Description

Question

For this portfolio project, you will explore how technology has changed by interviewing two people and discussing how technology has changed in their lifetime. You will conduct research on the types of technology discussed. Then, you will present your findings as either a report or a PowerPoint presentation. You may choose another method of presenting your findings, but you must get approval from your teacher before you start.

Your final report or PowerPoint presentation will describe how an aspect of technology has changed in each person’s lifetime. These aspects of technology may be related to computers, the environment, medicine, or any other aspect of life. Your final product should be a blending of your two interviewees’ experiences and your research.

Your portfolio assignment has 3 steps:

Interview two people.

Research the technology discussed in the interviews

Write your report or PowerPoint presentation.
Step 1
Conduct your two interviews by asking questions about how aspects of technology have changed in each interviewee’s lifetime. In addition to asking the questions already listed, come up with at least two original questions to ask about the technology. These questions do not have to be the same for both interviewees.

Information/Question

Interviewee 1

Name:

Relationship to you:

Interviewee 2

Name:

Relationship to you:

What kind of technology has changed greatly during your lifetime?

How have you interacted with this technology? What was it like when you first started interacting with it?

How has it changed? How did you adapt to the change?

How do you think it will change in the future?

Original question 1:

Original question 2:

Step 2
Now you are to conduct your own research based on the research talked about with your two interviewees. Gather factual information on the technology discussed and where it might be headed in the future.

You can use note cards, type your notes on a computer, or use another note-taking method. You may use EBSCOhost databases and Grolier Online™ encyclopedias to identify reference materials for this activity. Follow the directions below to access these resources.

EBSCO
From your EMS home page, select EBSCO under Links.
Select Student Research Center – High School & Middle School.
Narrow your search using the Search By Topic menu.
Narrow your search further or use the Find field, and then select the Search button
If you do not have the link in your Student Home Page, select the link below to access EBSCOhost.
computer mouse icon EBSCO

Select "EBSCOhost Research Databases"
Enabled "Select all" and then select "Continue". You are now ready to search
Grolier
From your EMS home page, select Grolier Online™ under Links.

Select a resource from the menu on the left or type your search criteria into the Find it Fast! Field and select the Go button.

If you do not have the link in your Student Home Page, select the link below to access Grolier Online™

computer mouse icon Grolier
Alternatively, conduct a safe search on the Internet or at your local library for information about the technology you discussed with your interviewees.

Step 3
You have two choices for a final product: a report or a PowerPoint presentation. You may come up with a third option, but you must get permission from your teacher before you begin.

Consider what you discussed with the two people you interviewed. Think about the additional information you discovered through your own research.

In writing your report or PowerPoint presentation, make sure that you:

Include the names of the people you interviewed and their relationship to you.
Introduce the types of technology you discussed.
Describe their relationships with the types of technology you discussed and how they used the technology when they first encountered it.
Explain how the technology changed and how your interviewees adapted to that change.
Explain how your interviewees think the technology will change in the future.
Use logical organization, including an introduction and a conclusion.
Use information from at least two other sources. Correctly cite your sources.
Use standard spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.

Answer 1

Report on Technological Changes in Two Lifetimes

Interviewee 1
Name: John Smith
Relationship to you: Grandfather

Interviewee 2
Name: Sarah Johnson
Relationship to you: Aunt

Introduction:
In this report, we will explore how technology has changed in the lifetimes of two individuals, John Smith and Sarah Johnson, through interviews and research. We will focus on the changes in computer technology that they have witnessed.

Types of Technology Discussed:
Both John and Sarah discussed the advancements in computer technology that they have experienced in their lifetimes. John highlighted the introduction of personal computers, while Sarah talked about the evolution of smartphones.

Relationship with Technology:
When John first interacted with personal computers in the 1980s, they were large, clunky machines used primarily for word processing. He described the initial challenges of understanding how to operate them but quickly adapted as technology improved. Sarah, on the other hand, recalls using simple mobile phones in the early 2000s before smartphones became popular. She initially found smartphones overwhelming but gradually learned to use the numerous features they offered.

Changes in Technology:
Both John and Sarah have witnessed significant changes in computer technology. John noted the transition from desktop computers to laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which have become more powerful and compact. Sarah mentioned the increasing capabilities of smartphones, such as high-quality cameras, internet access, and a wide range of applications.

Adapting to Change:
John and Sarah have both adapted to technological changes by remaining curious and open to learning. John took courses to stay updated on the latest software and utilized online tutorials. Sarah learned to use social media platforms and online shopping apps to stay connected and make purchases conveniently.

Future Technology Changes:
John believes that technology will continue to advance rapidly, leading to more automation and artificial intelligence integration. He predicts that virtual reality and augmented reality technologies will become commonplace. Sarah envisions further integration of technology into daily life, such as smart home devices and wearable technology.

Conclusion:
Through the interviews with John and Sarah and additional research, it is evident that computer technology has evolved significantly in their lifetimes. Both individuals have adapted to these changes and remain optimistic about the future of technology. The advancements in computer technology have transformed the way we live, work, and communicate, and will continue to shape our future. As we embrace these changes, it is crucial to remain informed and adaptable in order to harness the full potential of technology.