Annotated Bibliography

Technology and Creativity

Davidson, Cathy N. "Project Classroom Makeover." The New Humanities Reader. By

Richard E. Miller and Kurt Spellmeyer. 5th ed. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2015. 47-71. Print.

In this essay, Davidson argues that education should focus on bottom-up collective learning over top-down uniformity. As a passionate supporter of electronic media, she believes that technology has the potential to initiate a much-needed revolution in education, as can been seen in the iPod experiment. Some critics, however, argue that “online collaboration replaces individual effort” (47). This source is useful for an example of interconnectedness through technology.

Turkle, Sherry. "Selections from Alone Together." The New Humanities Reader. By Richard E.

Miller and Kurt Spellmeyer. 5th ed. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2015. 457-485. Print.

In this essay, Turkle analyzes examples of artificially intelligent machines such as Furbies, Tamagotchis, and computer programs. Although technological intelligence may not equate to that of a human’s, it will continue to evolve, as seen in current advances. According to Turkle, “we might end up as the tools of our tools” (457). This source can be used to observe how technology influences how people think, adding caution to Davidson’s argument.

Wu, Tim. "Father and Son." The New Humanities Reader. By

Richard E. Miller and Kurt Spellmeyer. 5th ed. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2015. 534-559. Print.

In this essay, Wu cautions against the Web-based monopolies that emerges from technology that connects humans. The “openness movement” (556) that pioneers in technology such as Apple, Google, and AT&T participated in may not actually be fully achievable humanity’s tendency for ease, convenience, and reliability. Like Turkle’s essay, this source is useful for cautioning against the “limitations” that result from a Web of technology.

Daggett, Willard R., and Paul David Nussbaum. "How Brain Research Relates to Rigor,

Relevance, and Relationships." (n.d.): n. pag. International Center for Leadership in Education. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.

This research paper analyzes the processes of brain, including brain health, development, and plasticity, to formulate more effective educational systems. According to this paper, the most optimal conditions for learning and creative thinking must include maximized mental stimulation and physical activity. This source will be useful in determining if technology has the capability to instill creativity.

Turkle, Sherry. The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit. New York: Simon and

Schuster, 1984. Print.

In this book, Turkle looks at computers not just as tools but also as extensions of our psychological and social lives. Specifically, she uses interviews with programmers, students, AI scientists and many more to support her argument. As Turkle observes, “Technology catalyzes changes not only in what we do but in how we think” (19). This source will be useful in determining to what extent technology can affect humans.