Assignment 1 · Presentation #1

Technology in Your Major

Promise and risk, explain a technology from your field.

Weight 20% Due Class 5 Format Pairs · PowerPoint Length 5 to 7 min (≈2.5 to 3.5 each)

Working with a partner, research and present a technology connected to your major or future profession. This is not a technical presentation, it is an explanation and interpretation task.

This assignment helps you understand technologies that matter in your field, apply academic learning to real world contexts, reflect on responsible and ethical use, and practice professional communication.

Your task

Prepare a 5 to 7 minute PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following:

Introduction of the technologyClearly explain what the technology is, and how it is relevant to your field of study or future profession.
ApplicationsExplain how it changes the way things are done, solves problems, and creates new possibilities. Provide multiple real world examples of its use.
Possible challengesExplain technical challenges (e.g. scalability, reliability) and financial challenges (e.g. affordability), plus ethical, social, or professional risks if the technology is misused.
SummarySummarize your main points and make clear why the technology matters for students in the major.
VisualsUse clear PowerPoint slides that support your points. Avoid text heavy slides and long paragraphs.

Presentation requirements

Time: 5 to 7 minutes total (≈2.5 to 3.5 minutes per person).
Collaboration: both partners share the workload, including research and slide creation.
Delivery: each student is graded individually on speaking, clearly and confidently, connecting with the audience (eye contact, voice, pacing), and using slides as support rather than reading from them.

AI Use & Decision Statement (required)

End your presentation (spoken or written) with a short statement: whether AI tools were used, how they were used (e.g. brainstorming, language support), and why this use supported learning rather than replaced thinking.

Grading rubric, 35 points per student

Categories 1 to 6 are shared by the pair; category 7 (Delivery) is scored individually. The descriptor below earns full marks (5). Partial credit: 4 = mostly there, 2 to 3 = basic or vague, 0 to 1 = missing or unclear.

Category	What earns full marks	Pts
1. Introduction	Technology clearly and accurately explained; strong connection to major/profession; audience fully understands.	/5
2. Applications	Strong, specific link to major/profession; multiple well explained real world applications.	/5
3. Challenges	Thorough, thoughtful discussion of both technical/financial and ethical/social issues.	/5
4. Summary & Importance	Main points clearly summarized; importance for students in the major explained strongly.	/5
5. Critical Thinking / Insight	Goes beyond description to analyze why the technology matters; implications clearly explained.	/5
6. Visuals	Slides clear, professional, and supportive of the talk; minimal text, strong visuals.	/5
7. Delivery (individual)	Speaks clearly and confidently; strong audience connection (eye contact, pacing, tone); minimal reliance on slides/notes.	/5

Total: ___ / 35