Transcript: ENG 111, Week 9 Overview

This week you will read the second two readings associated with the second prompt for the effects-based argument; this is the prompt about how technology affects intelligence. I want to start this episode with an extremely important reminder. Here it is: intelligence is not defined as the ability to access information. Let me repeat that, intelligence is not defined as the ability to access information. You are not intelligent because you know how to use Google to look up information about some topic. Instead, intelligence is the ability to think critically, to delve into complexities, to engage in debate, to analyze, and to synthesize information. Too many students in previous semesters got stuck on the idea that technology must be making us smarter simply because it has increased our access to information.

Consider this: Does walking into a library full of millions of books make you smarter? No, it does not. You have to read those books to increase your intelligence. That’s the difference between having access to knowledge and being intelligent.

Just like last week, the authors you read this week have varying ideas about the effects of technology on intelligence. For example, Clay Shirky believes that the internet has not only increased our ability to access more information (than we could ever possibly hope to consume) but it has also given us the opportunity to collaborate together and ensure that the most accurate, the most well-researched information is gathered and shared. In contrast, our 2nd author (whose name I am not going to pronounce because I’m sure I will say it incorrectly), well, he believes that, “Social networks train us to focus on images and emotions, sapping the quest for knowledge.” He sees social media sites as responsible for reducing “our curiosity by showing us exactly what we already want and think, based on our profiles and preferences.” So while he agrees with Shirky that the original intent of the internet was to collect and share knowledge on a massive scale, he also believes that social media sites have distorted that original intent, creating platforms that make us less likely to engage in ideas outside of what we already believe.

Just like last week, you’ll get a chance to respond to these readings in this week’s discussion board, and we can’t wait to hear your ideas about this controversial topic!

Your other focus this week will be on drafting your introduction and thesis statement for your effects-based argument, so if you haven’t already done so, you must choose which prompt you are going to write about immediately. You also need to review the lesson on writing effective introductions and conclusions before you draft your introduction. Our hope is that you will use one of the strategies on page 5 of that lesson to start your introduction.

I wish you a productive week, and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, contact your instructor right away.