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11-12
Fear of the Unknown
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
Inventing the Internet Age
Inventing the Internet Age
Subjects
History
Summary
Students will dramatize the fears and apprehensions of people who were born long before the Internet became part of our daily lives.
Duration
1-2 periods
Purpose
To study the reactions and impact of sudden technological change
Before Exploring
Ask: How many of you are afraid of the Internet? Then ask: How many of your parents or grandparents are uncomfortable with the internet? Lead an open discussion on the subject of knowledge base, age, and ability to adapt. At the end of the discussion, summarize the theme of this topic by stating that in general, the majority of people do not react well to major changes to their lives.
Outline the Opportunity
Tell students that they will be creating a series of dramatizations conveying the fears, apprehensions, and possible downsides to pursuing Internet technology. Divide the class into groups of four to six. Have the students review clips 2, 3, and 10, and the additional clips “Interactive networks disappoint” and “Computer hackers tap into electronic bulletin boards.” Have each group select an issue or set of issues as presented in the clips. The group then will create a dramatization or a simulated news interview to illustrate the reasons for not using the Internet. They should also include an opposing viewpoint that highlights the benefits of the technology.
Revisit and Reflect
Have the students present their pieces to each other or to another class. Follow up the presentations with an open forum on whether the fears and opposition to this technology are warranted.
Extension
Students can write a brief essay or create an editorial cartoon outlining how they might have reacted to this new technology if had not already existed when they were born.
