Michael Wesch is a cultural anthropologist and media ecologist exploring the impacts of new media on human interaction. Wesch is launching the Digital Ethnography Working Group, a team exploring human uses of digital technology. Coinciding with the launch of this group, Wesch created a short video, "Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us." Released on YouTube on January 31st 2007, it quickly became the most popular video in the blogosphere and has now been viewed over 3 million times. Wesch's videos are part of his broader efforts to pursue the possibilities of digital media to extend and transform the way ethnographies are presented. Wesch is also a multiple award-winning teacher active in the development of innovative teaching techniques. Most notably, Wesch has developed a highly-acclaimed "World Simulation" for large introductory classes in cultural anthropology. Currently he is the coordinator for the Peer Review of Teaching Project at Kansas State University, part of a broader nation-wide consortium of universities pursuing new ways to improve and evaluate student learning. He is also working with the Educause Center for Applied Research on "The Tower and the Cloud" project, examining "the question of how higher education institutions (The Tower) may interoperate with the emerging network-based business and social paradigm (The Cloud)."Watch the video on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE and decide if the machine is using us?
92 comments:
T MALCOLM
This video clip was truthful and to the point. We are the internet, we are linked, we are sharing and we are gaining so much from one another. I do agree that the machine is using Us. Without our input of information, without our visits to sites there would be no productive use of the internet. Wesch seems to be onto the reality that we are the source of it all, we cannot blame the computer for misinformation or guidance if we are the provider of the information.
A great video clip with lots of graphics and still got a clear message from it. We definitely use the computer for many reasons. We have the freedom to control it but unfortunately we tend to go overboard. The more information the computer gives us the more we want it. Society depends on technology in order to survive
Fascinating video! The advanced graphic editing of the video really reflected the message. The web 2.0 will give all of us the power to really communicate on an unprecedented scale. The web has made the world so much smaller. Now people can search for anything using "the machine". People can be a receiver of the information or easily contribute their own message. Its no longer just a machine. In my opinion, people will learn how to scan through the good things and the bad.
This video was really interesting. I know that there are many ways to use the internet but I had never seen it presented like this. "The machine" I believe is using us. It is using us to find information that we may need or be interested in. The making of the video was incredible they way they moved from idea to idea. The web is a great resource for many people but they need to make sure they comb through the material in order to find what is important and what is false.
I agree with Malcolm. We have created the internet and we are continuously tied to it. If we are not on our home computer, office computer, blackberry or i-phone....we are out of touch. We use the internet all the time. I can honestly say that I am bound to the computer with the school work that I have. I would have never imagined this years ago. The world is at our fingetips 24/7
Katie
I agree that the machine is using us, but the machine is not us. The machine is part of us, whatever information or idea we put on the web represents something about us.Internet brings people closer together, it makes communication easier for people around the world. I like this video, I'm using the machine by teaching it. =)
-Jenny
I agree with what Malcolm said for the most part about how we cannot blame the computer for misinformation when we are the providers of the information. On the other hand, Jenny made a good point. The machine is a part of us, it does not define us. I thought this was a very interesting video which shows how important the internet is in our society.
Erin C.
I was just as amazed as Colleen about how the video moved from one clip to the other. One click of the mouse can change the entire search on the web. Recently I found that search engines, especially Google because I use that most often, will give you a list of things on the web that have your words in the title. As you continue to type in the Search, the list gets more narrow because of the words you type in. I find that interesting because it shows how much the computer already knows. It's kind of like the computer saying "is this what you want? ohh wait, I got more. How bout this one?"
The computer is using us. Anything we type in or want to look for has already been looked at. I feel like technology is smarter than we are, but what would technology be without us. If we didnt type in all our interests and curiosities, the computer would have nothing. Its a dual partnership. Maybe even a LOVE/HATE relationship.
- alexandria
This video was truly beautifully put together- I was definitely impressed!
Rather quickly, the "machine" has become so much a part of our society, I can see how it can be figuratively described as "us." Nowadays, everything is computerized, and I don't know how we would live without the machine. Indeed, the computer has very much become a part of who we are.
This video definitely made me think. It was pretty interesting the way the information that was being portrayed was presented on youtube. It relates to the information that I presented in the beginning of the year on the software analyst and how there are different ways to determine if information presented on the internet is accurate or not. I do see the view point that the internet is using us. Every time we enter information on the internet and enter a site, we are making the internet bigger than before.
I think Alexandria brings up some great points about the information that was presented. Like her, I use google often and the recent addition of narrowing searches has been even more helpful. I like how she compared us and the internet as a dual relationship. Before seeing this I only really believed that we were using the internet. However, I now can view it as a simultaneous relationship and how one affects the other.
This video is very true and it something people do not always think about. We are what makes the computers work. Computers cannot think for themselves, they need input. That is where we come in. Computers are a wonderful form of technology, although people need to be aware that we are the internet. We come up with the ideas to use the computer for.
I agree with Coleen that this was a very fascinating video. It is true I have never seen the internet presented in this way either. I also agree that the machine is using us.
I like what Jenny said in that the machine is part of us. It truly is, technology is a major part of society today. The computer is a major part of our lives, especially in the world of education.
This was a great video and really opened your eyes to all that the technology we are surrounded by. I agree with the ending statements that the computer should be organized in a manner that is ethical to all that use it. The problems with connecting people sometimes, is that not all have good intentions. It is problems like this that have brought a new wave of issues into peoples homes. This was a well made video and it really got to the heart of the issues and meaning for the computer technology that was created and how it has transformed.
Sounds like a sci fi movie the machines are using us. I guess it is only a matter of time when the computers will think for themsleves and operate freely with out human imput. Till then we are the internet. The internet provides education with many wonderfull tools to use in the classroom. As I have sadly come to realize many high schools teachers are not using the technology to enhance the classrooms. The technology is waiting to be used. Will money be provided to bring this technology and training for teachers to use it in the high school classroom. Al I know is I try to use technology, such as the smart board and the internet every chance I can to improve my classroom.
Robert C
After watching the power point I do not feel that the machine is using us. I think that nowadays we have become dependent ins using the computer, but it is for the better. With the use of technology we are able to get information right away and without a hassle. I also agree that we are the ones feeding the computer the information. I also feel that since we have become so dependent on the computer we have to be careful because we might not be able to live without it. I also feel that people misuse the internet by using as a place to post inappropriate material and use it to meet people. You never know who is on the other side of the screen, so people need to be careful. Lastly, I feel that having the use of computers does help education because it allows teachers to bring outside material to the class and get their attention.
angella s.
I agree with Patricia that sometimes we do go overboard with using technology and that we now depend on it to survive. We now use computers for everything, such as communicating, getting directions, look up information, shopping, and so much more. If something was to ever happen to the computer, we would all be lost.
angella s.
I agree with Jenny that the machine is us. I do not agree though about the machine defining us. I feel that the things we do and the choices that we make actually help more to define the machine. Just look at how we use Wikipedia. Anyone can change the information a computer gives us, the only thing that is stopping us from reaching our full potential is the information that we give, factual or false.
Michael F
I agreed with much of what Alexandria had to say with regard to the dual partnership between individuals and technology. While I neither believe that the machine is using us, nor that we are defined by technology, I do recognize the point made in several of the posts stating that technology has become an integral part of our lives. Email has replaced snail mail; programs such as Microsoft Money or Quicken have nearly obliterated the need to balance one's checkbook, and our classrooms have, in many cases become digital showrooms. With that said, we are still the ones who use the computer, the internet, or the broader technologies to suit our purpose, and not the other way around.
As many have said, the video was excellent. I would be interested in seeing the "Tower in the Clouds" information (the site was not available, i.e., "page not found" when I looked). What impressed me the most were the vast differences between the Internet in 1996 (the year I finished my undergrad degree) and today. I will admit that I am likely to experience net rage (if there is such a term) when my computer is running slowly; I have little patience for sites that do not load quickly or within which navigation is difficult. With regard to the use of technology in our classroom, I think that it can only enhance good teaching; technology cannot replace the teacher. One of my professors once said that "a good teacher can teach with a piece of slate and a pice of chalk," and I believe this to be true. A sirm understanding and appropriate use of technology allows the teacher to add some spice to his or her classroom.
The machine is definitely an extension of us. If we're not checking our email, or facebook accounts from every computer or cell phone that we have access to, then we are constantly sending text messages throughout the day. I personally feel completely lost without my cell phone and I check my email at least 3 times in an hour. My computer and cell phone do not define me but are definitely a large part of me.
~Shikema B.
I have never thought of the internet or computers in general the way that I am now after watching that video. This is a great video that would change a lot of people’s minds about computers. We are the computers is a very true statement. If it was not for us, the computer would not have anything on it except for empty programs. All of the information put on the internet is put on by us. This was a great eye-opening video.
-Caitlin Fox
The video that I watched was interesting but a bit scary at the same time. I do agree with many of my peers who commented that the "machine is using us." However, the machine is linking and helping us relate to each other as well. I still believe that despite all the advancements that we have made, the machine is still as good as we make it. This means that we still do have some control over the machine. There is a mutual ownership that exists between us and the machine; the machine is the extension of us. What concerns me however, is the question of how far or how much. As the video illustrated, we must rethink the cost of connecting with one another. The issues of breech, cyberbullying, and the invasion of privacy still need to be considered. In addition, we must rethink the reliability of the information that we are obtaining. Since it is so easy to edit the information onto the internet, we must be mindful of the accuracy of the information. Technology is a great resource for educators, but it will be more effective if educators become wiser about its application and implementation.
I do not agree that the machine is using us. We are using it, we are addicted to it, and we would get along just fine without it if it disappeared. I have found that many blogs, youtube videos, and bulletin boards can be equated with "that guy" on the subway who is mumbling his life story to you. The information is there, but how much do you really want to hear/read it? Granted, technology has its benefits for news, education, shopping, et cetera. But there is a limit. The world is not at your fingertips. The collective "idea" of the world is at your fingertips. The real world is what's living and breathing and changing while you search the Internet.
I do agree that we are the web, for people do input all the information that is available on the web. While the web is an excellent source of information for educators, students, researchers, consumers, and businesses, I feel that using the web for personal communication is the most life changing use of the web, and not exactly for the better. This is where web usage becomes dangerously close to “using us” because its’ lore is so strong and consuming, yet it can have disastrous effects on real human connection.
Kathleen M.
I thought this was an interesting video. I do not really agree that the machine is using us, I just think that we are getting really good at using the machine. After watching the video, it is really amazing to see how far we have advanced technologically over the past ten years. Along with these changes however, has come new issues like privacy and ethics, as mentioned in the video. There are no cyber police and very little in the way of laws when it comes to the Internet. These issues can make it a scary place, especially for children. I am guessing and hoping that this area will be one that evolves over the course of the next ten years. I do not agree with the comment above that we would be fine if the Internet just disappeared. I do agree that many people are addicted to it and maybe it does not put the world at our fingertips, but it does put all of the information that the world has to offer at our fingertips. It makes learning far easier than ever before. It has also allowed people to find and connect with other people that they would have never had the opportunity to meet before, if it weren't for the invention of the Internet. --Colleen Corrigan
After watching the video, I was very alarmed at how easy it is for the “machine” to use us. However, like Jennifer said, the machine is linking and helping us. It allows us to communicate and interact with each other in an efficient way. I feel that we have control over the information that we input into “the machine”. As such, we the users of the machine must be cautious about the information that we receive and share using “the machine”. As one of my peers mentioned, there are no cyber police. Thus, we the consumers need to be educated and vigilant about technologies and its’ authenticity. On the other hand, technology can be a great tool to students, educators and the average consumer when used effectively and efficiently. This can only happen with education.
Kishana B.
Martha D.
This thought provoking video clearly reflects the technological advancements and how they have change human behavior throughout time. The demonstration of the evolution of content of the internet is a reflection about our rapid intertwining world with this machinemind.
We are using the machine. People use the internet because of its simplicity and people use word processing because it makes it simple to correct spelling as well as grammar. In closing we as people are extremely dependent on the machine and use the machine for its simplicity, knowledge and ease more then the machine uses us.
-CHRISTINA TRESCA
I believe that this video clip was informative, interesting, and relative to anyone who uses computers. It made me think of using a computer in a whole different light. I never thought about how much information could be transferred, accessed, edited, formatted, etc. in just a matter of seconds. I agree with Colleen in that I don't believe that the machines are using us, I think that we are learning to use the machine more effectively. Technology and Machines are the wave of the future.
Kim C.
This video is very eye opening. Watching it makes me realize how much technology has become a part of our everyday lives. It almost seems like we wouldnt be able to live without technology anymore. But with this we also have to be careful because this could lead to many problems. We have to be more conscience of these issues so we dont fall into the trap.
The video is very interesting; we're very good at using machines, however we are too dependent on them. Machines have made the world small by linking us and giving us an oppurtunity to relate with each other. For example, teachers in India are tutoring students in the U.S through machines. The world is at our fingertips through internet. I think this is a great eye-opening video.
Iffat
It is hard to remember back when we used to use card catalogs in a library to locate books and research material. Now all we need is the click of a computer screen. The internet and computers in general have placed the world at our fingertips. It will be interestesing to see how things advance in the next 20 years. Who knows how we will be communicating then.
Nicole Rhodes
Comments by Elizabeth C.
So is the machine using us or are we using the machine? I think technology and human behavior have become a relationship that uses one another. It's also a relationship that depends on one another and must keep in mind the responsibility of maintaining a healthy relationship. That is, being mindful of how information is used, what information is entered, and how will the information be effective.
I agree with T Malcolm in that we are all using the machine for sharing, linking, and gaining more information from others, but we all must remember to be responsible for our actions when we use the "machine".
R sabino
I agree with what the article and the video were saying. As we become more and more reliant on the web for sharing information there is more opportunity for misinformation to be spread. We are going to have to rethink certain concepts that pertain to freedom of speech and governance. Can the web be governed? and who should do the governing? How do we prevent people from taking information and manipulating it to serve their agenda?
Great clip, I loved the fast pace and the beggining as well. First it showed how much better it is to use a pc versus a pencil and sheet of paper. This clip most importanly answers to the comments some people make when they say that technology and computers are taking over....No they are not taking over, we are the web, we teach the machine, we make the machines, we are technology.
Danyi T.
I agree with T Malcolm in saying that we are the internet, we are sharing and gaining from one another. However, I do not agree that the machine is using us. I believe we are using the machine to accomplish our objectives. We are teaching the machines new things to accomplish our objectives, as well as, expand our horizons. The computer is simply a communication tool that allows us many functions and we are constantly discovering its many capabilities.
This was a great video. Computers are a great tool for many different reasons. If we did not have the computer we would not be able to do the same things we could do today. Especially for teachers because new upcoming teachers are always finding new ways to teach and motivate students through technology. But we do go overboard with computers and technology. We are basically at the point that we can not go on with our lives without technology. There are a lot of Business's that are created just from computers and technology.
- Mike S.
Overall I liked the video and the questions it brought to mind about man and machine. There were some parts that I found a bit confusing because the editing was a little too fast. I Agree with Danyi that computers are not taking over and that we are still in control and telling the technology what to do. I do not think that computers are using us but I do think they are getting to our interest and habits.
Bridget S.
I think it was a great video. I think that this video shows how technology has evolved into its current state and it has brought about a change in thinkinig. I think that the machine is not using us. I think the the machine is acting as a tool to develop our thoughts. Anytime ideas are shared you are going to have concern like this.
-David B
I agree with the others who commented that this video was very creative and visually stimulating. I like the idea that "the machine is us" because essentially the people behind the websites, blogs, etc. are the ones who are driving the content as well as the ones who view it. I think Welsch accurately shows how technology has evolved over time and perhaps where it will continue to go in the future. The internet is defintely an excellent place for sharing and finding information and collaborating with people you may have never been able to work w ith.
It truly is amazing how much computers and the internet have evolved over the past ten to fifteen years. This video shows just how much when you realize where we've come with how we use the technology. It has become everything. We do everything with it, whether it's writing papers, paying bills, checking the weather, you name it. It's easy to see why some may think that we are the slaves to the technology since we rely so heavily on it. I happen to think that it is true to a point, but not in a Terminator kind of way...more in the way that if it went away all of sudden, it would not be a pretty thing.
Above comments were left by me. Sorry.
Jeff K
I like how this video says that technology is linking people not information. I don't think the machines are running us. I think that they are providing outlets for communication that were not available until recently. It's amazing how it was pointed out that there is a blog made almost every second.
I agree with David. The internet is a way to connect us and expand on our learning is new and exciting ways!
I don't believe that the machines are controlling us, I believe that we use technology to live our daily lives, which may be more than we should, but the computer is the reasons we have advanced so much in our society. I liked the video, I think the fast beat of it made it interesting how much the internet can do.
I agree with the video the internet does more then give us information, its helping us connect to each other. I don’t think that the machines are using us, but we do depend on technology too much to the point that it controls our lives. We may be relaying too much on technology that in the future the machines may us.
-Saira U.
This video was very interesting. Danyi made a great point in that we make the machines and we teach the machines. I too believe that we are using the internet and that the internet is not using us. I really enjoyed the ending and it got me thinking. With advancements in technology, we need to rethink whether or not our identity and privacy is kept safe.
*Jenny
I really enjoyed this video clip, it definitely got its message across. I do not think that the machine is using us. Like others have said, we are using the machine. Everyday in our lives we use technology whether it be in the classroom or at home. We decide what technology we are going to use, when we want to use it, and how we will use it. Technology opens up the world to us, and we use it how we see fit. I also like how someone pointed out that we created the machine and all of these technologies. Without us creating and adding to technology, we wouldn't be where we are today in technology!
-Kathy M.
This video clearly showed how far internet and online usage has come for everyday users. Early on only the tech-savvy were able to use the internet and its benefits. Now, however, everyone can easily access information and websites online. It has become a way of life for all of us. The improvements in the ability to surf the web has transformed the internet into a world wide phenomena.
The video was very informative and interesting. It shows how the internet is always changing. We are contributing to that change because we are constantly searching and linking together to create and form new things. I agree with Jenny and Danyi that we are using the machine. We are the ones that created this and we are the ones who will be able to change and create it into something else that will support our needs. Sometimes I feel that too much information is put out there for everyone to see so it's important to realize that the machine is supported by us. We have the capabilities to limit our usage and input.
-Jeanine T.
The Machine is Us/ing Us is an amazing concept- I truly never thought of it in that light. It can be argued that Web 2.0 has fostered an environment that allows our machine to use our intelligence to work more efficiently.
I do agree with Christine that machines aren't "running" us- we are "running" them, but, often times we need to only ask it to do something once and it "runs" itself. Wild.
I do also agree with the video that currently things need to be re-thought, there is a TON of information on the web that average americans are updating, uploading, etc. and who is to say it is correct? Wikipedia is a perfect example.
Colleen F
This was a great video. I never thought about becoming the machine, or having the machines use us. It does seem though as if we are teaching them to function in our absence. Good or bad, as that may be, we definitely have many opportunitites to do great things as teachers. As illustrated, computers can do just about anything and these limitless machines will have awesome influences on our classrooms.
John G
We are definitely entering the world of the Matrix. Human and machine are becoming one. i dont know if one is necessarily "using" the other, but at this point there is clearly no turning back now. Computers and machines are a part of everything in everyday life. While they will make the clkassroom more fun and engaging the machines true objectives are yet to be seen.
-MIKE T
I found this video clip to be interesting because it presents a unique idea, in a unique way. The clip clearly demonstates the linking of the machine and the humans. Walking down the street, it is evident that the use of technology is clearly intertwined within our daily lives, people walking on the street using thier blackberries or a person sitting in Starbucks with thier wireless lap top computer.
I agree with Alexandria and her observations with search engines such as Google. It is simply amazing to me that the search engine is able to predict what you are about to type and to continue narrowing your seach as you continue to type. She stated "I feel like technology is smarter than we are, but what would technology be without us. If we didnt type in all our interests and curiosities, the computer would have nothing. Its a dual partnership." which i found an interesting and accurate statement. It is 100% true that is a partnership because the machine and us have to work together! Kristina B.
The machine is definitely us and it is definitely using us.We created a monster when we created the internet, but the monster is our need to have information all of the time. I often sit and think what it would be like without all of the information that is available to us at the click of a button. It's amazing how my parents survived without technology because I cannot imagine my life without it. This video just furthers the point that we need to have students connected to the Internet because it is such a vital part of our daily lives.I agree with many people that the format of this video was stimulating. I also note Jenny's point that we use the machine for communication world wide which is such a cool and amazing thing we are able to do now.
I thought this video was very interesting. It is really amazing how much we rely on the internet, and how it has changed our lives. Like jen, I often think back to what my parents did when they were growing up. The internet is a helpful source, and now a place where students can go for help and extra sources. It will defintley be interesting to see what is going to be next in the near future.
Jaime R
I believe that we are in a way linked to the internet. It's how we share and receive information. I think we tend to depend on the computer for too much and then we blame the computer for misinformation. I think Wesch is on the ball with how we use the computer.
Lauren G.
Yes, the machine is using us and is us! We (the people) have made the internet what it is today. Just think about how many of us can't go half a day without logging on to check our e-mail or check something out. As soon as we don't know something...we say..."oh, just google it." When we didn't have it we were fine...now we need it to survive.
lisa c.
The video clip was to the point. We have created and made the internet into what it is today. Technology and human behavior have become a dependent relationship. We all utilize technology on a daily basis, and it has become a standard to live with. What needs to be remembered is that we provide the information which we recieve from the internet, and therefore if the information is wrong, we must blame ourselves and not the technology.
- Bethany H.
As Bethany and Lisa said we have made the internet and have continued to make it into what it is today. I know that I am constantly on my smart phone or checking my "mail" to connect to the world but it is the world I live in. We put the inforamtion into the technology world and we must be biased as to the information we read to ensure it is accurate.
Theresa Klee
The machine is us! We have made it what it is today. The video clip is very powerful in addressing how influential and powerful the web truly is. It seems like we would all be lost without it, and the truth is, we probably would be! It would be interesting to see what a video like this would be like ten years from now.
-Michelle A
This clip I thought was very interesting. Since many of us are so involved with technology and using technology, I do feel that we rely on technology to fulfill many of our needs. We are really part of technology. Computers and technology would not be what they are today with out us. I don't really know if I agree 100% with stating that the machine is using us however. I do believe to a certain point is is true because in order to make technological advancements, we need people to do it. However, as stated earlier, many people do rely on technology and in turn, technology is a part of all of us. Definitely a very informative video that keeps you thinking.
- Jackie C
I liked that there were little words and lots of graphics. I think it was a clear message about how much we use the computer and technology. The internet is a great tool for students as well as teachers to use. I enjoyed this clip very much and it made me think about how important it really is.
Christina A
I thought the video was interesting. Lots of people, myself included, tend to take the internet for granted sometimes because we use it so frequently. The video makes you realize how Huge our world is and how the internet has evolved into something so Massive because of its recurrent use. With the internet, we have an enormous amount of information available to us. As convenient as the internet is, we must also think about misinformation. If something does not sound accurate, other sources should be used.
I thought the video was great. Its true how we have become merged with the internet, both seem to need the other in order to exist. We now have access to more information than before, but we cant get to it without the "machine". Of course with all the available information e can't simply trust all we read or see, additional research should be done to make sure the information presented is accurate. As we learn to coexist as an machine/human hybrid, we have to learn that without us there would be no machine to use or be used by.
-Nick M.
I agree with Jenny that the machine is part of us.. Everything the internet gives to us, is originally from people. The internet provides us with a world of information. Anything you want to inquire or search is there for us to explore. Education is so much more interesting with the use of the internet because with a click of the mouse you can find information on any given topic. This video clip did a great job in proving this point.
D Manz
This U-Tube video is an example of how fast our society is moving with technology. Everywhere you go is technology. Texting is the new trend and evolving into new technology as we speak. Texting is the digital language . It is fast, easy, movable, and trendy. The world is literally at our finger tips.
-Jennifer Sandoval
I taught the video was amazing. The video showed how people have evolved with technology. People have become dependent on technology from a simple writing a text on a note to writing text on the computer, which has become easier. I agree with Jennifer “the world is literally at our finger tip.” I don’t think the machine is using us I think we need each other. The use of technology is intertwined between people and machine because as people advance with their ideas so does technology.
Kricel F.
I thought the video was great and I agree that we use the internet so ofetn that the line is blurred between the the "web" and "real life". It is more important than ever to teach the younger generation to use the internet productively and safely. It is true "We" made the internet what it is and now it is our responisibility to teach students to use it wisely.
Kamaal
I thought this was a great video. The society which we live in has evolved so much based on technology alone. People have become so dependent on the internet and technology. I agree with Kamaal in the sense that we need to make sure that the students are using the internet productively.
I don’t know exactly what to make of this video. I feel like the message is there that we are able to alter and delete text, information, and messages quickly and more efficiently than ever before. I also gathered that because of this we must be more careful and filter much more thoroughly than ever before. I think that because people are able to use this technology we have become more reliant on it and in a way it can be said that because of that we “need it,” but the day it starts using us, I hope I’m not around.
J. Dupas
I agree with P. Adamo. We use the computer a great deal, and sometimes, we do go overboard. The more we use it the more we need it. We do depend on it, but I still hold fast that it's no using us.
J. Dupas
The web has evloved extremly fast and will continue to do so. This video is great because it shows how much easier it has become to use the web. However it also shows how anyone can make a website and that these sites may not always be credible. I agreee with Kamaal that we as teachers need to follow what websites our students go to and monitor their activity online.
-Thomas Mehldau
I thought the video was very interesting in that it showed, not only the evolution of computer technology, but also how we are the one's who built it. I liked how the video showed that we are the one's teaching the computer and Internet new knowledge. I believe it's alot of give and take with computer technology. Although the computer uses our input to grow and become more efficient, we expect unlimited access and gain knowledge in return. The video was great! I can see why it was such a hit when it came out.
-Cynthia Q-B.
This was a great video with awesome graphics. After watching this video I do believe that the machine is using Us. If it wasen't for us using the internet and putting in our information and thoughts, without us visiting these sites everyday and buying things, there would be no internet and it would not be successful. We are continuously tied to and working with the internet and the different programs and sites that it presents to us. We no longer need to be at a computer to go on the internet either. We have devices and phones that we can be on the internet with the touch of a finger.
As for the information that the internet provides us with, we need to help students to find and decipher the helpful information from the incorrect or bias information. It is important that we help students to learn how to navigate and use the internet to the best of their ability.
-Angela Tornincaso
I thought this clip was extremely current and relevant. I found the message to be compelling. We are the ones who created the need for the content on the internet and ultimately have defined its meaning and purpose in our lives. The "machine" is, in turn, defining who we are. It changes the meaning of what is meant by privacy, copyright and authorship, to name just a few of the issues mentioned in the clip. It is something we surely need to "rethink".
~Cindy A.
This was an engaging and insightful video about how the machiene or Internet is using us to gain more information an become more powerful and intellegent. I completely agree with video because it posted the concept that every time we tag a picture or write a blog we are sharing our idea with the Internet, an with billions of people blogging and tagging everyday that machiene growing and organizing more information. In a way the machiene is using us, but more importantly; we are using the machine. The Internet is constantly used to make our lives easier, wether is it through communication or research, the machine is now second nature to anyone growing up in this generation. Therefore, yes I agree that the machine is using us but we are utilizing the machine to the point that we are now dependent on the machine.
- Marybeth V.
This video sent a clear message about computers and how may ways we use them. We have become very dependent on the use of computers in our everyday lives. However, the computer also uses us. When we enter data, create websites, and blogs we are giving the computer information that changes and adds to it. The computer needs our input to continue to improve and function. I think we have created a situation where computers cannot function without our input but also that we cannot fully function with out the assistance of computers. It is a co-dependence.
Jamie F
This video was great and right to the point. This was a great video and really opened your eyes to all that the technology we are surrounded by. With the use of technology we are able to get information right away and without a hassle. I also feel that since we have become so dependent on the computer we have to be careful because we might not be able to live without it.
stephanie sottile
I found this video very current not just to all future teachers but to the world. Even though we created the internet, the internet is showing us what to learn. I agree with Cindy that "machine" is, in turn, defining who we are. As much as the machine may be using us, I beleive that we are also very reliable upon this machine to do everything in our everyday life.
Tom G
Engaging the "digital kids" would entail using some of the technology they are used to. I'm all for technology in the classroom, but I couldn't help wondering how students would develop their fine motor skills, other than typing. I'd like to also engage the digital student with, yes, writing and hands-on work that does not require using a screen. A dismissive approach, such as "In my day we didn't have this and we did x-y-z and that's the best way and you have to do it, too" would be totally wrong. I think their technology can be used as a motivator to also learn in more traditional ways. Technology uses, or engages, the brain in one way, but it's important to use the brain in other ways as well.
Natalie J.
I posted this to my facebook page. I thought this video was fascinating and very relevant to today's world. For me, computers weren't in my school until I was in High School and it has changed so much since then. Now the internet has changed so rapidly. Computers are so much a part of society and us. Nowadays, everything can be done on them and it has become a part of who we are.
Jackie A.
Nicole K.
This was a great and informative video. It made it evident that we have become dependent on technology.
When the question is raised whether or not the machine is using us, I find it difficult to answer. I believe it depends on how each person uses the internet/the machine. The machine is designed to cater to its users, it remembers sites and information that may interest us. But I believe that it depends on the user and what their intentions for the internet are.
This is a great video which really captivates the audience. It blows my mind when I see that collectively we click on 100 billion links per day and that the Machine's "knowledge" is increasing with each of those clicks. Hopefully, with most of those clicks we are also increasing our knowledge as well so I would like to think of the relationship between us and the machine as being mutually beneficial.
This is a very creative video that really makes you think about technology and the old ways of education. Old teaching is very structured and lecture based. With all the new advances in technology we can change the way we educate students. They can have more freedom to do their own research and creative thinking and problem solving on their own. It gives them the tools to learn on their own not just the information they need but how they can go find it. I do agree with Patricia too though and think that we should embrace technology and use it more but not let it completely take over the classroom. There is still a need for the teacher to show students how to get the information that they need and to make sure that they are going down the right path.
James S.
I found this video to be extremely interesting and informative. It presents information that we do not necessarily think of as we use the web on a daily basis to survive. I believe that we have made computers what they are today and they will continue to impact our daily lifestyles to more we let them. While watching it makes you think about all of the things you use the internet for and I began to ask myself what I would do without a computer. Reading the thoughts of my colleagues, I agree with Bobby and think that " we also have to be careful because this could lead to many problems. We have to be more conscience of these issues so we dont fall into the trap."
Christina D.
I enjoyed this video clip because I learned a lot of information that I did not know. It is very truthful and clear on what the message was. It is clear that we use the computer for many different reasons but often not realized how much we use it. Computers have become such a large part of our lives that it is to the point where we thrive on technology and the answers it gives us.
-Katie C
I thought this was a very interested video clip. It showed how the internet is used and how simple it has made sharing information, creating documents, watching videos, finding information, and organizing information so much easier. I believe that humans and the machine use eachother. People use the machine in order to find what they need, complete tasks, watch and find videos, organize files and pictures, and write papers and documents easily but i don't think this would be possible if the machine didn't use us. The information found on the web comes from somewhere, and someone has to make it public. We use the web to find what we need, but the web uses us for all of its information that it provides.
-danielle C
I agree we are being used by the machine. We use each other in order to gain information, learn new things, watch videos, read news, etc. I cannot tell you how many times I have woken up and went online or facebook and found out news of the world from there because others who were awake before me found out first. Then went to a website and clicked links to guide me to more information on the news and become more knowledgable on the topic. We are the internet and we are the web with out us there is no machine.
Justin B
I really appreciated the message from this video clip. The technology that is available to us today is still growing. Many people have access to many things to help in order to do well in school and in the work place. However, technology does come at a price, I agree with P.Adamo when it is said "Society depends on techonology in order to survive". Looking around the classroom at students with smartphones are able to do at a tap of a finger what servers and major computers have done in the past. And everything is updating. While phones were at 3g being the maxium capacity of speed are now with the capacity for 4g. Where does it end?
Kate M
First and foremost, I have to say I genuinely enjoyed this video because the way in which the words kept changing were simply, cool. It shows how truly versatile using the computer really is.
To agree with what most bloggers here are say, yes, "The machine" really is using us. However, that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. Yes, millions of times a day human beings are clicking on websites, and thus teaching the machine. However, the amount that we take away from the internet is invaluable.
Jackie D.
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