Big Brother or No Big Deal?

We're just about done with 1984 and as I continue to share with the kids news articles with an Orwellian or Big Brother feel to them, the reactions continue to be that of outrage and astonishment:

"How can they do that!"

"That's just creepy!"

"They have no right!"

"Are you kidding me!?"
So here's another one I just came across.  We'll see what they say.

Cool or Creepy?

Finally! We've made some progress in our reading of 1984.  It was slow going thanks to a research paper and spring break but now we're beyond the exposition from Winston and can move into the more interesting plot developments.  I'm having a tough time, though, convincing my students that things will pick up.  They're pretty bored right now.  But today's writing dealt with a Pennsylvania school district that was sued for remotely activing webcams on student-issued computers, unbeknownst to those students.  That sure sparked some discussion.  Tomorrow I'll share with them a local school district that is eliminating holiday celebrations. 

For now, as far as technology goes, this short video  is interesting in that it brings to light the "predictions" from writers about future gadgets.  What will they think of next!?