Meta Info
- Article Title: Directions for the Tech Fast
- Author: Zac Gordon
- Publication Date: Aug, 31 2007
- Last Edited: Sep, 10 2007
- Categories: In the Classroom
- Tags:
Directions for the Tech Fast
Objective
SWBAT: understand the experience of going 24 hours without using or having access to the technologies on which we have become so dependent.
What To Do
- Go 24 Hours without using the Technologies defined below.
- Read the article The Longest Day Ever.
- Write a one page releflection on your experience - mention the trials and tribulations you faced. Make sure to tie your reflection in with the article.
- Challenge any of your friends, family members, or other members of society to try the fast with you.
When
- 24 consecutive hours between Saturday September 1, 2007 and Saturday 8, 2007.
- DUE DATE: On Monday September 10, 2007 we will have a discussion about our experience, the insights we gained into our technology use habits, and the difficulties (or lack thereof) that we had with the fast. We will also reflect on the topics of dependence, addiction, balance, and equality of access.
Items NOT Allowed
- Any electronical music devices - iPod, Zoom, CD players, radios, stereos, etc.
- Any computerized devices - computers, electronic gadgets, etc.
- Cell phones
- Television
- Video Games - or anything that might pass as an electronic form of entertainment. If you get bored - go outside.
- Microwaves
- Non-old-school alarm clocks - but no excuses for tardies.
- Any other electronic, techy, geeky, or otherwise cool and habit forming technological devices that Mr. Gordon decides to add to the list.
Items that ARE Allowed
- Cars
- Old School Alarm Clocks
- Electronic Doors
- Air Conditioning and Heating
- Watches
- Landline Telephones
- Refrigerators, Freezers, Ovens, Stoves
What If ...?
- ...I see someone get hit by a car and no one else is there to call 911? - For goodness sake, be a good person and call 911. But make sure to include the explanation in your reflection paper.
- ...the person I ride to school with has music on in the car (or even worse has an iPod playing)? - Politely explain the tech fast that you are doing and encourage the person to join you! If only for the length of the car ride. If this doesn't work, at least ask him or her if they would be willing to turn off the device.
- ...I am in the same room as a television? Leave the room.
- Can you think of any other situations? Leave a comment below and I will try to think of some witty way of saying 'no.'
- For any serioius - health or safety - related questions, concerns, or exemptions please see Mr. Gordon.
The Spirit Behind the Tech Fast
Two things seem prevelant in the society that surrounds the students in this ITGS class. First, we have opportunities for access to techology resources that go well beyond the opportunities that many other people on this planet have. Two, our use of these technologies often crosses the line between appropriate amount of use and over-use (even abuse).
In lue of these two factors we are embarking on a technology fast. The first objective in this fast is to put in perspective the amount of technologies we use in our lives. The goal is not to draw judgements, at first, but only to see just how much we use and rely upon technologies. This tech fast will also serve as an introduction to the social and ethical issue of 'equality of access.'
Class Discusion
Discuss how your experience with the tech fast deepened your understanding of the social and ethical issues Equality of Access and People and Machines.
Equality of Access
IT has the potential to offer universal access to information, regardless of distance, age, race, gender or other personal characteristics. However, the above characteristics, and cost, can also bar individuals or groups from access. For example, while telelearning brings previously unavailable opportunities to everyone's doorstep, the cost of hardware, software or course fees might place the learning beyond the reach of an average person.
People and Machines
The interaction of humans with IT hardware raises all the issues encountered in this section, as well as additional ones such as the following.
- Who controls the design of technology and the peace of all its introduction?
- How sale and effective is the design?
- Is technology going to extend human faculties and make work easier and more pleasant, or are machines going to displace humans and lead to mass unemployment?
Is technology used appropriately, or should a better, possibly non-technological alternative be found?
Which social and ethical issues arise from a comparison of people and machines in the following areas: stamina, memory, accuracy, speed, analysis, synthesis, judgment, innovation, creativity?
