Year: 2025
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The environmental impact of massive data centres.
In the digital age, disinformation and conspiracy theories spread with alarming speed, often exploiting psychological vulnerabilities and echo chambers. People are more likely to believe information that confirms their existing biases, regardless of its factual basis, and the internet provides fertile ground for communities built around shared, unverified beliefs. Factors…
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The ‘So What?’ Test: Why Your Story Needs a Purpose
The ‘So What?’ test. A story isn’t just a series of events; it has a point. It should make the reader feel something, think something, or learn something. Doug Lemov’s ‘Ratio’ concept can be used here. We need to ensure that the students are not just writing for the sake…
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Exploring the potential for “digital dictatorships.”
The boundary between human and machine is increasingly blurring, as technological advancements offer new ways to integrate ourselves with artificial systems. From wearable tech that monitors our vitals to sophisticated prosthetic that restore function, and even brain implants that promise enhanced cognitive abilities, the concept of human augmentation is rapidly…
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The First-Person Fun: Stepping into Someone Else’s Shoes
First-person narrative is a powerful tool. It allows the reader to get right inside the character’s head. But it can also be restrictive. We need to teach our students the pros and cons of it. Sue Cowley’s work on ‘differentiation’ comes to mind here. Some students might thrive with this…
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The concept of “engineered consent” in modern society.
In a world saturated with social media and digital platforms, where every interaction can be carefully curated, a pressing question emerges: is true authenticity possible? From filtered photos to perfectly crafted captions, individuals often present an idealised version of themselves, driven by the desire for approval or the pressure to…
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The ‘Sense and Sensibility’ Challenge: Using All Five Senses
We’ve talked about description, but let’s go a step further. Let’s challenge our students to use all five senses in a single paragraph. This forces them to think beyond just what a scene looks like. What does the musty attic smell like? What does the creaking floorboard sound like? What…
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The future of justice in an AI-powered legal system.
Automation is often presented as an unqualified good, promising increased efficiency, productivity, and a future where humans are freed from tedious labour. Yet, this relentless drive for automation can create an illusion of progress, masking significant societal costs. While some jobs are indeed improved, others are eliminated, leading to economic…
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The Sub-Plot Surprise: Adding Depth to Your Narrative
A great story often has more than one thread. It has a main plot, but it also has a sub-plot. A sub-plot adds depth and complexity, and it allows for character development. We need to introduce this idea to our students. Tom Sherrington’s focus on ‘scaffolding’ is perfect here. Start…
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How do we safeguard against bias in AI algorithms?
Many of our most frequently used digital services — social media, search engines, email — are offered “free” of charge. However, this apparent gratuity often comes with a significant hidden cost: our personal data. These companies operate within a “surveillance economy,” where they collect vast amounts of information about our…
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The Pacing Power-Up: Knowing When to Speed Up and Slow Down
Pacing is the rhythm of a story. It’s about knowing when to build suspense and when to zip through the less important bits. This is a subtle skill, but one that can be taught. Doug Lemov’s ‘Cold Call’ can be a fun way to do this. “In this scene, how…
Antony West (Author) 