Two Brains: Technology, Attention, and Flourishing

One Topic + Two Brains = Great Conversation

In this series, we explore one topic with two experts who bring different perspectives. Mini-lectures fuel lively group conversations and expand our understanding of complex ideas.

About the program:

Technology is changing our capacity to pay attention, reshaping how we interact with information and each other. Is this a blessing or a curse? Or both? Examine the promises and pitfalls of new technologies like AI and social media, and the potential to reclaim our attention as so many forces seek to capture it.

Keep the discussion going after the event at an informal gathering across the street at Glasshalfull restaurant.

Your speakers:

Jeff Greene

Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development & McMichael Professor of Education

More about Professor Greene

Jeff Greene studies how to help people use technology learn and thrive in the modern world. When he was young, Jeff was thrilled to get his first computer and use it to be more creative, more productive, and connect with people around the world. Today, people rarely describe their relationship with technology as “thrilling.” Instead, they lament their addiction to their phones or the struggles they have sorting the good, the bad, and the ugly on the Internet. Jeff Greene’s research focuses on making technology thrilling again, helping people make technology work for them, rather than the other way around.

Greene studies how to help students self-regulate their learning so that they can maximize their potential online and in the classroom. In addition, he studies how to help students be better critical consumers, users, and producers of knowledge.

Michael Vazquez

Teaching Associate Professor of Philosophy

More about Professor Vazquez

Michael Vazquez is Associate Director for UNC’s Parr Center for Ethics. His main research and teaching interests are in ancient philosophy, ethics, and the philosophy of education. He is an advocate for publicly engaged philosophy and interdisciplinary collaboration. He works with campus and community partners to promote philosophical and humanistic reflection in K-12 schools, community colleges, libraries, prisons, museums, professional organizations, retirement communities, and more.

To learn more about Professor Vazquez, visit his website: michael-vazquez.com/

Tuition is free for UNC students, faculty, and staff. If you are a currently enrolled or employed by UNC-CH, email human@unc.edu to reserve your ticket or show your OneCard at the door. Walk-in entry will be available as space allows.