Cellphones are now more for data than calls

The ubiquitous cellphone is a necessity for most owners. The ways in which it is used are not surprising, but some of the statistics in this week’s article may be. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

The people mentioned in the article seem to make very few calls. How many calls do you make each week? What do you do with your cellphone? A quarter of U.S. households are now wireless-only. How difficult would it be at your house to not have a landline? What sort of handset design does your cellphone have? If the way in which cellphone users are charged changes as Mr. Hesse predicts, how will your cellphone costs be affected? How many text messages do you send each month? Is the average number of text messages for American teenagers excessive? If you did not have a cellphone to send text messages, would it hinder you from bonding with your classmates?

Cellphone Article

Mobile Music, but Lower Quality

You probably own a portable music device, such as an iPod. They are seen everywhere and enjoyed by people of all ages. This week’s article looks at how these devices have influenced the quality of the sound that we hear through iPods and compressed computer files. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

Do you agree that there have been technological advances in the quality of media everywhere except in music? Can you hear the difference between compressed music files and music on CDs? How often do you listen to music on CDs? Respond to the quote from Mr. Fremer about music “It was an activity. It is no longer consumed as an event that you pay attention to.” Do you care about the quality of sound when you listen to music? How much would you be willing to pay for a stereo system?

Mobile Music Article

The Office of 2020

It is fun to think about the future and anticipate changes that will come. This week’s article is about the findings of a two-year study that reports major changes coming in the next ten years. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

How will you feel about working with multiple generations? The article is from a Canadian newspaper. Do you think that the predictions are applicable in other countries as well? Which of the predictions are you looking forward to the most? Which of the predictions scares you the most? Are there any predictions that you do not believe will happen? What are your predictions for jobs and the workplace in the next ten years?

The Office of 2020 Article

PowerPoint – The Enemy

PowerPoint is a commonly used presentation tool. PowerPoint presentations often have a poor reputation, one that is often deserved. This week we look at the role that PowerPoint plays in the American military. You may be surprised by its ubiquitous presence. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

The article expresses the concerns of military commanders that PowerPoint “stifles discussion, critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making.” What is your opinion about the use of PowerPoint? What should the commanders do to correct the problems that PowerPoint creates? What do you think about the amount of time that is spent in the military making PowerPoint slides? How should the military use PowerPoint? What should be done to make PowerPoint presentations more interesting? What do you think about the practice of using PowerPoint for “hypnotizing chickens?”

PowerPoint Article