Media/Technology Activities
Digital Nation
This lesson can be conducted in a long 90 minute class period or across several class periods depending on how much time you have and how talkative your students are. Begin by having a discussion about the role of technology in the world today. Have students begin by identifying what are the technological developments that they believe have had the most significant impact on their lives and in the contemporary social world. Then make a list of "Solutions to Social Problems" that they believe technology has afforded our society. After this list is completed, have students watch the PBS Frontline video "Digital Nation" either in class or at home (I usually show a few clips from it for a total of 40 minutes during my 75 minute class). After you have finished watching the film, discuss what sort of social problems might be caused by technology. Compare this list with the initial list: how might technology be a solution to the very problems it creates?
Michelle Smirnova
Michelle Smirnova