Section 3 Prompts for Tuesday
Strategy
Is Rushkoff’s writing style effective to prove his point? If not what were not effective or which one of his
points are arguable? (Beom)
Why doesn't Rushkoff use more statistics and facts to support his argument? (Allen)
Would the book improve if there were interviews with professionals and regular technology users? If we
add interviews would it distract from his message or support his arguments? (Veronica)
Does it feel like Rushkoff assumes that the reader partakes in all of the taboo's he lists? If so how do you
think that this effects the impact each chapter has on the reader? (Andrew)
According to Rushkoff, humans have never taken full advantage of the capabilities our technologies
offer to those who take the time to learn about their biases, instead we are content remaining "passive
participants". If this is true, what makes the introduction of digital media such a cause for concern?
What reasons does Rushkoff give for his concern? Are his reasons convincing? (Nathan)
Purpose
Rushkoff's main point in the last chapter was to convince all the readers that we all should at least know
the basics of programming. He even goes so far as writing that programming should be a class in schools
like many other subjects. however would this make a difference to the students in wanting to pursue
programming? in many ways history classes in high school pushes students away from pursuing a
knowledge in history. I feel like that would be the same result with a mandatory programming class.
(Kohta)
Should programming be incorporated into the high school graduating standards? Would this be effective
in tackling the lack of knowledge in this subject? (Tiffany)
If Rushkoff tells us that we need to learn the use of programs, why aren't we doing so? (Gina)
Why maybe some reasons people opt to not learn about programming? (Meseret)
In chapter 9 Rushkoff pretty much calls for a restructuring of our economy to accommodate technology,
does that not in some ways defeat the purpose of us forcing technology to cater to our needs? Does it
feel as though Rushkoff stray's from his original path with this statement? (Tiffany)
I think one of the things we should discuss in relation to Rushkoff is the way that not only people, but
people who seem to be college aged young adults are attached to social networking and media so much.
Is this because of our "generation" or is it because we choose to detach ourselves from real time more
than older adults do, out of convenience? What are some differences between younger and older adult
use of digital technology? (Rhylie)