Do We Need Smart Cities?
Online course
Toronto sent Google, with its smart city agenda, packing. Take that Big Tech! The “smart city” seemed to many to be emblematic of lots of things that are wrong. For example, the mass accumulation of data about people and everything else. The obvious use of this to enhance the wealth and power of a few companies and individuals. And just the idea of ubiquitous technology feels wrong – too “1984”. But those who advocate for smart cities claim they offer huge efficiency and sustainability benefits.
So, it’s fair to look seriously at the idea of the smart city, its pros, cons and implications. We’ll do that in this course, peeling back the layers of what it really is and looking at places where it has been implemented. Does it promise too much? Are fears about it overblown? Should Toronto have embraced it or were we right not to? We’ll consider all of that.
Moderator: John Simke
Dates and Time: Fridays, October 14 and 21, 2-4 PM
Location: Online
Cost: $12
Booking: Below is the link to book the course. See booking terms and conditions here
So, it’s fair to look seriously at the idea of the smart city, its pros, cons and implications. We’ll do that in this course, peeling back the layers of what it really is and looking at places where it has been implemented. Does it promise too much? Are fears about it overblown? Should Toronto have embraced it or were we right not to? We’ll consider all of that.
Moderator: John Simke
Dates and Time: Fridays, October 14 and 21, 2-4 PM
Location: Online
Cost: $12
Booking: Below is the link to book the course. See booking terms and conditions here