Here are some notes to remind you of the Readings of the Week, on Work Part I (Productivity and Nature of Work). Feel free to skim some papers.
Homework - we will begin our class with a poll to find out how many hours you each felt that you were connected to a computer in a 24 hour period and how many of these hours you felt were productive
Use of Algorithms: - the rise of predictive analytics - dealing with very large datasets - may be used for hiring and firing - loss of the personal touch? - we are online so much that we create the data to be mined - unexpected targetted ads (e.g. pregnancy-related) - could be a plus, if being more efficient
Technology and Work Life Balance, Digital Overload: - Kelly Services survey in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific; for Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y: regarding work life balance, value of mobile devices, number of hours spent working, opportunity to telecommute: some differences (e.g. Asia Pacific more hours, Boomers more content with work life balance): thoughts? reactions? - Telecommuting in the US: more prevalent for higher end tasks, less uptake in government - savings for the green agenda - now a dramatic reality due to the pandemic - Very easy to be digitally overloaded, with our devices: a need for a vacation/holiday from these devices - do you ever go offline? - some hotels requiring you to check your devices upon entry, to relax - chance for a boost in creativity when unattached: agree? - A real shock when "always on": multiple personalities, roles - a challenge to really unplug: could you? do you?
Productivity Paradox: - while it would seem obvious that without computers we would need to spend much more time completing our communication (oral and written), the reality is that computers also cause us to spend a lot of time completing extra tasks, which reduces our productivity - is the answer simply better management policies in the workplace? - is the fact that managers aren't always technologically expert one issue?
Robots, Job Taught to Machines, Microsoft Outsourcing; - are we at increasing risk of losing our jobs to automation, even in CS? - potential for robots in dangerous scenarios - our dignity and personal reward from work - new technologies creating more work for us - will always be a need for those who synthesize information: agree?
The Pandemic and our Work: - your reflections on how workplaces evolved during the pandemic - article with some perspectives on what happened in Canada with respect to barriers and to preferences
ANNOUNCEMENTS: - A3 due Jun 2 at 10am: remember to cite references; cover all required elements - A4 is due Jun 23 and A4 groups will be revealed by Jun 5 - notes on how best to organize for A4 will be provided in the a4advice folder on Piazza and we may reach out to each group to see if you would like a brief connect with us before you move forward with your planning - read papers on Work Part II (e-commerce) for Week 6 - Instructor folder on Piazza will soon show general comments on A1 of possible use towards A3 (both are essays)