Technology and Us: Optimism vs. Pessimism

Now that we have explored different information and opinion, including the data of your own life, it's time to revisit your perspective(s) on technology's influence.

1.) What information about technology surprised you the most? Why?

2.) In what ways has technology changed your life? Discuss an area with as much detail and explanation as you can. Example, you could tell us your opinion on how technology impacts intimacy, anxiety, sleep cycles, surveillance, critical thinking, the need to be "famous"/public, etc, etc. Any area you feel technology has significantly impacted you and your world.

3.) In what ways do you think technology is changing our future (work, learning, communication, relationships, etc.)?

4.) Describe your perspective towards technology. Are you more of an optimist or a pessimist? Why? Explain.

Criteria: 

•  Present a thoughtful discussion and argument on the topic: Technology’s influence
• Select 2-3 distinct areas to comment on (ex: creative thought, privacy, biopower)
• P.E.E. to explain and support your opinion
• Edit for grammar, spelling and expression
• I encourage you to comment on each others' arguments and ideas.

What the World is Saying About Technology and Our Humanity: Do You Agree?

Hi gang, as we delve into some theories, facts, statistics and experiences based on how technology impacts our daily lives and broader world consider these views: Do you think they're correct? What critiques do you have?

* "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" The Atlantic

* An Ugly Toll of Technology: The NY Times

* "Growing Up Digital: Wired for Distraction": The New York Times

* Sherry Turkle: "Connected, but alone?"

Task: Read and view the following texts and comment
1.) What claims do the authors make that you agree with? Why? Explain
2.) What critiques do you have of any of their arguments or claims? What have they left out?

Due: Sunday, Dec. 9th

Week 14: What to Expect

Mon. Dec. 3rd:
* Poetic Device Terms Test and Poetry Synthesis write

Tues. Dec. 4th:
* Mid-Year Reflection and Action Plan
* Individual Technology Log Due Tomorrow

Wed. Dec. 5th:
Technology Exploration Mini-Unit
* How has technology affected you? How has it changed our world?
* Powerpoint and discussion: Class explores infobesity and how technology is affecting our humanity
* View of Digital Nation's clips

Thurs. Dec. 6th:

* Class round robin exploring technology's impact on relationships, privacy, 

and intimacy
* Key statistics and information (ex: data-mining, etc.)
* Explore more Digital Nation

Fri. Dec. 7th:
* Week 7 & 8 Vocabulary Quiz
* "Internet Addiction"
* Powerpoint and class discussion on Our Virtual Futures
* Complete Technology Record and Ideas

Week 13: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 26th:
* Your wonderful "Valentine" share
* Class draw and dissect Shakespeare's infamous sonnet: "My Mistress' Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun" Is he insulting his lady love?

* Partner Practice Poem Synthesis: Your own in-class synthesis next Monday
* Begin Your Technology Record Log (add to each day, due Wed. Dec. 5th)

Tues. Nov. 27th:
* Practicing with the most challenging poetic devices: metonymy and synecdoche. Are you up for it?
* War Poetry: Why would people who have experienced war want to write poetry?
* "Dulce Et Decorum Est" class analysis. An infamous war poem written after experiencing WWI
* Complete Venn Diagram of war poem of choice: Contrast "Dulce Et Decorum Est" to "Flanders Fields," "What They Were Like?" (Vietnam War) or current Canadian soldier's comment on War in Afghanistan

Wed. Nov. 28th:
* A 'lil death poetry in the morning!
* Class Dissect Wyslawa Szymborska's unique vision of death: "On Death, Without Exaggeration"
* Groups choose alternative vision of death to analyse: You are teaching the poem to the class tomorrow

Thurs. Nov. 29th:
* Poetic Terms Test on Monday: Study! 
*Poetry practice quiz
* Groups present their death poem and teach the class

Fri. Nov. 30th:
* Poetry Practice Quiz: Terms Test Monday
* Select two poems of your choice for your final assessment: Poetry Synthesis. 
* Complete outline for your in-class write on Monday

Week 12: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 19th:
* Group Poetic Device Scramble: What do you know? What do you need to know?
* Class dissection of "Swimmer's Moment." Audio and commentary in link.
* Poem Dissection of choice: Due tomorrow
* Guy versus Girl Simile Challenge!

Tues. Nov. 20th:
* Paint Our World: Creating Colour and Devices

Wed. Nov. 21st:
* Bukowski! The poet of the gutter, of the underbelly, we explore his vision of love.
* "How is Your Heart?" class and independent analysis

Thurs. Nov. 22nd:
* "Valentine" deconstruction: Pass the onion, smell the love.
* Create your own powerful metaphor poem, your own "Valentine"

Fri. Nov. 23rd:
* What are the worst pick-up lines that you've heard?
* Class deconstruct "To His Coy Mistress," 17th century metaphysical "pick-up" poetry. Translate the poetic to prose. Why is this poem relevant to the 21st century?

Week 11: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 12th: Remembrance Day Holiday
School Not in Session

Tues. Nov. 13th & Wed. Nov. 14th:
* Of Mice and Men Film and Novel Comparative

Thurs. Nov. 15th:
* In-class Of Mice and Men Essay

Fri. Nov. 16th:
* Intro to POETRY! 
* Shane Koyczan's "Stop Signs"

* Poetic Device Group Scramble: What do you know? What do you need to know?

Week 10: What to Expect

Mon. Nov. 5th:
* In Library before lunch Debate research and prep
* In C127 after lunch Debate research and prep

Tues. Nov. 6th:
* In Library completing arguments for tomorrow's in class debates: May the Best Argument Win!

Wed. Nov. 7th:
* In-class Debates following outlined debate format and timing
* Groups hand in bibliography
* Individuals submit independent research notes package

Thurs. Nov. 8th:
* Final group debate
* Words of the Week and Vocabulary
* In-class Of Mice and Men response topics distributed and time for planning. In-class essay next Thursday Nov. 15th
See the following sites for support:
-Of Mice and Men Sparknotes
- Of Mice and Men Novel Guide

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Friday: Nov. 9th
Professional Development Day. Students not in school

Have a wonderful long weekend!