Sunday, November 25, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Module 5 Blog Post - Red Queens and Increasing Returns
Red
Queens and Increasing Returns
The way we
watch movies has changed drastically over the years. Whenever I want to watch a
movie I either purchase it from the store or use the video-on-demand feature on
my television. I know I am able to watch movies online but I haven’t really
done that yet. I don’t subscribe to Netflix either.
The current
competition between DVDs and Video-on-demand may be considered Red Queens. DVDs
have been out for a while and have been upgraded with the use of Blue Ray.
While video-on-demand provides instant access to movies that may be view in HD.
I think DVDs
are moving close to being in the obsolete category of McLuhan’s Tetrad and
video-on-demand could be listed in the reverse category.
Module 4 Posts - The Disruptive Power of Second Life
The
Disruptive Power of Second Life
According to Dr. Thornburg, disruptive technologies are
new technologies with the same functionality of an existing technology but it
functions more efficiently, and then obsoletes the technology (Thornburg, 2008).
The technologies suddenly appear and create a brand new way of thinking about
technology (Thornburg, 2008).
The
second life website states, second Life is a 3D world where everyone you see is
a real person and every place you visit is built by people just like you (Linden Research, Inc., 2012)
Second
Life may be considered a disruptive technology because it may replace one dimensional
video games. Name video games such as “The
Call of Duty” use 3D virtual worlds to make the users feel like they are
participating in a real event. 3D worlds are also becoming more popular in
movies.
Each year
and sometimes sooner new technologies are created. It is hard to say when the
next technology will be developed that will replace Second Life.
I think
the benefit of Second Life is it can be use as a presentation tool for students
that are uncomfortable with speaking in front of the class. The downside is
students may become more anti-social and lose the necessary skills it takes to
obtain a job or survive in a career. No matter how much we use technology, we
still need to know who to communicate face-to-face.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Disruptive
Technologies. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Module 3 Post - Rhymes of History Technology
Rhymes
of History Technology
I think the GPS systems we use in
our vehicles or on our phones is an example of a technology that represents a
rhyme of history. This technology rekindles or retrieves the need to use maps
or atlas to get where we need to go. The recurring theme is the need for people
to travel to various places for various reasons. There are many types of GPS
systems and that work from satellites. They have to be updated regular due to
our ever changing environment. New roads are being developed every day which
creates the need for the updates.
Below is a link for Garmin GPS
system:
Module 2 Post - Emerging Technologies Tetrad
Reference:
Thornburg, D. D. (2008b). Emerging technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Lake
Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Module 1 Blog Post
I enjoyed reading Dr. Thornburg’s article “Current
Trends in Educational Technology”. The information he provides is very
informative. Reading his article made me reflect on the impact of technology in
the classroom. I would like to discuss the use of Ipads in the K-12 classroom.
The
recent use of Ipads in the classroom
Over the years technology has improved the way
instruction is provided to students. The most recent form of technology being used
in the K-12 classroom is the Ipad. The
Ipad provides easy access to applications that can help students master various
academic skills. The internet can be
used to deliver and receive assignments from students. The Ipads can help turn
a classroom into a paperless environment.
Problems
and challenges with using Ipads in the classroom
Some of the problems that could arise with using the
Ipads is students could get distracted by playing games. The battery life may
not be as long as needed. If there are
technical problems with the Ipads it could take some time for it Ipads to be
fixed or replaced. The Ipads could be
damaged by the students. The funding may not be available to maintain the maintenance
and replacement of the Ipads.
The
benefits of using the Ipad in the classroom
Students are able to explore many resources available to
assist with depth of knowledge of a subject. Student can follow along with the
instructor’s demonstrations. Students
are more engaged when they are able to use hands on activities. Students can complete tasks that involve
problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students can be creative as they
complete various projects using the Ipads. Using the Ipads may help improve
students test scores if they are used properly.
Ways
to improve and effectively use Ipads in the classroom
Proper training for students and teachers will help
improve the life of the Ipad. Managing the use of the applications and keeping
the Ipad software updated will help improve the use of the Ipad. Ensure that
the wireless connection available is good enough to support the numerous
connections.
Below are a few links that explore the use of Ipads in
the classroom:
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