Trends, Networks and Critical Thinking Skills in the 21st Century Culture

Week 11 Lesson 1 and 2 Narrative

Analyzing Democratic and Undemocratic Practices

Introduction

The democratic practices in the country are meant to benefit the people. If only its resources, work
force and funds were never exploited by several individuals, finding solutions for the country’s multitude
of economic and political problems would never be impossible. Some democratic laws, however, are on
the border of being removed such as the Freedom of Information Act which is now being abolished in
some countries like the UK as its government already issued some restrictions on information present in
the web. Since the Philippines tend to follow most of the principles of the 1st world countries, this
country may also do the same in the near future.

On the other hand, undemocratic practices are practices that affect the society and government in many
different ways, usually denying the people’s rights for freedom of expression, property ownership,
religious practices, etc. These practices include corruption, martial law, and any other ordinances that
restrict freedom among its citizens. Although these were common trends in the country in the past, they
were eventually overshadowed by corruption and poverty, which are main problems of most 3rd world
countries today. Furthermore, undemocratic practices are still severe problems in the country but there
are already few ways in order to deal with such problems to prevent any further troubles in the
government and the society. And one of those effective ways in dealing with societal problems is the
education of the young people.

Keep In Mind

An undemocratic practice is a doctrine that is against or in disagreement with democracy. Democracy is

a political system for choosing and replacing the government and its leaders. Electoral fraud can occur in
advance of voting if the composition of the electorate is altered. The legality of this type of manipulation
varies across jurisdictions. Deliberate manipulation of election outcomes is widely considered a violation
of the principles of democracy (Wayback Machine, 2007).

Public funding is money that comes from the government, often through taxes, that is used to help the
public through goods and services. The funds are gathered and distributed in different levels such as the
federal level, state level, and even local level. While taxes are a primary resource, funding can also come
from fines and fees.

Public funding helps provide health programs, community services, restoration programs, public service
programs, and even environmental programs. These programs benefit the members of the community
in which the funds are used. So, Chase learns that when taxpayers pay taxes, the government uses that
money to help maintain and improve communities through programs and services (Brianna Whiting).
In general, corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization
entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit (Wikipedia).

An undemocratic practice is a doctrine that is against or in disagreement with democracy. Democracy is

a political system for choosing and replacing the government in which everybody should participate.
Democracy is a great way of choosing our leaders, but it proves to be hard to make rules that every
citizen will follow. Also, in democracy, the majority wins, but this isn’t always a good thing. The other
side will be upset, creating violence and corruption.

Enabling and Inhibiting Dimensions of Technology

INTRODUCTION

Twenty-first century learning has been defined by application and advancement in information
technology or IT. Information technology has become an essential part of education. According to
Information Technology Association of America, information technology is defined as “the study, design,
development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information
systems” which serves as a big help both for the teachers and learners.

Integrating technology in education is imperative for it is one way to encourage the learners to be more
interested in the subject they are studying. It can encourage a more active participation in the learning
process which can be hard to achieve through a traditional lecture environment and hence, provides
different opportunities to make learning more fun, interactive and enriching.

Emerging technologies show many challenges to the traditional system. Nanotechnology, biotechnology
and robotics are not limited to an individual organization like many older technologies such as motor
vehicles, pharmaceuticals and others but rather, to a multiple of industries and application companies.
These controlled sectors and applications create a complication of regulatory efforts in determining the
risks and control costs of these technology – life cycles.

Emerging technologies further show an unprecedented vagueness parallel to the risks they bring,
advantages, and upcoming growth while traditional technologies possess toxicity which may not be in
the case of nanomaterials. Some genetically altered food products can be risky to the welfare of public
health and the environment. Information technology has served as a major catalyst of change and
innovation in different aspect of business and society. It has proven game changer in resolving economic
and social issues.

As the proliferation of technology in the classroom continues to accelerate, schools that haven’t yet
implemented some of the latest and greatest devices such as computers in the classroom are starting to
really feel the pressure to cope with the fast changing world. Mobile devices can make perfect learning
tools and open up unlimited possibilities for educators and students alike, but it’s not all daisies and
roses. Sometimes the initial infatuation with the shiny new technology turns into a love-hate
relationship as problems and issues arise.

POTENTIAL ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BRINGING TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

Students Using Social Media

Of course, teachers are afraid that their students may just play around on social media instead of using
their devices for educational purposes. Today’s kids spend quite a bit of time on Facebook, mobile
games, other social networking sites, etc.

Security Breach

Students are oftentimes more curious than they are malicious. They want to push the boundaries just to
see if they can. If you're network allows them access to the admin servers, you can bet they're going to
get on it.

Cheating

At one time a student had to pull a paper written “cheat sheet” out of their pocket to have the ability to
cheat. It certainly seems easier that they can now cleverly pull up a “cheat sheet” on their device. The
good news is, with the ever-evolving change in technology, software companies are developing ways to
alleviate the cheating problem by for example, allowing teachers and administrator’s access to students’
screens while in the classroom.

Gaming

There are a ton of free gaming apps out there and people love them, especially the learners. These
addicting games can be quite the distraction and take away from productivity in learning.

Information technologies have contributed to the increase in the concentration of access to information,
decision – making and control. They have accelerated the crisis in employment through labor
substitution and have intensified the competitive processes in both economic and social spheres. Their
development has sustained the belief that the urban crisis can be resolved through new information and
communication infrastructures.

Technology has taken over the lives of many people who spend way too much time on social media just
trying to see how many likes and comments they have on their Facebook or Instagram posts. People
think of social media when someone is looking at their phone, or when someone mentions technology.
They forget all the amazing things other than social media that technology has brought to us.
Technology has allowed parents not to be in the dark when it comes to being aware as to where their
children are. It has allowed people away from their own countries to contact their loved ones and even
see them through video calls. But technology has enslaved us and has controlled our lives in some other
ways as well.

Technology has taken over the lives of many people who spend way too much time on social media just
trying to see how many likes and comments they have on their Facebook or Instagram posts. People
think of social media when someone is looking at their phone, or when someone mentions technology.
They forget all the amazing things other than social media that technology has brought to us.
Technology has allowed parents not to be in the dark when it comes to being aware as to where their
children are. It has allowed people away from their own countries to contact their loved ones and even
see them through video calls. But technology has enslaved us and has controlled our lives in some other
ways as well.

But even if tech companies aren’t really trying to enslave us, or to make us feel inadequate, that doesn’t
mean that the current situation is a case of good intentions gone awry. There’s no more reason to think
that technology is intrinsically good, but occasionally getting it wrong, than there is to think that it’s a
remarkably successful villain.

Technology can be used in various ways to facilitate business organizations. For example, technology
can be used to organize information. It can be used to aid data transfer and information flow within an
organization. Technology can also be used to process, track and organize business records. IT indeed has
countless of advantages in the field of business and commerce. It helps businesses automate most tasks
and this process results in increased production and efficiency. Business can automate tasks in the
accounting department by using accounting software like QuickBooks.

Technology helps to speed up the learning process for students because it creates a more efficient
learning environment in many ways. Moreover, technology can also be an important part of one’s life
for many other reasons aside from education.

Technology has important effects on business operations. Regardless of the size of your enterprise,
technology has both tangible and intangible benefits that will help you make money and produce the
results that your customers demand. Technological infrastructures affect the culture, efficiency and
relationships within a business. Technology has the ability to enhance relationships among teachers,
students and even the community. When teachers effectively integrate technology into varied subject
areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach.

Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun. Technology is in many ways like
its own form of entertainment. However, for people with disabilities, technology can be so much more
than just entertainment. It can change their lives. It can help them learn and enable them to do things
they wouldn't otherwise be able to do.