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.