Beyond the mouse-driven computer interface

A comment in a recent post about a writing prompt idea expressed concern that we're inviting students to take a stand on a topic. I hadn't thought of that before. Perhaps writing prompts should be more neutral. Interesting enough to encourage discussion but not so controversial or volatile in nature as to create sides. We've certainly got enough of that in too many places in this world.

So, with that in mind I'll share this recent TED video that shows a new kind of computer interface. Certainly this will interest the techie kinds of students, but others may find this idea having applications in other areas of life, from medicine to entertainment.

Check this out. No mouse. No keyboard. Instead, a gloved hand. Beyond the immediate and perhaps obvious uses for this kind of system, what other areas can benefit from it? Does it have applications for business? What about our need to create documents. This is fine for manipulating existing files, but what about creating them? If this catches on will the mouse disappear? Lots of questions.

---

Read more »

Posted in: Ted,video,writing prompt

First Species whose parent is a computer!

If that's all you heard, "This is the first self-replicating species we've had on this planet whose parent is a computer.", what would you think? Would you be concerned about the end of mankind? Inevitable doom? Would you think about the potential for good? The cure for diseases, or a species that eats oil, maybe? Would you worry that it would become an invasive species that we couldn't stop, or would you be full of hope for Alzheimer patients and cancer patients and diabetics?

What would your students feel?

How advanced is science? Well, when they became concerned that they wouldn't be able to distinguish real DNA from synthetic DNA they decided to put "watermarks" in the synthetic DNA. Let that sink in a bit.

How's this for a writing prompt idea? This video is not likely to keep many high school students awake, but your favorite science teacher can easily explain it to the students well enough to have them understand what's going on. Then, let them brainstorm about possible good results of this technology and then possible bad results. Bring those lists together, then ask them to write a paragraph or two about where they stand on the idea. Provide a rubric on what you're looking for in the assignment, of course, and let them write.

Here's the video:

Read more »

Posted in: Ted,writing prompt

Another writing prompt idea

I wish I could find a video that's uplifting in nature to use as a writing prompt. It's not like I'm not looking for one.

But I think that this is another video that our students should see. It's depressing as all get out. Is it an accurate depiction of the future of the ocean? Is it too late to reverse these trends?

Or, maybe this is just too intense to be used as a writing prompt. Too overwhelming, perhaps. And, while he paints a horrible picture of the ocean, he really doesn't tell us what we need to do to stop these trends.

Still, I'm certain that our Earth Science students will have an opinion, and a writing prompt would give them a chance to express it.

Read more »

Posted in: Earth science,writing prompt