Each One Teach One | Reflection Post

Each One Teach One is an assignment where each student chooses a topic and presents their research to the class. Through these presentations, I learned how much communication has changed through technology and how many everyday tools have shaped the way information is created, shared, and consumed.

My classmates introduced topics such as the history of paper, the invention of CDs, the impact of radio, and the evolution of the pen, showing how innovations across different time periods transformed communication and continue to influence society today.

The history of paper stood out to me the most. Developed in China around 105 CE, paper replaced bamboo and costly silk, made communication more efficient, lowered sharing costs, and expanded literacy, education, and knowledge.

Europe's First Printed Book was the Gutenberg Bible.

I also found it interesting that paper supported the printing revolution. It enabled books, newspapers, and libraries, which helped information reach more people than ever before, even though environmental and misinformation challenges remain today still.

Learning about CDs reminded me how quickly media formats change. Compact discs were developed in the 1970s for music, competed with vinyl records and cassette tapes, and helped create the age of digital media worldwide.

The first commercial CDs and players were released in 1982. People replaced older music collections with CDs, but eventually MP3s and streaming services replaced them, showing that communication technology never stays the same for long.

The timelines of communication are constantly growing.

Radio was another topic that surprised me. Instead of having one clear inventor, several people reached similar breakthroughs around the same time. Historians still debate who deserves credit, making its history complex and highly contested.

The history of the pen showed how everyday tools evolve. I was especially interested in the development of the ballpoint pen, whose patent appeared in 1888, improvements came in the 1930s, and popularity grew during the 1940s. Ancient reed pens, quill pens, dip pens, and fountain pens eventually led to modern designs. 

Small improvements made writing easier and faster over many centuries, showing how technologies have and will continue to evolve and reshape communication.

AI Disclosure: AI was not used in the research and information for this blog post. All information came from notes that I took while watching my classmates present their Each One Teach One research projects. I then prompted Microsoft Copilot Pro to help shape my notes into a blog post of between 300 and 350 words written in a smooth professional style. I then added appropriate images and captions to help break up the type and give the post a more professional look.

Each One Teach One | The History and Impact of the iPad

The iPad is one of the most influential technologies of the twenty-first century. Released by Apple in 2010, it introduced a new form of mobile computing that combined the portability of a smartphone with many of the capabilities of a laptop computer. Since its launch, the iPad has changed how people learn, work, communicate, and access information.

The Evolution of the iPad

The Development of the iPad

The iPad was introduced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs on January 27, 2010, although it was developed by a large team of Apple engineers and designers. The device emerged during a period when smartphones were growing in popularity, but many users wanted a larger screen for reading, web browsing, media consumption, and productivity. 

Researchers have identified this period as a major stage in the evolution of mobile computing, during which portable devices became increasingly integrated into daily life and communication through wireless connectivity and application-based technology.

Apple did not invent the tablet computer itself. Earlier tablet devices existed, but most failed to achieve widespread consumer adoption because they were expensive, difficult to use, or lacked practical applications. The iPad succeeded because it offered a simple interface, long battery life, and access to a growing ecosystem of applications that supported everyday activities.

Steve Jobs at the Launch of the iPad

The Problem the iPad Was Designed to Solve

The primary goal of the iPad was to fill the gap between smartphones and laptops. Smartphones provided mobility but were limited by their small screens, while laptops offered greater capabilities but were less convenient for quick and casual use. The iPad was designed to provide a more comfortable experience for browsing the internet, reading digital content, watching videos, communicating, and completing basic productivity tasks.

The device also helped address issues of accessibility and ease of use. Its touchscreen interface reduced the need for traditional computer skills and allowed users to interact with technology more intuitively. This made digital communication and information access easier for children, older adults, and individuals with limited computer experience.

Impact on Society and Communication

The iPad played a major role in popularizing tablet computing around the world. Studies have found that mobile devices increased access to information and supported more flexible forms of communication and learning. Educational institutions adopted iPads for digital textbooks, interactive learning activities, and collaboration between students and instructors.

iPads have impacted many educational settings

Communication practices also changed significantly. The iPad enabled users to access email, social media, video conferencing, messaging platforms, and collaborative applications from virtually any location. As mobile internet access expanded, tablets contributed to a culture in which communication became more immediate, visual, and portable.

Businesses also benefited from the technology. Employees could conduct presentations, access documents, participate in virtual meetings, and collaborate remotely without relying on traditional desktop computers. These capabilities became especially important as organizations increasingly embraced mobile and remote work environments.

Negative Effects and Ethical Concerns

Despite its benefits, the iPad has generated several concerns. Researchers have linked increased use of mobile devices to higher levels of screen time, distraction, and multitasking behavior. Some studies suggest that frequent device use may negatively affect attention, concentration, and face-to-face social interaction.

Additional concerns involve privacy, data collection, and electronic waste. Like many digital technologies, tablets collect user data and contribute to broader debates about surveillance, information security, and ethical technology use. The production and disposal of electronic devices also create environmental challenges that continue to concern policymakers and scholars.

 

Overall, the iPad transformed personal computing by creating a successful middle ground between smartphones and laptops. It expanded access to information, changed communication practices, and influenced education, business, and entertainment. While concerns about privacy, distraction, and environmental impact remain important, the iPad's influence on modern communication and technology is undeniable.

AI Disclosure: AI was used in the research and composition of this blog post. I used Microsoft Copilot Pro to help shape my draft into a blog post of between 500 and 600 words written in a smooth professional style. I then added links to online sources that the reader could pursue for more information. Finally, I added appropriate images and captions to help break up the type and give the post a more professional look. 

Privacy, Online & Off

Worried. That is one word to describe how I felt after discovering my personal information is everywhere and my data will outlive me. Runner-up: confused- how does this happen?

Watching TED Talks such as Andy Yen's 'Think your email's private? Think again' lessons on the privacy (or lack thereof) of my personal information were eye-opening. I knew that, to some extent, the term "nothing is private" had to be true, partly from warnings from adults and career advisors to be cautious about all social media posts, especially for future employers. But they failed to warn that even if not posted on social media, personal information can still be shared.

I realized that every app, every website profile, every online shopping order, and every photo or video taken (whether posted or not) were all public. And not public in the sense of visible to society, but by becoming public information that spammers or scammers could access.

 

'Facebook's Invasion of Privacy as a Biz Model', for example, simply lays out the process by which private information is released. This frightened me because of just how easy it is to give out our information and sign away our rights without realizing it.

A contract of adhesion is a contract in which one party holds all the power, like clicking "I agree" when downloading a new app, or when signing paperwork. Data mining happens when users give out information such as an email, phone number, or enable location services, potentially allowing tracking malware and revealing more and more information layers.

All of this information helps create a digital dossier, which can include the websites someone visits and the products they buy, forming an image of who they are based only on actions. Companies use this information for behavioral marketing, which is marketing based on the behaviors of users, to be more efficient.

Now imagine this: If I tell gossip to my younger sister, and she tells her friends, once the gossip is shared with my sister, I no longer have control over who she tells. This is the third-party doctrine. When a first party voluntarily gives information to a second party, they have no power over third-party uses.

Invasions of privacy are scary, and they are happening every day. While using encryption can help protect against this, the government can still access data. 

So, be stingy with personal information. Read the terms before clicking "Agree." Decline services that are not wanted. And most importantly, do not believe that anything is truly private.

AI Disclosure: AI was not used in the research and information for this blog post. After writing, I used the platform Grammarly to double check spelling and grammar throughout the post.

Eight Values of Free Expression

Of the eight theories of free expression, the Marketplace of Ideas stands out as the most relevant and prevalent in the world around me, with Promote Tolerance trailing closely behind, as the two work together, hand in hand. 

In this graphic, the 'market' of ideas has lots to choose from.

Marketplace of Ideas

Marketplace of Ideas is characterized as the ability for citizens to discuss, sort, and voice ideas, allowing for a creative society. This theory recognizes that we need bad ideas too, so we can compare, debate, and improve the concepts we encounter. The worst thing to happen would be for the government to shut down debate, pick a side, and punish opposing views through compelled speech or action.

The Marketplace of Ideas is especially relevant today, due to social media. Most of Generation Z encounters political, social, or cultural arguments online each day. Social media is no longer just a place to connect and keep up with friends, but a platform where people can debate and discuss their beliefs with not just the people around them, but globally.

Social media is where most of Gen Z is accessing political and social arguments daily. More frequent in my generation that ever, social media is used not only as an online place to connect and share with others, but as a platform that is used in politics. 

TikTok is a great example. During election season, it has become a platform used to reach and educate young voters and large demographics. Those working on political campaigns recognize that a large portion of Gen Z receives information through social media, making these platforms a 'modern' Marketplace of Ideas. Beyond politics, creators on TikTok share ideas and opinions on countless topics. The constant change of viewpoints demonstrates just how important freedom of expression remains. 

Looking past political seasons, TikTok users can debate, discuss, and share their beliefs and views with others, not always around them. The 'Market' of Ideas on social media represent how important access to the first amendment and free expression are.

Promote Tolerance

I believe that promoting tolerance and the Marketplace of Ideas go hand in hand. While they may seem different at first, both rely on the idea that you can express your views openly, even when you disagree. At its core, promoting tolerance is really about the ability to agree to disagree. 

As a college student, this is something I experience frequently. On a campus where many different viewpoints are shared, disagreements are inevitable. Whether in a classroom debate, a political discussion, or asking questions to better understand other sides, I am exposed to new ideas- many different from my own. Promoting tolerance does not mean that everyone agrees. Instead, it means that people are willing to hear each other out and respect the right to hold different opinions. 

When learning about this value of free expression, I found it interesting the debate over hate speech. I thought it seemed counterintuitive that allowing hateful speech could lead to a more tolerant society. However, the theory claims that society is overall better served by allowing hate speech and then addressing it instead of trying to suppress it.

Cancel culture has shaped how free expression is viewed.

An example of this is the Atlanta Hawks team owner who was found making offensive (and obviously public) comments on Twitter, after drinking. While the government did not directly punish him for these actions, society did. Ownership of his team was revoked, he was banned from the league, and faced major public backlash. These consequences sent a message about what society considers acceptable. In this example, promoting tolerance is how we communicate our norms and values through public response rather than censorship.

Supreme Court Video Reflection

The United States Supreme Court.

The U.S. Supreme Court begins its work with a written petition. Thousands arrive each year, placing questions before a judicial body described in the video as a model for high courts around the world and the most powerful of its kind.

Yet the Court reaches its decisions in private. It sits in the “quiet of the storm center,” relying not only on the Constitution for legitimacy, but also on public faith in its independence.

The nine justices interpret the Constitution, safeguard liberty, preserve the union, and uphold the law. A case may come from anyone, from a prisoner to a president, but each petition receives individual consideration even though the Court accepts only a few.

I was surprised by how unusual the role of a justice is. Just over 100 people have served on the Court, with an average term of 16 years. Justices are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, but once confirmed, they are responsible to the law and their own conscience.

The Court’s authority developed over time. After the government moved to Washington in 1801, Chief Justice John Marshall helped establish the Court as a coequal branch of government. Marbury v. Madison strengthened its role, while the Dred Scott decision weakened its authority before slavery was ultimately resolved by the Civil War and constitutional amendments.

The Court’s weekly process also stood out to me. Justices receive deliveries of petitions and written arguments, review how lower courts handled the facts and constitutional questions, and decide which cases to hear.

Jimmy Carter shaking hands with Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

One of the most surprising details from the video was that before they begin their discussions, all of the justices shake hands. The tradition is meant to make it less likely that anyone will hold a grudge, even when they disagree on important cases.

Their private discussions follow traditions meant to encourage respect. The justices speak according to seniority and make sure everyone speaks once before anyone speaks twice. They often enter with a position already in mind, although their views can sometimes change during the discussion.

What I took away most is that the Court uses the Constitution to resolve national problems while drawing the boundaries of government power. Its work is controversial by nature, but its influence continues through every decision, leaving footprints behind as the country moves forward.

AI Disclosure: AI was not used in the research and information for this blog post. All information came from notes that I took while watching a video titled "Supreme Court of the United States." I then prompted Microsoft Copilot Pro to help shape my notes into a blog post of between 300 and 350 words written in a smooth professional style. I then added links to online sources that the reader could pursue for more information. Finally, I added appropriate images and captions to help break up the type and give the post a more professional look. 

My Top 5 News Sources of 2026

1. TikTok

One of the most accessible and frequent places I get news from is TikTok. Whether from accounts I already follow or random videos that surface on my feed, TikTok informs and brings awareness to many different topics. On this platform, influencers can voice their opinions, and people can share their own thoughts, comments, and reactions. TikTok is used to raise awareness about many issues, and I like how the videos I see are chosen based on my preferences and the algorithm. Along with small creators and random news outlets, one account that I follow and regularly keep up with on TikTok is People Magazine.

2. The New York Times

The New York Times is an outlet that I have trusted with my news for years. I prefer to catch up on news by reading on my laptop, and The NYT makes this easy by delivering news stories and daily reads straight to my email inbox. I like how their website categorizes its news into different columns, making it easy to read and quickly discover what I am interested in. I most often read articles from the World, Business, and Lifestyle sections, and occasionally Opinion or Wirecutter pieces for fun. 

3. Podcasts

Another media outlet where I go for news and Information is podcasts. I enjoy listening to podcasts on long drives or daily walks, so tuning in during these times is a great way for me to catch up on world events and learn about self-improvement. My two most listened-to podcasts include The Mel Robbins Podcast and NPR Politics Podcast. The Mel Robbins Podcast shares personal experiences and conversations with top scientists, authors, and leading educators from around the world. While I would define this as a self-improvement-focused podcast, the stories are backed by science and experience. Alternatively, the NPR Politics Podcast focuses on political updates and stories happening around Washington, ranging from crime rates to press secretaries and the economy. 

4. Instagram

Similar to the social media storytelling style of videos on TikTok, I utilize Instagram as a daily news and information source. While Instagram is mainly seen as a platform to post pictures, videos, and stay connected to friends, almost every news channel has an account on Instagram. This makes it easy to catch up on news while scrolling. Some of my favorite informative and quick-read news accounts are So.informed, ACLUnationwide, and Impact.

5. Google

Lastly, whether I am sitting in class or having a quick question on the go, Google is my go-to. Whenever a question pops into my mind that I am not quite sure about, Googling it almost always helps me reach a conclusion. However, it is important to be mindful of the news sources that come up and which you should read and trust.