Note to Self

Touchscreen phones work so well for blind people that Braille may become obsolete. But advocates worry this could render the next generation "functionally illiterate."

We take a look at exactly what tech is in the classroom. Which leads to a bigger question: Why is this tech in the classroom?

We're kicking off a series on kids and technology. Sure, it’s just easier to ask, “did you finish your homework?” and assume they’re figuring it out on their own or from other kids. But as one middle school teacher found out, there's an opportunity to go WAY deeper.

Security technologist Bruce Schneier, author of “Data and Goliath,” says you should stop feeling guilty about skimming the Terms of Service. Get mad instead.

Watching TV — especially when it isn’t, strictly speaking, on TV — has gotten complicated. This week we bring you a conversation with the creators of "High Maintenance." They're staying off broadcast and embracing a smaller but devoted online-only audience, instituting a paywall in exchange for the artistic freedom. So what do they think of sharing passwords on Netflix accounts and fast forwarding through commercials?

Manoush made some phone calls to Bored and Brilliant participants around the world. This week, New Tech City eavesdrops.

We changed our phone habits, opened our minds to day-dreaming, and it felt good. Here's what the experts had to say about our data.

It's time to get really bored and make something creative. You might just learn something about yourself with this challenge designed by artist Nina Katchadourian.

In this challenge, the hosts encourage listeners to be present in the world by observing one person or object. A futurist guest provides insights on activating the brain's default mode. The speaker shares their observations of everyday life, including acorn-shaped railings on townhouses and a woman using high-heeled snow boots as an ice pick.

Learn about the Bored and Brilliant challenge to take a 'focation' by crafting a funny away message and reducing phone usage. Explore the benefits of disconnecting from technology and embracing boredom. Discover the value of boredom in fostering creative thinking and the negative effects of excessive internet use. Hear a case study on how tech-free relaxation improved communication and generated big picture ideas.