Category: Uncategorized
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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…
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The role of misinformation in a controlled society.
The concept of mind control technology, once a staple of pulp science fiction, is slowly inching closer to reality with advancements in neurotechnology and brain-computer interfaces. While these technologies hold promise for treating neurological disorders or enhancing communication, their potential for manipulation and coercion raises profound ethical concerns. Imagine systems…
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The Conflict Conundrum: Why Your Story Needs a Good Fight
A story without conflict is like a cup of tea without the tea bag. It’s just hot water. Conflict is what drives the plot forward, reveals character, and keeps the reader turning the page. We need to teach our students the different types of conflict: man vs. man, man vs.…
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The concept of “digital immortality” and its pros and cons.
The promise of “smart homes” is convenience and efficiency, with interconnected devices managing everything from lighting and temperature to security. However, extending this concept to an extreme vision suggests a worrying progression from personalised comfort to ultimate control – effectively, a “smart prison.” In a truly pervasive smart environment, every…
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What are the limits of human adaptation to technology?
Personalised medicine, tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup, promises revolutionary advancements in treating diseases and preventing illness. This includes the potential for genetic “correction” – altering genes to eliminate predispositions to illness or even enhance certain traits. While the prospect of eradicating debilitating diseases is incredibly compelling, the ethical…
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The Writer’s Notebook: Your Secret Weapon for Inspiration
A writer’s notebook is a personal playground. It’s a place to jot down ideas, overheard snippets of conversation, strange dreams, and interesting facts. It’s the ultimate tool for combating writer’s block. We should encourage our students to have one. It’s not for formal writing; it’s for messy, half-formed thoughts. As…
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The balance between security and civil liberties.
While digital platforms promise connection, some argue they inadvertently contribute to an erosion of empathy. Online interactions, often devoid of non-verbal cues, can make it easier to dehumanize others, leading to more aggressive or insensitive communication. The curated nature of social media can also foster a sense of detachment from…
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The Art of Description: Painting a Picture With Words
Description is the paint we use to create our world. And like any artist, a writer needs to know how to use their colours effectively. Alex Quigley’s work on vocabulary is a game-changer here. Let’s move beyond the obvious. Instead of ‘The sky was blue,’ let’s give them more precise…
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The societal implications of widespread automation.
In the digital age, the spread of propaganda and misinformation has been amplified, often finding fertile ground within online “echo chambers.” These insulated communities, reinforced by algorithms and self-selection, create environments where individuals are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, making them highly susceptible to biased or…
Antony West (Author) 