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Aims of this module: to learn about positive and negative sides of technology; to interpret social fenomenons connected to technology and social media; to boost creativity and group work; to reflect on one’s social media and technology habits; to embrace possibilities of spending time apart from technology; to share ideas and reflections on modern world
I ENERGIZER
„+/-„
Duration: 10 min.
Group size: any
Materials: at least 1 big dice (you can print it and fold it from here: https://team-cartwright.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/printable-dice.pdf ), on which you stick or draw 3 + (advantages) and 3 – (disadvantages), paper, pens.
The Facilitator explains that this activity will allow participants to reflect on bright and dark sides of using technology and will introduce them into the topic of workshops. In case of a bigger group the facilitator divides participants into smaller ones (max. 10 people, min. 5). Each team gets one big dice (it can be printed out and folded, or when using a different one, you can stick paper on its sides with signs + and -). The participants sit on the floor in small circle and one by one throw the dice. Depending what they throw, they say positive or negative effect of technology. One person from each group should write all the reflections down. After at least 2 rounds, the facilitator finishes the game and groups are asked to share what they wrote down.
Next, the facilitator summarizes the activity, asking the group:
- Was it difficult to come up with the ideas?
- Which aspects – positive or negative was more? How do you think why?
- Do you consider technology helpful or harmful?
Hints for The Facilitator:
- Prepare the dices beforehand.
- Here you can find information about using technology, for your own preparation: https://www.nwpc.com/how-does-technology-use-affect-mens-womens-health/; https://www.healthline.com/health/social-media-addiction#overview; https://www.information-age.com/modern-technology-advantages-disadvantages-123465637/; https://futureofworking.com/10-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-technology-in-education/
II MAIN ACTIVITY
„An art critic – Society observer”
Duration: around 40 min.
Group size: around 30 people
Materials: Chosen and printed out pictures from: https://www.boredpanda.com/satirical-illustrations-addiction-technology/ – we recommend pictures: 1,2,4,7,8,12,13,16,26,28,38, 45; Appendix 1 (for each group), pens, colorful crayons
The Facilitator divides the group into smaller teams of max. 4 people. Each team gets 1 picture and a form to answer questions (appendinx 1). Their task is to reflect on a problem portrayed there and discuss it within the group. As a result they should complete the given form.
After the groups are ready (in about 30 min.), the facilitator asks them to share their work.
To close the activity, the facilitator can ask follow-up questions:
- What do you think about these pictures?
- What do they say about society’s problems?
- Do you think they are accurate (the pictures)?
- What problem, which appeared in the photos, in your opinion, is the most important?
- What problem do people in your age face the most?
- How can we minimize it? What you can do about it?
Hints for The Facilitator:
- Remember to print the pictures in colour.
- Remind participants that they should work as a team and include all the members input.
- This activity can be done in the condition of online training/workshop.
III EVALUATION
„What’s on my phone?”
Duration: 10 min.
Group size: Any
Materials: Appendix 2 printed out for every participant, private smartphone or tablet of every participant
After all the activities The Facilitator invites participants to have a moment of reflection upon filling up the form „My phone – my mirror?” (Appendix 2). To complete the task they need to take a look at their smart/tablets.
At the end, volunteers can share their answers with the rest of the group.
IV DISSEMINATION
Activity „Give technology a break”
Duration: around 60 min.
Group size: around 10-30 people
Materials: big paper, pens, crayons, paints and brushes, markers, magazines, scissors, glue
The Facilitator asks participants to create small groups (of 5 people) and form a creative list of ways how to spend a day NOT USING ANY TECHNOLOGY. The point is that the list should be very innovative and showing „out of the box” thinking. Additionally to each idea participants should create a picture, portraying that advice. They can draw, paint or create collages. At the end of their work the facilitator asks them to present their work, which can be later displayed in the classroom.
