Welcome to CCIM Class Spotlight, a new content series designed to explore the variety of classes offered across our college — from our signature courses to our newest class offering. In this blog post, Assistant Lecturer of Computer Technology Kyle Church talks about a new foundation course he will be teaching this Summer titled “Future Technology Innovation.”

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What is the class about?

Emerging technologies such as AI, Big Data, and the Internet of Everything are going to reshape every business and be part of the foundation for most future jobs. The CT 100 Future Technology Innovations course is an introductory class that seeks to engage students in hands-on learning as well as informative and critical discussions about future trends in technology — providing students with an early understanding of what these technologies are about and what their impact will be on work and society.

Could you describe the “light bulb moment” that led your department to create this course?

Technology has greatly impacted the way we live. Advancements in technology over the last century have made both positive and negative impacts on the ways we work and communicate. Society has become heavily dependent upon technology as new and better technologies emerge, and this dependence has continued to increase as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. With this increased reliance and notoriety comes misconceptions and fears about emerging technology trends and how they will affect future generations. This was the “light-bulb” moment for the whole department, as all of us are aware that we must do better in ensuring that people understand the benefits and consequences of these technology innovations. As a result of this awareness, through discussions and brainstorming sessions, our department director Dr. Dennis Trinkle, and professors Dr. Edward Lazaros and Dr. David Hua created this course. My approach is to provide an engaging and informative class environment where our students can learn about various technology innovations and how these technologies will impact society.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I utilize a multi-modal approach when teaching courses that is structured in a way to create open, informative and critical discussions. I am still relatively new to teaching, but I have noticed that students are much more engaged when you try to find ways to have open and honest discussions where they feel like they positively contributed to the conversation.

What teaching methodology will you use for this class?

As a way to address various learning styles, I will use a combination of electronic media, lectures, critical discussions, and reflections in the hopes of engaging the students while addressing the misconceptions of future technology innovations. Students will also get hands-on learning experience with the technologies studied in class.

What are your learning objectives?

At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Think critically about future technology scenarios, analyzing both future scenarios and positive and negative implications.
  • Explain each of the following technologies, why they matter, and to project what their impact might be:
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
    • Big Data, Data Analytics, Data Visualization
    • Augmented & Virtual Reality
    • Internet of Everything (IoE), Next Gen Networks, and Cloud Computing
    • Automation & Robotics
    • Blockchain, Encryption & Digital Currencies
    • Massive Computational Power
  • Understand and describe both the professional implications of the technology as well as their potential impact on society.
  • Understand the possible impacts of these technologies on human health, wellness, and well-being.

What material will be studied in class?

This course will be based upon a wide array of academic resources, textbooks, articles, and videos about the various technology innovations, with group discussions reinforcing the learning objectives.

Are there any prerequisite to this class?

There are no prerequisites for this class.

What students can register to attend the class?

This course is open to all students of any major or field of study. This course hopes to attract students towards the technology field, but it ultimately designed make students better informed about technology and how it affects society.

How will students will be evaluated?

Students will be evaluated using a wide range of methods including comparative essays, discussions, quizzes, and projects. They will also be evaluated on the quality of their work and their ability to demonstrate their understanding of the course objectives.

Finish the sentence: You will do well in this class if you…

… are actively engaged in the class, keep an open mind, and produce quality work that shows your understanding of the objectives of the course.

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Interested in joining the class?

  • Speak to your academic advisor or follow the course registration process outlined here and look up TC100.
  • For more information, please contact Kyle Church at kdchurch@bsu.edu.

 About

Kyle ChurchKyle Church is an Assistant Lecturer for the Computer Technology program at Ball State University. This is his second-year teaching at Ball State. Kyle teaches courses on a wide array of subjects, including fundamental systems administration courses focusing on Windows Server and Linux desktop and server distributions. Besides his teaching duties, he is responsible for managing the two computer labs and a data center that belong to the Computer Technology program. Kyle received his Master of Science in Information and Communication Science from Ball State University on July 20, 2019. While completing his master’s program, he worked as a Graduate Assistant for the Information Systems and Operations Management Department. Before the pursuit of his master’s degree, Kyle received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and Logistics and Supply Chain Management on May 5, 2018. He also minored in Computer Technology and Six Sigma Quality Management. Kyle is currently continuing his education through a Full Stack Development bootcamp and pursuit of the Cisco Certified Network Associate industry certification