Read Schmidt and Cohen, “Our Future Selves” (241-) questions 1, 2, 3, 4 at page 256.



How do Schmidt and Cohen portray the impact of technology on the future? Which of the innovations they mention would you particularly look forward to, and why? Which of their predictions seem problematic or overly optimistic?



How do the authors see technology changing global human relations? Do you think that greater "connectivity" will necessarily make the world politically, culturally, and economically a better place? What other effects might it have?



What role has technology played in your own education? For example, how much experience have you had with technological "tools" like the Kahn Academy or concepts like the "flipped classroom"? Do you agree with Schmidt and Cohen that more technology in the classroom will increase critical thinking and problem solving?



How do you think new technologies like personalized devices, immersive virtual reality, holographic TV, driverless cars, genetic testing, and electronic memory aids will change human beings in the future? Would you like to live in the "upper band" world Schmidt and Cohen envision at the end of this selection?