If an organization is, for lack of a better term, a technology Luddite, in orther words not using technologies available and paid for at their most effective — blaming the technology, not investing in training, and avoiding anything “new,” technology expenditures are a cost not an opportunity. To create a digitally-openminded (but not easily duped) institution, training and research in the space need to be part of the Corporate Culture. Something most often lead from the top, but also something that takes time to change (usually 1 – 3 years).

As organization’s assemble technology infrastructure, a mind to operations AND engagement must be front and center. Public wifi needs to be firewalled from operational tech. Investments must be maintained with planning, as ‘falling behind’ in the tech space opens up significant security and privacy leakage — and in its worst moments, complete loss of data.

And, just because something is “in” doesn’t mean it is “right” or “right for you.” For example, pushing EVERYTHING to the cloud creates a significant security issues, especially if things are “free” (nothing in tech is free).

So, how does one USE technology efficiently and effectively to ENACT mission by ENGAGING stakeholders? It is likely much more complicated than anyone ever wants to think about.

As we go into our first Module (Artificial Intelligence) our adventure begins. Your Hands-On for this module is to create a chatbot (you can look at the hands on tab and we’ll walk through in class). As you discovered in your Ted Talk — AI isn’t new (it’s 60 years old!) BUT it is reaching new opportunities and, particularly, engaging at a business and consumer level previously unheard of. Additionally — AI has significant ethical issues. (at least in its current state). Be sure to consider the intended and unintended consequences of all technology as we move through our adventures this semester.

The 2nd module transitions from AI to our interactives with our audiences (externally and internally). Our 3rd Module will focus on Blockchain and, you too, will create an NFT. We will wrap up the class with a more sensitive discussion of infrastructure, security, and privacy (with a touch of big tech throughout).

I have your feedback from the survey and will review that and how we will progress through our May 10th final exam period / Rabbit Hole #2 presentations.

On Monday night we will be diving into Technology Infrastructure of our industries (and many of the considerations an arts manager must keep in mind). 
In addition, please consider your experience as an intern / professional and the frameworks the company had in place for employee technology. We will discuss during class.

We will also do our 3rd and final required Hands On share out (assuming most people didn’t go deep into coding and did either the IFTTT, Zapier or Scratch).  If you did any of the last 3 I would hope the Hands On would take less than the outer limit of 2 hours to complete, and maybe it was/is either fun or informative!

See you tomorrow.

Other laws exist that provide access rights / protection to the internet / from bad actors (see Sam Houle’s work and CCPR on AMT Lab).

In fact, the recent discussion in the US as to whether Broadband (access to high speed internet) is an infrastructure issue is quite pertinent.

We will focus on conversation on public policy, individual and corporate security (data hacks ). See you soon!

Then we will do our Hot Weekly News share out

Then embark on investigation /  discussion about our industries and the technologies needed to meet the demands of our new normal.

We will be using BOX NOTES and everyone will be speaking at some point during class.

Enjoy your short readings and weekly news.

a) in addition to our discussion re: the day’s content we will also review your review of an app/software assignment and the 1st Hands On assignment.

b) This class is officially a IPR (in person and remote) class. For THIS week, however, due to the weather warning, I am going to say for our safety and well being everyone should stay at home and we will continue in a full-Zoom mode (REO). Next week, we will be IPR for those interested in coming onto campus again. I recognize that this decision is made before any of the weather has even arrived, but I want you to be able to plan your day ahead of time.