Day Ten

Theme:

Pro's and Con's of Technology--Class Debate

Objectives:

All students will participate in an oral debate in which they will persuade, inform, and describe their chosen viewpoint of the technology issue. In this oral exchange of information, both sides of the argument will ideally be supported and argued well by the students. We will videotape the debate for use in the web page and for reflection the following week.

Rationale:

Our rationale behind having a debate in class is to allow students to exhibit their own positions on an exigent topic. Throughout this unit, we have discussed issues of control, government, mind manipulation, and so forth, but by giving the students the chance to argue these issues and supporting their views, we feel that we are providing an oppositional forum in which students can summarize and support the knowledge that they have gained. Through taping the debate, students will have the opportunity to critique themselves.

Materials:

Two dividers for sides (pro and con)
Introductory comments and questions
Video camera and film

Lesson:

The entire class period will be devoted to the technology debate that students have prepared. Since the students have participated in debates before in class, in particular, two weeks ago at the end of Fahrenheit 451, there will be no need to explain the rules in detail. As mediators, we will offer the floor to one side of the debate. This side will have five minutes to argue their perspective. We will then offer the other side an opportunity for rebuttal. The pattern will repeat, then each side will have two minutes to produce a concluding statement.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on their preparation for and participation in the debate.

Assignment:

Prepare DELRJ entry for next class period. Work on web page and prepare a draft of the reflective essay on 1984 and technology.

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