Module 6 - Addressing the Digital Divide

Differences in technological access exist across cultures, gender, and socioeconomic groups. Thornburg also challenges you to think about ways to create a climate of acceptance in which people not only have dreams but can actually experience these dreams as a reality in their lifetimes.

As a leader in educational technology, I can do several things to help make emerging technologies valuable to others while maintaining gender, cultural, and socioeconomic sensitivity. For some, technology is not the main focus of their daily lives or there’s no personal access to the Internet. As a result, there are actually some people who don’t realize the technology that is available to them. I know lots of people who only try things when they hear good comments about it by word of mouth. As humans, once we learn something we normally became fixated with that particular thing. For instance, when I learned about PowerPoint, I used it for a long time. I continued to use PowerPoint when I was introduced to Notebook Software a couple of years ago. To me, PowerPoint was and still is what I know well. Oftentimes, I am afraid to try new technologies for fear that I will not figure it out or it won’t have the same outcomes as other technologies that I am accustomed to.

Basing all of this information on the group of teachers I’ve worked with over the years, to make emerging technologies valuable to others, I can let others know about the new technologies that are out. I can also share my experience with the technologies to others while encouraging them to try it for themselves. It is also important to make sure that others realize that the new technology is not necessarily something that they have to learn. Rather, it is something that if learned, may be of benefit to them.

Dr. Soloway (n.d.) made a very interesting statement when he stated: to address the leveling of the playing field is to eliminate the digital divide by putting Internet access on cell phones. I couldn’t agree more. Today, just about everyone of age has a cell phone. Due to the advance in technology, cell phones are basically mini-computers. Anything that we can do on the computer can also be done on the cell phone today. Therefore, if a new technology were implemented in the cell phone, then lots of people would probably learn about it and also be willing to try it.

References:

Soloway, E. (n.d.). The digital divide: Leveling the playing field [vodcast] Retrieved from: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com

Thornburg, D. (2008a). An amazingly incomplete emerging technologies bibliography. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.

Thornburg, D. (2008). Evolutionary technologies. [vodcast] Retrieved from: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com

Module 5: Increasing Returns and Red Queens

When I noticed that I had to view a movie for Module 4, I automatically thought about Block Busters or any other video store that was strategically located near my home. Although I am always on my laptop viewing different videos and other types of multimedia, it didn’t dawn on me to search for this particular assignment online. I have never used Netflix or a similar vendor of video on demand. I can see how using Netflix would be beneficial; however, I often wonder about the extra work that I would have to do to return the movies rather than dropping them off at the movie store.

I believe that the current competition between DVDs and video on demand is definitely an example of increasing returns. Thornburg (2008) describes increasing returns as two innovations that hit the market at about the same time but by chance, one technology stays locked in and drives the other to extinction. Although the video on demand came out after move rental stores, it is still all based on renting movies on demand. Lots of people go to store and rent movies to have movie nights with their families and so on. Movies on demand have begun to get more and more popular. Therefore, as a result, I see movies on demand driving movie rental stores into extinction eventually. It may take a while due to the fact that some people still may not have Internet access in their homes; therefore depending on the movie rental stores.

According to McLuhan’s tetrad, I think video on demand will eventually begin to replace DVDs. However, as of current, I think the two are still in competition. Too some, this is a matter of convenience. To others, they stick with what they know which is going to Block Buster or Movie Gallery to rent the movies that they would like to view. It all depends on how the situation is looked at. On the other hand, Block Buster looked at the fact that Netflix could run them out of business. As a result, they had to add some type of video on demand for their customers as well.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (n.d.a). Increasing returns [Podcast] featuring Dr. David Thornburg.

Laureate Education, Inc. (n.d.b). Red queens [Podcast] featuring Dr. David Thornburg.

Module 4: The Disruptive Power of Second Life

The Disruptive Power of Second Life

Disruptive technologies can cause a change or paradigm shift in business practices, markets, and even in the lives of individual consumers. However, disruptive technologies don’t always fully replace the existing technology because it can adapt and the two technologies can eventually evolve together. A disruptive technology is a technological innovation, product, or service that eventually overturns the existing technology or product in the market. These types of technology can be classified into lower-end and new-market disruptive innovations. As a result, they are often aimed at non-consumption, whereas a lower-end disruptive innovation is aimed at mainstream customers who were ignored by established companies.

Second Life has become a disruptive technological force, providing options to people who want to participate in 3D zones. From its inception, Second Life has evolved into a place where its residents network and socialize, while trading services and ideas with each other. Second Life is a virtual online environment where humans can reinvent themselves while being and doing what they please. This online environment has over six million users from all over the place and it continues to grow each day. Creator, Phillip Rosedale (2008), describes Second Life as “the place he wanted where you could build things and explore. He views it as a place to explore, interact, and where you can be anything you want.”

Many consumers view having the ability to be creative and expressing yourself in a virtual setting as being prosperous. This allows many people the idea of experimenting or exploring different ideas and career choices that may impact a person’s life in the near future. There are many educational benefits of Second Life that can be beneficial and effective for students. It was recommended that educators should explore the possibilities of this engaging and motivational environment. One research article only explored using Second Life in a secondary school setting enacting role playing while simulating negotiation skills based on globalization issues (Ho, 2010). Second Life could be used with elementary students as well, however, it has not yet become apart of the school setting. Today, there are even major businesses that are establishing virtual offices or meeting rooms so they can connect and collaborate virtually.

Second Life is still fairly new to some people. However, it has not replaced any specific technology as of yet. Even if Second Life were considered to be a learning environment, it has not actually shown the capability of making other online environment obsolete.

References:

Ho, C.M.L. (2010). What’s in a question? The case of students’ enactment in the second life virtual world. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 4(2), 151-176.

Rosedale, P. (2008). Second Life [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/the_inspiration_of_second_life.html.

Module 3: Rhymes of History Technology

Someone once said, “The future will be like the past, only with cooler toys.” This quote is useful in understanding the force of rhymes of history. Rhymes of History are one of the forces that drive the emergence of technology. According to Dr. Thornburg (2008), a new technology is a fresh emergence of the impact felt many years before from another technology. Many factors influence the emergence of new technologies, with no one factor being fully sufficient to explain how or why one technology is adopted and another is not. According to Dr. Thornburg (2008), there are many forces that cause new technology to emerge. New technology does not just pop out of thin air. There are actual causes that aids in the emergence of new technology. The key principles of evolution were stated as numerous forces that cause technology to develop as they go through an evolutionary process as they continue to change (Thornburg, 2008). Of course, there are other forces the causes new technology to emerge that is probably sustainable and reliable enough to predict future trends. I like the comments made about the rhyme of history theory. Whenever new technology emerges, it definitely takes the place of one or more things used in the past.

Dr. Thornburg (2008) described a rhyme in history as an affect or effort of a new development that rekindles something from the past. One specific technology that comes to mind for me when thinking about the rhyme of history is the telephone. Communication has always been an important part of human interaction. Dating back years ago, communication was delivered in the form of mail using the Pony Express. With or without technology, we have always been able to communicate in some form or fashion. The telephone has definitely made it easier to communicate with others while also expanding the boundaries in which we can communicate with. However, with the new and still emerging technology, it is even easier to communicate with others in a fast and efficient manner.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Evolutionary technologies, featuring Dr. David Thornburg.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Six forces that drive emerging technology, featuring Dr. David Thornburg.

The History of Communication - http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa93

Telephone History - http://www.telephonymuseum.com/telephone%20history.htm

Module 2: Emerging Technologies Tetrad

Emerging Technologies Tetrad

SMART Interactive Whiteboard

Enhances: What does this technology do that is new?

The SMART board streamlines the teaching experience by enabling teachers to engage students with interactive lessons while simultaneously accessing and controlling all of the classroom technology (SMART, 2010). With the interactive whiteboard, teachers are allowed to write in digital ink with our fingers or a pen, as well as interact with applications and save notes. SMART boards are use with computers or laptops. Therefore, using the Internet with a group of students is not a problem. With the Interactive whiteboard, information can be presented where all students can see what is posted. SMART (2010) interactive whiteboard systems come up with SMART Notebook collaborative learning software. This software sets the standard for creating, delivering, and managing interactive lessons within a single application.

Obsoletes: What does this technology replace?

This technology replaces lots of things that may have been categorized as technology during that point in time. The SMART board has definitely replaced the overhead projectors that were and are still used in some classrooms. Overhead projectors were used to enlarge images on the wall or screen for students to see. Overhead projectors were made up of a large box that contained a cooling fan and a bright light, with a long arm extended above it. At the end of the long arm, there is a mirror that catches and reflects the light towards the screen. The SMART board includes a projector that is built-in over the top so that it doesn’t take up extra room within the classroom. The interactive whiteboard also replaces anything used by humans to keep notes on. Today, computers or laptops no longer use those floppy disks or the 3 ½ inch diskettes that were used years ago. In my experience, this SMART Interactive whiteboard has replaced power point for some, not all. I know many teachers who have now had Notebook Software downloaded onto their computers and laptops. Notebook, gives teachers the make their notes and presentations more interactive than power point does.

Retrieves/rekindles: What does this technology bring to mind (or retrieve) from the past?

The Interactive whiteboard brings back memories of using a chalkboard in the classroom. Unlike Notebook software, there was not button to add an additional chalkboard to the classroom. With the chalkboad, there was never enough room to get everything written down. With the Notebook, you can add additional pages needed for each notebook made. Also, if there’s something out of place, the pages can be rearranged or grouped accordingly. Technically, the board retrieves anything that specifically tells who people keep notes or other forms of communication on things other than technology.

Reverses: What might replace this technology in the future, or what might it cause to occur?

I believe that eventually the interactive whiteboard will be replaced. It may or may not be replaced by the iPad/iTouch or some interactive mini device will take over how often the SMART board is used. iTouches and iPads are interactive with the SMART board and have many more capabilities that the board doesn’t have. With having iPads, students can work at their desks and still interact with other students on the work being done. There are many apps that can be downloaded so that students can work on many different things within academic subjects. If the Apple products don’t replace the SMART board, there will be some type of interactive device or software that will replace it eventually. In order for the software to replace the SMART board, it will have to do more than the Notebook software does now.

References:

SMART. (2010). Smart technologies. Retrieved from http://www.smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions

Module 1 : Current Trends in Educational Technology

In his article “Current Trends in Educational Technology,” Thornburg discusses the transformations that are taking place in society as a result of new technologies. He provides a variety of examples in which he shares how a new technology was shaping society, as well as any problems associated with that technology. He then proposes various ways to make these new technologies better. Depending on the perspective and how the term is used, emergent technology can have a number of meanings. I think that emergent technology is best described as technology adopted by the majority that is used for our personal use. Dr. Thornburg’s (2008) definition of emergent technology as being emergent when we are made aware of its options and can use it for our own personal use. I think that this has a bit of truth to it as well. However, what about those who learn about technology that is past emergent but it’s there first time hearing about it or using it. Sometimes, the technology may become emergent in a different location before others begin to learn about it. Therefore, before someone can learn to use a piece of technology for his/her own personal use, they have to know about the technology.

A current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning and productivity in my industry is the SMART Interactive whiteboard. SMART Interactive whiteboards were put into each classroom at the beginning of last school year within my district. The SMART board streamlines the teaching experience by enabling teachers to engage students with interactive lessons while simultaneously accessing and controlling all of the classroom technology (SMART, 2010). The SMART board allows teachers to write in digital ink with our fingers or a pen, as well as interact with applications and save notes. In addition, SMART (2010) interactive whiteboard systems come up with SMART Notebook collaborative learning software. This software sets the standard for creating, delivering, and managing interactive lessons within a single application.

Initially, all teachers who wanted a SMART board in their classroom had to participate in the SMART training sessions. However, eventually the technology plan for the county implemented the use of SMART boards into every classroom. Therefore, everyone ended up taking the SMART training sessions. However, there are some teachers who were hesitant to implement this technology into their daily lessons. First, they were afraid of breaking or messing something up on the board. Next, they had not received enough training to implement the SMART board into their lessons that also included active engagement for the students. Last, some teachers felt that this board was something new to add to a long list of things already given to them to use in the classroom. Some teachers felt that there was nothing wrong with their old ways of teaching and getting students involved in the work.

However, as far as today’s society and the constant changes in technology, we, as teachers have to keep student actively engaged for them to learn. Worksheets and textbooks are not the cure to this problem. To actively get students engaged, they have to be able to move around and talk. With the SMART board, it is easier to get students engaged and to show demonstrations of what is being learned. The SMART board has surpassed the use of televisions in the classrooms. I haven’t found anything that I can’t do on my SMART board. With its touch recognition and smart response question clickers, the smart board can be used in any industry. SMART boards are used all over the world in lots of different career fields and for lots of different activities. These boards are very heavy duty and easy to navigate. The smart board provides lots of different uses, providing effective use for many industries. The interactive SMART board makes it easy for any organization to create all work using just one, single application. The only problem with the SMART boards is the size. Staff did not have the problem of setting up the interactive board as district technician took care of making sure the board was hooked to a desktop or laptop. Most of the staff used the projector with the whiteboard also, some classrooms don’t’ have blinds with two black out room. As far as more critical problems are concerned, teachers in my district have no complaints.

References/Links:

SMART Interactive Whiteboard Link: www.smarttech.com

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). What is emerging technology? Author: Dr. David Thornburg.

SMART. (2010). Smart technologies. Retrieved from http://www.smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions