The Algorithm is Gonna Get You

One of my biggest challenges is getting students in my Technology Applications course to understand the value of coding and technology in our everyday lives. Yes, students use technology every single day. They don't even know what life was like without a smart phone, and yet, they don't seem to question how this technology works or appreciate the massive impact technology in our lives today.

Determined to bring the real world into the classroom more, I recently added on to my introductory Algorithms lesson. I typically introduce algorithms with the Friendship Algorithm featured on The Big Bang Theory. Sure, this is a great hook, and an awesome introduction to flow charts, as well, but I still wanted more.

I found four super interesting articles featuring "algorithms in the real world." I've linked them here:

Mercedes' Self-Driving Cars Will Save Passengers, Not Bystanders

What Happens When Algorithms Design a Concert Hall?

Every Trump Tweet Activates Thousands of Algorithms

Facebook Trending Topics Algorithm Changes to Better Reflect Real News

I kept things simple: I printed copies of the articles, each on their own color of paper. I passed the articles out to the students so that each student read one. Using the traditional jigsaw strategy, students then matched up with the other three colors of articles and shared what they read about.

Perhaps the most interesting article was the one on self-driving cars and the "kill the driver or kill the pedestrian" algorithm. The article led us into rich discussion about ethics and the role of humans in designing technology. We also spent some time debating the "trending topics" algorithm. Do algorithms designed to show us what interests us make the Internet more appealing to us or simply keep us wrapped up in our own bubble?

It seems really corny, but as I took in the discussion, I saw the faces of some of my students light up. It was a humbling reminder that as much as my students can't wait to get to work on their computers, it's so important to also TALK about technology and the effect it has on us.

Tech Three - November

Every month, on a Thursday, one of the tech or LMC teachers at my school sends out a "Tech Three" email with three tech tips.  

Below is this month's that I just sent out.  Maybe you'll find a new tip!  

1.  Are you logged into gmail and wondering where the quick link to Google Drive or other google apps went? Click on the nine-square grid in the top right corner (next to the bell icon) to see shortcuts to things like Google Drive, Google Calendar, Sites, and EasyBib. Note that in order to find EasyBib, you will have to click on "More" and scroll until you find it!  (See screenshot)

2.  Songza - Do you like to play music in class? Songza is a free website just for that! Use Songza's music concierge to choose music based on a mood or time of day, or stream music based on eras, artists, and genres.  You can even select music without lyrics!  

3.  NASA Space Math is a NASA website containing space-themed math lessons for students in elementary school through high school.  The lessons are aligned with actual NASA missions and contain videos, PDF activities, common core standards, and even press releases from the real missions.