#1: Task 12: Speculative Feature
Author: Allison Johnson
Source: Link
Summary:
For week 12’s task, Allison designs a science lesson plan that fits the classroom in the future. Her unique design assumes that the traditional teaching model of the teacher at the front and educating students will be replaced with a ‘flipped model’, which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, where the educator guides students as they engage creatively in a dynamic, interactive learning environment.
Allison’s first lesson plan centers on a Biology: Dissections. Her lesson in split into two parts; the first is for students to pre-load learning material at home, and the second is a virtual dissection at school where students explore and navigate through the respective environments in virtual space. The teacher becomes more of the guide, facilitating and allowing students to explore.
Reflection:
Although I was unable to open Allison’s second file, I was inspired to recall a 2011 video entitled “The Future of Glass Technology”, created by Corning Incorporated. Although this video was 10 years ago, this video highlighted the potential possibilities of utilizing glass as interactive screen technologies, ranging from home (windows, mirrors, countertops) to school (windows, desks, walls), and work (tables, walls, windows, etc.). In sum, this speculative future video imagined how glass could be utilized for the betterment of all society in all areas of our everyday lives. Although the video does not discuss how the technology would be created or recycled, it does highlight the tremendous potential by just ‘imagining’ what the future could be like.
A stark contrast between Allison and I was the level of optimism for the future. Allison focused much on the application of technology as a betterment for her classroom, such as the immersive virtual technology accompanied by pedagogy. For me, I focused on the opposite end of the spectrum and considered how technology became the bane and saving grace of humanity in the speculative future. What is interesting is that I consider both futuristic scenarios to be possible; one primarily positive and one primarily negative. As Schrodinger’s cat highlighted the existence of both scenarios at the same time, the same is with both futures of humanity. What will determine our future scenario is how our relationship with technology grows and matures; should we develop technology without the ethics, morality, and accountability, technology may become reflective of our darkest sides of humanity and accelerate our extinction. Should we develop technology responsibly and with accountability, humanity could progress much further and faster, effectively securing our place in the universe for eons to come.
In closing, it is no wonder why there are so many apocalyptic genres of media are out there, suggesting how humanity falls into ruin; it seems inevitable. Speculative films such as Ready Player One (2018) showcases the extreme divide between the wealthy and poor, exacerbated by technology. Elysium (2013), Oblivion (2013), Snowpiercer (2013), and Mad Max (2015) are also excellent films depicting the immense divide of humanity when our law and order is upended. Hollywood would do humanity a favour in presenting a film that is optimistic in humanity’s future, without straying far into the realm of science fiction (such as Star Trek (2009)).
References:
immersivetech. (2011, March 30). The Future of Glass Technology. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gplbpAIjMq8&ab_channel=immersivetech
#2: Task 11: Algorithms of Predictive Text
Author: Deirdre Dagar
Source: Link
Summary:
Deirdre dissects Task 11 into the the main algorithmic components; machine learning and language probability. Her most impactful comparison considers how predictive text is much like Ouija boards; the randomness is perceived but it is only the subtle movements that you provide to the system. For Deirdre, her predictive algorithms were relatively optimistic in vocabulary, though the use of grammar and sentence structure did not form anything relatively cohesive. Finally, Deirdre considers the difference in relying on algorithm predictions to generate content versus supporting content. She identifies that as primitive as algorithms currently are, they are best used in the context of supporting our ideas.
Reflection:
Deirdre’s reflection challenged my original thinking of how algorithms go solely in one direction; from me (as its user and designer) into the machine. Her analogy of children using the Ouija board and believing that everything was random was my peak moment; as much as we convince ourselves that we are all doing all the influencing, couldn’t we be influenced in the same relationship? Our continuing use of predictive text allows for the opportunity for us to be influenced by the algorithms itself the more that we trust it. Consider the similar environment in which dark patterns exist; we are emotionally charged and make less rational decisions. Along the same lines, we too, can be influenced by predictive algorithms by their suggestions of words/sentences to use, and if we are emotionally charged or are trusting that it is dependable, we can become more willing to accept those predictions. In doing so, our data selection in turn feeds back into the text algorithm, and those suggestions return once again as more probabilistic choices. Such a scenario highlights the major difference between humans and technology; humans vary their responses contextually, whereas AI algorithms may not be able to read context effectively just yet. As there is incongruency between technology and humans, we may not be observant in understanding how easily manipulated we may be as we continue to surrender more of our autonomy to technology.
As algorithms are built upon a plethora of data, their recent introduction into predictive situations such as text messages and emails are relatively limited. This will, however, change; as more data will be valuable feedback for algorithms to improve and refine, their versatility and utility will likely become more prominent as they can be used to generate small quantities of repetitive and highly structured tasks. What is most frightening about predictive algorithms is the current ease in discarding the selection. Currently, our options in the texting and email composition environment is that we can completely ignore the suggestions and continue writing as if the predictions are absent. If the predictive text were to change; perhaps the smart compose function requires us to physically ‘close’ the suggestion, or text suggestions appear in a more eye-catching vibrant colour such as red, green, or blue. In such scenarios, we may be enticed to follow more of the predictive suggestions, and thus, truly let technology take the lead.
#3: Task 10: Attention Economy
Author: Juliano Ng
Source: Link
Summary:
Juliano’s centers the application of Task 10 directly to the classroom. Juliano weighs the possible responses that students may experience, positive and negative; though there is certainly more emphasis on the negative side effects of repeating the same task for students. There is a strong analysis into the student psyche, mental development, and maturity.
Reflection:
I appreciated Juliano’s intentional thought process of turning the week’s activity into a learning application for his classroom. When I consider my own writing for that week’s task, I focused primarily on the elements that were relevant to my own experience as an internet-native; I only dissected and focused on individual elements that contributed to dark patterns. In addition to identifying the same dark pattern elements, Juliano extended the task by considering how audience experiences (particularly his students) could be different, based on the user’s age, experience, and maturity. What impressed me the most about Juliano’s work was the ever-present mentality of his position as an educator; using the wealth of his experiences to teach others, such as his students, how to navigate and become more digitally-literate.
I certainly agree with his identification regarding the generational trend towards instant gratification. As our students have increased accessibility at their fingertips, it makes rational sense that when things go awry, or become more time-consuming, such emotions and environments are unfamiliar, and thus, a potential danger as students may become susceptible to influence. Important skill sets that we, as educators, must strive to teach is resilience; the capacity to recover quickly from failures; toughness. This will not only build student confidence in the long-term, but it will also allow students to develop healthy problem-solving skills.
In learning from Juliano’s reflection, I would like to challenge myself to actively look for teaching applications and opportunities to bring into the classroom. My role as an educator is ever more valuable as I support the growth and development of my student’s digital literacy; ensuring that they are aware of how dark patterns may influence online behaviour, and how they can counter such measures.
#4: Task 9: Golden Record Curation
Author: Jennifer Li
Source: Link
Summary:
Jennifer’s focus for Week 9’s task identified elements of similarity between classmates and the difficulty in understanding the absence of connections. Her detailed analysis continues further by focusing tangentially on Instagram and its “suggestion” algorithm(s). Jennifer concludes her post by challenging the use of medium (Palladio) to demonstrate connections as it requires a steep learning curve to understand its discrete data.
Reflection:
In similar fashion to Juliano’s Week 10 post, I was again impressed with Jennifer’s extension and application of the week’s learning to her contextual and individual experiences with Instagram. As a relatively novice user with Instagram, I learned more about how algorithms incorporate user actions and manipulate where, when, and what posts appear on the newsfeed. As Jennifer explained further, the refreshed page of suggestions is carefully curated; the media platform seeks to hold the user’s attention by constantly changing stories or short clips (showreels), based on user data such as the type of content, the timestamp of activity, and even the location tracker of where you are (Burgess, 2020). As Jennifer identified in her post, Instagram’s algorithm collects data continuously from its users; relationships, interests, timeliness, frequency of use, accounts following, and session time. (Cooper, 2021).
Surprisingly with side research, analysis reports of Instagram’s annual algorithm are accessible through a simple search. Intended for influencers, the algorithm’s analysis is readily available in understanding ranking factors; such that users can learn which strategies work the best in pushing their content up front and center (Cooper, 2021). A sample webpage contains quick tips to manage their content, finally suggesting the webpage platform, Hootsuite, as a management system to schedule and public content, engage their audience, and measure performance. Upon returning to the search page for Instagram’s algorithm, there are many other pages that suggest their own analysis for what Instagram is looking for and how one can build their brand; no one truly knows the intricate details of how Instagram really curates all of its online content.
It seems futuristic that an individual’s attention is nowadays considered as a commodity that social media monetizes for profit; it is easier to grasp tangible things to have value rather than that which is intangible. Perhaps as technology progresses and evolves further, humanity will in turn sacrifice more of its intangibleness such as emotions, creativity, and love.
References:
Burgess, Matt. (2020, June 14). Wired UK. Security. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-stop-instagram-from-tracking-everything-you-do/?code=xu0YYefqXUgAjKgTxAnAGPy2NBURkV8pbO_oSnYeP-3&state=%7B%22redirectURL%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wired.com%2Fstory%2Fhow-to-stop-instagram-from-tracking-everything-you-do%2F%3Futm_source%3DWIR_REG_GATE%22%7D&utm_source=WIR_REG_GATE
Cooper, Paige (2021, March 30). The 2021 Instagram Algorithm Breakdown: How to Get your Content Seen. Hootsuite. Strategy. Retrieved from https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-algorithm/
#5: Task 8: Golden Record Curation
Author: Katrina Wong
Source: Link
Summary:
Katrina outlines her strategy of choosing her 10 pieces from the Golden Records’ original 27 compilation. Within her list of strategies, she identifies her rationale as: Purpose of the Voyager being sent out in space to communicate with other life forms, Variety of sounds, instruments, and voices that depict Earth, Languages spoken on Earth, Cultures, and Diversity, and Representation of humanity: emotions, environment (Wong, 2021). She concludes the week’s task in appreciating the current global climate of the pandemic helping her appreciate humanity’s most important qualities (though she does not list them specifically).
Reflection:
As Katrina was a classmate which Palladio identified strong indicators of connection between us for curating the Golden Record, I thought that it would be fitting to examine and compare her rationale to mine regarding her final selection. For me, I decided to organize my curation by human voice, different sounds of instruments, and the harmony of the human voices together. For Katrina, her 4 strategies were explained in a different manner, but still overlapped in general meaning. For instance, we both identified the importance of variety of sounds, and the representation of humanity. It is noteworthy that Katrina does not share a background in classical music (or she did not identify its presence) as I do, yet we still were able to agree for the majority of our final curation.
As Palladio identified Katrina to be a colleague that shared a high number of connections on final curation, her rationale and background for why she chose those pieces did not match my explanations to the same degree of connectivity Palladio suggests. From the perspective of humanity, I find this heartwarming; despite the differences that we may share growing up, believe, or experience, individuals can still agree on similar trajectories of thought. This is powerful in today’s context. As world news focus on the divisions that separate us, we are all still the same as human beings. We all strive for the same things in life: happiness, love, friends, family, etc. From the business perspective, Palladio would be an ideal tool to serve as a template for social applications. Such a business model would profit from an individual’s intangible attention (which is highly valued nowadays) being maintained on their platform by the algorithm’s suggestions of ‘those similar to you’. There is little doubt in that we gravitate towards those to whom we share the same qualities (attribution bias); but we are surrendering the value in diversity for the convenience of acceptance.
The more interconnected we become in the digital space as a result of our ‘friend suggestions’, the more we become secluded from the real world and its collection of perspectives, rationales, and relationships. QAnon would be an excellent example. As the pandemic last year led to most individuals staying within the confines of their own home, individuals sought for connections in the virtual space. As a result, individuals become part of a secluded collective, which only feeds each other in exacerbating philosophies and theories to the point where members are quite out of touch with reality.
#6: Task 7: Mode-Bending
Author: Melissa Drake
Source: Link
Summary:
Melissa’s perspective for week 7’s task went into the dystopian (and speculative) future as she created an audio version of “What’s in your bag?”, representing a futuristic robotic explorer conducting field notes on finding her bag on Earth. Her humourous take considers which items would survive the passage of time and how identifiable they would be to a futuristic non-Earth species. Melissa dives further into the specific programs that she used to create the unique timbre and quality of the final audio product. As with many excellent samples from my peers, Melissa connects the week’s task with her classroom experience, specifically with ELL students. She concludes with identifying that accessibility to technology is a key factor in improving digital literacy, but it is certainly is not the only factor.
Reflection:
Melissa’s approach to Week 7’s task pushed me down the never-ending rabbit hole of imagining how life will appear on Earth thousands of years from now. I ruminated on how Melissa decided that English would be the main language of communication in the future; what about Mandarin? or Spanish? After all, 2019 data would show that the language with the most speakers is Chinese (1.3 billion native speakers), following by Spanish (460 million native speakers), and then English ((379 million native speakers) (Lane, 2019). The gap between Chinese and Spanish has likely increased over the past few years, and there will certainly be much more change in numbers over the next few decades. In a speculative fashion, who is to say that human language is erased and replaced by a digital language, such as binary, or perhaps an alien language that we simply cannot conceive?
Along the similar trend of thought, human spoken language may not be the only invention that loses its presence over a long period of time; so will our belongings and written text. With written text, I would assume that ink on paper would only remain as long as the paper remains; but its sensitivity to the elements would threaten its longevity. For any paper items, decomposition is estimated to be 2-6 weeks, whereas some plastics may take up to 500+ years to break down (Twin Enviro, 2019). Thus, our preservation of our human presence requires a careful reflection on what materials to use as its base; metals or plastics. At the same time, our dependence on utilizing metals and plastics threatens the Earth as our waste issues continue to prove problematic.
As the majority of our human language will likely disappear in time and be replaced by another, I still wonder about the language of symbols. A red octagon may mean little to an alien visitor in the future, but the nuclear hazard symbol should be one that means a lot; so how should we design symbols in becoming long-lasting (Haubursin, 2018)? In sum, I wonder about the necessary messages that we want to exist for as long as possible; what would they be, and how would they be effectively communicated to any future reader (alien or non-alien?)
References:
Haubursin, Christophe. (2018, Jan 29). Why danger symbols can’t last forever – How to design fear. Vox. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/videos/2018/1/29/16932718/biohazard-design-nuclear-waste
Lane, James. (2019, September 6). The 10 Most Spoken Languages In The World. Babell Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/the-10-most-spoken-languages-in-the-world
(2019, Oct 11). How long does it take to decompose? Twin Enviro Services. Retrieved from https://twinenviro.com/2019/10/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-decompose/