Social networking meets problem solving — from MIT’s Technology Review by Tom Simonite
The website Jig wants to solve your needs—with a little help from your friends.
Kevin Slavin: How algorithms shape our world [TED]
Description:
Kevin Slavin argues that we’re living in a world designed for — and increasingly controlled by — algorithms. In this riveting talk from TEDGlobal, he shows how these complex computer programs determine: espionage tactics, stock prices, movie scripts, and architecture. And he warns that we are writing code we can’t understand, with implications we can’t control.
Relevant to mathematics; shaping our world; ethics; media; culture; society;
computer science; technologies; stock markets/business; architecture.
From DSC:
Here is an idea for a project-based learning assignment for Business, Economics, & Political Science Students/Faculty:
Your mission, if you decide to accept it, is to investigate and answer the following questions:
- Can people on Wall Street affect the price of a gallon of gasoline?
- If so:
- How? How could they do that?
- How much could they increase the price of a gallon of gasoline?
- When do they make their move?
- Are their any limits to what the folks on Wall Street can do?
- How much are we paying — not to the companies actually producing and selling the gas — but possibly to those who work on Wall Street? (Who is making the $$?)
Find out. That’s your assignment. Then…
- Once you determine those things and IF there should be a change in our systems…what are your recommendations for change?
- Who would be involved in making this change? i.e. How could the average citizen get involved to help make positive changes?
This tape will self-destruct in 30 seconds…