Introduction
Gadgets have been changing the world at an ever-increasing pace for the past fifteen years. Whereas (almost) all the famous and immensely popular Nokia 3210 could do was making calls or writing texts, with modern smart phones you virtually have the world in your trouser pocket. What is more, most of us do not only have a smart phone, but also an MP3-player, a tablet, a laptop and so on and so forth.
Gadgets have had, and will continue to have an enormous influence in our own private lives, as well as the world's economies and ecology.
Task
Research the history of some of the most popular gadgets and their impact on economy, society and the environment. Evaluate the developments critically. Look at some of the latest invention in electronic gadgets and try and speculate about their future.
This task is to be done in pairs or small groups.
Process
1 Looking back. Before you start your webquest, watch the following recording of Bill Gates appearing in Larry King's show on the eve of the new millennium.
[video:http://youtu.be/xpcHPCK3V0s]
After viewing the video, write a short text listing Gates' main predictions and how they compare with the reality that you know.
2 How have they changed our lives? Choose 2 gadgets mentioned in Bill Gates' discussion with Larry King and find out how they have changed society, our way of interacting and communicating with each other. You may use the following sites, but as they are but a tiny selection, your research should lead to further sites. Document any further sites you use by noting their URL.
http://lhslance.org/2013/features/cell-phone-use-really-affect-communication-skills/
http://techland.time.com/2012/04/02/why-america-needs-apple/
http://qz.com/30610/mobile-phones-especially-3g-ones-make-economies-grow-faster/
Write a text of at least 250 words, summing up your findings and commenting them critically, i.e. stating your own opinion.
3 The environment. What happens to electronic devices once they are no longer used? Find out on the
following websites. Take notes of all the social, economic and environmental problrms that are created by disposing of e-waste.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste
http://www.gaiafoundation.org/short-circuit-the-lifecycle-of-our-gadgets-and-the-true-cost-to-earth
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6174422.stm
Write a list of important issues raised by e-waste. Prepare a class or group discussion that will identify the main problems and possible solutions.
4 Recent developments. Among the most widely discussed developments in technology are 3D Printing and Google Glass. Choose one of the following videos. Take notes of what the gadget can do, what its dangers are etc.
Alternatively, you can research "wearable gadgets" like this one:
or look at modern top gadgets in general like the following. But be careful, these sites are out of date faster than you think, so make sure the one you choose is really up to date. The example might be dated already:
10 Must See Gadgets at Gadget Show Live 2014
Then write a short text about how you think these gadgets are going to change our lives. Consider both positive and negative aspects. Present your findings in class.
Evaluation
| Steps | +1 | 0 | -1 | |
| 1 |
List of Bill Gates' main predictions. Compared to student's own reality. |
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| 2 |
Gadgets chosen: Summary of findings (rich … poor) Critical evaluation of findings (complex … shallow) Length |
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| 3 |
Issues found and documented Preparing and leading a discussion |
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| 4 |
Amount and relevance of information Evaluation of information Presentation |
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| Final Score |
Conclusion
Having completed the webquest successfully, you will achieve ICT Module 73 ("Ich erkenne und verstehe ökonomische und soziale Auswirkungen von ICT (Information andComputing Technology) in einem breiteren Zusammenhang.") of the KSR ICT syllabus.
©jjoss 2014