Three Discussions

Discussion 1

Chipping In

• Since the advent of the Human Genome Project along with the superleaps and bounds of technology, the “chip” has been part of theconversation. Do you think as a society, we will consent to beindividually chipped? It is both wondrous and horrifying. Pets arechipped. Parents sometimes think chipping their children, at leastduring childhood, could be a good idea. Why is it coming? What makes itbeneficial?
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/08/09/you-get-chipped-eventually/547336001/
• Respond to at least one of your classmates. Can we avoid all ofthis chipping technology that your classmate mentioned? Why is there anegative association with the idea of being chipped? Are therealternative ways to keep track of people and information besides usingchips?

Discussion 2

Choose one topic. Post a main postand a reply to at least one other student. You may respond to bothtopics with a main post, but you still need a substantive reply toanother student in at least one topic. This is what makes ourconversation a discussion.

Topic 1: Social media

• Do you think the increase in digital spaces (social mediaplatforms, websites, chat areas, discussion boards, online games,workspaces, classes, conferences, hangouts, email and text messages) hasbrought people closer together and/or encouraged isolation amongpeople? Explain your position.
• Respond to a classmate. What can be done to encourage civility,thoughtful discussion, and respect in these online spaces? What could bedone to change your thoughts on this?

Topic 2 : Parenting, technology, and families

• Has technology helped parents do a better job?
• How old is old enough for a cell phone?
• Is technology (or the misuse of it) hurting “real” relationships?This involves people making the decisions about their technology.
• I have strong feelings about this. Do you? Does anyone know anelementary school kid with a phone? Have you ever seen a parent hand ababy or toddler (or any other age) child his or her phone to “shut” themup? Have you ever seen a child try to get his or her parents’attention, but the parent is on Facebook? I see this especially withvery young parents and I have seen children get hurt or be hungry as aresult.
• Does it happen to you? Are your children, parents, spouses, orfriends on the phone when you need them? (This requires some negotiatingwith your own family.)
• Respond to one of your classmates. Do you agree with your classmate and their assessment of families and technology?

Discussion 3

Choose one topic. Post a main postand a reply to at least one other student. You may respond to bothtopics with a main post, but you still need a substantive reply toanother student in at least one topic. This is what makes ourconversation a discussion.

1. Productivity

• How is the Internet of things changing the ways that we live? Whatkinds of apps and devices do you use? What is most useful to you? Whatdo you spend time doing online that you have realized is not productive?How do you change this behavior?

1. Time

• How do devices cut into time spent with family? See the link below.Do devices keep you from welcoming others into your life, even your ownfamily. We’re on a mission to get Canadians to eat together, because somuch good happens when we do. Learn more at http://eattogether.presidentschoice.ca/ .