representative of where you see future technology (in general) heading? Is that a good or bad thing, in your opinion? Describe in 3-4 sentences.

**REFERENCE MATERIAL**

Types of technology and terms: https://simplicable.com/new/types-of-technology