What Is New In Technology (WINIT)

Keeping Up With Digital Innovation

Purpose

Knowing what is going on at the intersection of business and technology is important for your career. At work, you will use information technologies, will chat about them, and you may even be asked to offer an opinion as part of an investment in technology. You need to feel comfortable in those conversations. WINIT gives you an opportunity to keep up to date with what is new in IT, as well as to practice your skill at presenting / explaining technical topics.

Task

Every time we meet, one/two volunteers will guide a discussion about a recent newspaper article or short video. Pick a recent video or article about information technology innovations that you believe will be of interest to the class and therefore will spark a lively conversation. For example: a new fintech company is born, or a fintech company has a new product, there is a new use of AI in finance, business analytics/business intelligence, careers in fintech... Check with me if you are not sure. A quick Teams message will do.

To find a topic, consult the technology section of a major publication (e.g., WSJ, WP, FT, the Economist) for inspiration. Do a little research on the topic. Prepare a 3-4 minute verbal presentation or show a 2-3 minute video.
You should be able to explain clearly to the class what you have read/shown, and why it is important. The goal is to spark a 3-5 minute conversation in class. Prepare one or two broad questions for your audience to start the conversation.

Tip: a common mistake is failing to explain clearly the issue to your peers, so that the class does not even know where to begin discussing it. Keep in mind your audience!

If you want to show a video, email the link to me before the beginning of the class, so that I can set it up for you.

Criteria

WINIT is OPTIONAL. It may count as two days of excellent class participation. You will be evaluated based on:
1) innovative content - is it recent? Innovative?
2) fintech business interest - Is there a clear business/financial angle  (e.g. do you discuss how does the company/the product make money) AND a clear digital technology aspect?
3) engagement - did it spark a good conversation in class?