NEW+TECHNOLOGY+WEBQUEST

InterCyber, Inc., a firm devoted to researching and developing new technologies, is looking for interns who can help them cultivate new ideas for using technology. They are interested in concept ideas in a variety of areas, including: a new computer/entertainment system; innovative medical technology; a digital café; or a “smart” room. The sky is the limit. You will use a variety of tasks for your final presentation.
 * Introduction**

Your first task as a NewTech Designer is to decide in which technology area you want to focus.
 * //Task 1: Brainstorm//**

The following may help you to start getting some ideas for your new technology concept.
 * How could I make my room “smart?” What features in my room should be made intelligent? Could I design a robot that would clean my room?
 * I want a fabulous entertainment center with the ability to view the screen from anywhere in the room. I also want to make some units portable so I can carry them to other locations.
 * A poor village in India wants to get computerized so that its inhabitants can get important contacts and information through the Internet. However, most of the people can not read, and think their money would be better spent on TV and a telephone. How can I solve their problem?
 * Would it be possible to use nanotechnology (__extremely__ small machines and computers) to get into a person’s body to heal it, while the physician tells the tiny devices what to do?
 * I want a media center that plays music, displays photos and movies, has instantaneous downloads of anything I choose, including research for my schoolwork, and, most important, includes a virtual agent that knows what I want even before I ask for it. This agent schedules downloads, TV recordings, information on sports and entertainment, makes my schedules, sends me reminders, looks for research information on the net, and much more.

Next, you will research how to develop and apply your dream technology application. You will create an detailed outline of your idea from your research..
 * //Task 2: Organize and Refine Your Idea//**

//Research Your Idea// A good NewTech Designer begins the research using several different sources. If you use only one source, the information you find may be too limited or too slanted in one direction. You will need to use at least **five sites** and review the information from each site carefully. When you explore, think about the material you are reading. Ask yourself what the information tells you. Make notes on what you have learned from each source. And remember—it is a form of plagiarism to copy any text directly, unless you say that it is a quote, and cite the source. Take detailed notes including the site URL, the author, the date you visited the site, and any other information you may find useful. Writing your note topics on index cards is a useful technique for organizing your information.

Your next task is to organize your research findings and coordinate them with your idea.. Organizing your research and concept in outline format will help you in creating your presentation that sells your idea.
 * //Task 3: Create Your NewTech Concept//**

//Identify the Problem//
 * Why is there a need for this new technology concept?
 * What are its basic components?
 * Does it build on earlier technology?
 * How does the new technology concept work?
 * What you can do with the new technology?
 * <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">What are its advantages?
 * <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">What research or background information was needed to complete the new technology concept?
 * <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Credits: List yur sources

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">**//Task 4: Present Your Concept//** <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">//Create a WeVideo for your concept. (We discuss how to use WeVideo.)//

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">When you have completed your outline, create the video. Be sure to do the following:
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Choose an appropriate template for your final work.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Include graphics and animations that illustrate your concept ideas.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Cite your sources of information. This way, you will prove to InterCyber, Inc. that you are an honest and reliable NewTech Designer. Create a separate Sources slide.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Spell check and proofread your work to show that you are accurate and professional.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">**//Task 5: Write a Business Letter//**

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">A business letter will introduce you and your concept to InterCyber, Inc. Your second paragraph should state why you are a good candidate and describe your concept overview. Your final paragraph should thank them for their interest. ||
 * || Your first paragraph should state your reasons for writing: your interest in becoming an intern.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">//Formatting Requirements:// <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Format your letter as a business letter. Print a copy to turn in for credit.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">//**Technology: Past, Present and Future**//

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__http://www.hip-e.com__

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The hip-e is a desktop computer designed for teens. It has many features that appeal to teens including preset buttons and digital skins that allow you to change the computer’s look.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__PC World.com Future Technology__

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This is a collection of the most recent articles on future technology.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">WayBack. Technology 1900

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This PBS site is a fun look at technology in 1900.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Zabaware

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Zabaware, Inc. is a company that provides software to give your computer a personality using artificial intelligence technology, speech recognition technology, and real-time animation.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">//**Robots**//

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__MachineBrain General Robotics: Medical Robots__

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This page links to descriptions of robots for medical applications.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">BBC News: Health

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This article describes the development of microbots - robots smaller than a grain of rice that could be sent through the body to track down disease and destroy it.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Humanoid Robotics Group

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The Humanoid Robotics Group at MIT is creating machines that recreate human behavior.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__@http://www.robotroom.com/__

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This page is a source of information on robots in general and products in which you can build your own.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__RoboOlympics__

Some of the features you find described in this site devoted to the Robot Olympics are: competitions between combat robots, sumo robots, re-programmed Aibos playing soccer, and biped androids that do kung-fu. Winners got Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals!

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">//**Smart House**//

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The Massey University Smart House Project

This project is a showcase for technology in the home.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__Agentland.com Smart__

This site is about the smart house of the future and describes an intelligent agent.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__Smart House__

This site lists articles devoted to the creation of smart rooms and houses.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">__Microsoft Home Virtual Pressroom__

The Microsoft Home features technology that might enhance life at home five to 10 years from now.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">//Caution!//

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Some sites require that you be over 18, or that you have written parental permission to register or obtain a credit card. Do not go to any site that has on over-18 requirement! Some sites require that you provide an e-mail address in order to get information. While these sites may be completely legitimate, do not provide your e-mail address or any other personal information.

<span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">**Conclusion** <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Imagining the future may not always be as easy as it sounds. But InterCyber, Inc. was impressed with your presentation and business letter. Your careful and imaginative description of a new product has convinced them to hire you as an intern this summer. Congratulations!