EDU 533 Thomas Friedman

This week I chose to listen to a short classroom discussion with Thomas Friedman. The title heading from the website was

Flat Classroom Discussion with Thomas Friedman

This came from the EdTech Talk show titled EdTech Talk. This one jumped out at me because of how much Curtis Bonk spoke of Mr. Friedman's book "The World is Flat" in his book. The discussion began with a small introduction and Mr. Friedman went over three main points he wanted to address since writing his book. Point one being the "Iron Rule of Business." In this rule when the world is flat whatever can be done will be done. Friedman's main question in regards to this rule was "Will it be done by you or to you?" With the world being flat from technology who in the business world will make the first move. Are you going to act or react to something new in the technological business world.
The next point was when the world is flat economic competition is between you and your imagination. With the development of new software technology you have the power to act on your imagination.
The third point was how to do things really matters, with an emphasis on the word how. These days it is very easy to check up on people and businesses all they have to do is google them. So everything you do professionally is out there for the world to see. Exposure is a big issue. Students especially must be wary because they leave a digital footprint everyday. Many employers will google someone after an interview and look at facebook pages.
After these points Mr. Friedman opens the floor to questions and he addresses topics such as global industry, energy technology, and are there cures for certain global trends. The discussion turned into more of a global view on technology. He asks what country can advance and invent to help the environment and energy problems around the world. Very good discussion, check it out.