Didactics and Technology in Education

For many people in today’s world, being “online” has become a constant status. High-speed internet, smart phones and tablet PC’s have enabled us to stay connected whenever and wherever we are.

Social hackers capitalize on vulnerabilities when it comes to keeping personal details private, and the problem has only seemed to get worse as the digital age has developed.

Techniques as simple as looking over a shoulder as someone enters bank details or passwords are often used, as well as sending out deceiving emails ridden with malware and viruses that can take control of your computer. Hackers pose as a trusted entity in email blasts that utilize mind tricks to get the viewer to click on the link that will trigger the infection of your computer.

Everyone with an internet connection is vulnerable, and public awareness is the first step in ending this growing problem...

My classmates and I are in the Design for Social Innovation program because we identified problems in our communities, companies, or cultures and are keen to figure them out. But before talking about any solution or outcome, one must first frame the problem—by thoughtfully examining the system it’s part of to understand where and how to get involved.

 Learning to use systems thinking, a holistic approach to problem solving that emphasizes contextual understanding, has helped me with team management, project planning, creative work, and even relationships. And for wicked problems like healthcare that confront business, nature, and society, it’s proving to be imperative.So, where to even begin? “We have to invent boundaries for clarity and sanity,” advises systems thinking pioneer Donella Meadows. Sometimes a simple infographic works to tell the story. Designing visual maps and models helps us immediately find connections and describe relationships. Creating models helps in seeing the big picture and one's place within it.