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Communication Technology and Society: Theory and Practice
- If technology is developed according to humanistic concerns, such as serving the health and education needs of society, why does technology seem to serve industry? Provide examples in your discussion.
- Compare and contrast how Harold Innis and Marshall McLuhan theorize how forms of communication shape societies.
- Explain some of the issues with the notion of technological determinism. What does it fail to consider?
- Compare and contrast the theories of instrumentalism, technological determinism, substantivism, critical theory, and constructivism. How might each of these theories be applied to a specific technology, such as cell phones?
- Which of the theoretical perspectives on technology most closely reflects your own perspective, and why?
- What new communication technology has affected your work or personal life?
- Do you agree with the notion that western society operates with a technological imperative? What evidence can you provide to back up your argument?
- The digital divide is often perceived as between Western and non-Western countries, though it exists at the domestic level as well. Are you aware of digital divides among Canadians? Is there a way to bridge this gap? What are the positive and negative implications of bridging the gap?
- Explain the notion of technological media convergence, including how it has occurred in the evolution of our mass media.
- Open-source software strives to take control of technological development out of the hands of big corporations. What is the state of open-source software development, and is it a viable alternative to proprietary software?
- Is the legitimate use of technology impinging on our personal privacy? If so, in what ways? Which theories of technology attempt to answer these questions?
- Consider the issue of cyberbullying, from both a personal and regulatory perspective. How significant is the issue, and what are some ways that it can be addressed at different levels of society?