Fernando M. Reimers et a1.

3. Students will explain and describe the core benefits and potential
uses of emerging technologies in addressing global challenges and
the barriers to universalizing access to them.

Overview

In this unit, students examine the role of information technology, biotech—
nology, bioinformatics, brain—computer interfaces and neurotechnology,
energy and environmental systems, nanotechnology and robotics, and artifi—
cial intelligence in supporting the process of globalization and in addressing
current global challenges. For each of these emerging technologies, students
will examine the core ideas and concepts, the contributions to human well
being enabled by the technology, the likely economic applications of the
technology, and the challenges to extending these benefits universally.

Activity TIG.3.1.

The Internet, Computing, Networks, and
Communications

Students will discuss the uses of the Internet for communications, busi—

nesses, and governments.

Students will read the following page about networked computing and the
cloud: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud—computinghtm.

Students will then watch the Video “United Breaks Guitars” (http://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=5YGC4zOqozo) and discuss the implications of the
endless information on the Internet for leadership.

Activity TIG.3.2

Open Sources and Copyrights

The teacher will discuss how the Internet has enabled worldwide collabora—
tion and how that collaboration is typified by open—source software. They

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