EDUC 7108

Module 6
Addressing the Digital Divide

As a leader in educational technology I can help make emerging technologies valuable to others, while maintaining gender, cultural, and socioeconomic sensitivity by being aware of the diverse populations within my community and workplace for starters. I think too often many in our society forget that we are a “melting pot” and although we are different we all have many things in common. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We can use our individual strengths to build up those areas where another individual may be weak, and they can do the same. I can also share what I have learned through Walden with others in the workplace and beyond.

I will also advocate for adequate equipment and training in the schools. I read online in an article (found at http://insight.iese.edu/doc.aspx?id=915&ar=5)
that there are many people who believe that the country that has more advanced technologies will emerge as the economic powerhouse. Perhaps this is why many of our 21st Century classrooms are adorned with technology. I realize that many of our students do not have technology in the home to complete assignments that may require them for successful completion. Due to economic circumstances and other factors obtaining computers is not always easy and creates a hardship for families. When creating assignments, it will be important for me to remember all students may not have access to Internet or a word processor to complete research and other assignments.

I also believe educating others about technology sometimes answers questions that arise as a result of fear of the unknown. I have obtained a wealth of information participating in the program at Walden. This information has helped me to grow professionally as well as personally. I have conquered fears of using particular innovations and have a better understanding of how they can be beneficial to me in many ways. By sharing these new resources that I consider being very valuable with others, continuing to research and view and participate in blogs and discussions regarding technological trends not just in my country but around the world will give me an opportunity to share my views and knowledge on what particular forces are driving emerging technologies.

Module 5

Red Queens and Increasing Returns

I owned one of the videos for the assignments in Module 4 (Total Recall). I had it on VHS. My son has a television that has a DVD/VCR combo. I was fortunate enough to find Paycheck at a local retail store for 5.00. I think it was inexpensive because it’s considered an outdated film. I viewed it on my computer (HP Media Smart). According to Thornburg (2008c) “Red Queen” is attached to certain phenomena when a competition between two forces results in the rapid development of them both. I think this is the case with Blue Ray and DVDs so I think they are examples of Red Queens. On McLuhan’s tetrad, they seem to enhance what we have for home entertainment.

THE DISRUPTIVE POWER OF SECOND LIFE

Thornburg (2009) explained disruptive technologies as a new technology which may surface without warning that has the ability to change the way things are done, but has the same functionalities of an old technology. However, it functions more efficiently. Second life can be considered as a disruptive technology because it could certainly change the traditional manner of teaching (face to face) and distance learning. I think it has displaced many of the traditional games played on personal computers and may change some of the interactive games played in the classroom. Second Life has so many users and they can all play at once. I think it will be around for awhile. However, I think Second Life or other virtual environments would have to be introduced gradually and with a tremendous amount of research that will substantiate any claims of benefiting our students educationally or raising test scores which seems to be our greatest focus. I also think the newness of virtual worlds would be intimidating to some educators as well as parents who provide assistance to children with homework because of the various levels of involvement participants may be able to engage in using that form of multimedia.

In the classroom, I think it would allow students to engage in situational learning and role playing which is beneficial to many students and may complement their learning style. I also think it has the ability to promote creativity for many students. On the other hand, I must admit my views regarding virtual worlds are quite mixed as I often view things from three several perspectives (a counselor, teacher, and a mother). I can see as an educator and a parent how it may have the potential to become a crutch for some students who lack good interpersonal skills and need interaction with their peers to develop positive social skills (something they will need beyond the K12 years). I also see it as a problem for students who have mental/psychological impairments and may lack the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. I think it has the potential to do more harm than good for those students. Children need to have a place to go to where they feel safe. Many parents send their children to school believing the school is a safe place for them. I think it is our job to make sure they are protected when in our care. I think as educators we must continue to educate ourselves about the new innovations in technology both the advantages and disadvantages of using them to help keep our children safe. With so many negative forces pulling at our children in many cases it has to go beyond the child and I think we have to educate the parents and make them aware of the various things their children may be able to access so they can be empowered to help us help their children.

Thornburg, D. (2009). Evolutionary technology Vodcast: In Laureate Education, Inc. Emerging and future technology.

http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?article=44-1§ion=articles

Morse Code & the Telegraph Video — History.com#first-telegraph-message

Morse Code & the Telegraph Video — History.com#first-telegraph-message

Rhymes of History

Dr. David Thornburg discuss how what he describes as “Rhymes of History” in the way technology emerges in our society and the impact it has the ability to rekindle things from the past such as social networking. The vodcast can be viewed at http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4433410&Survey=1&47=6047451&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1 .
Another example of a technology that rekindles something from the past is the fax machine. The fax machine encodes data and transmits it through the telephone. It also allows you to have a hard copy of what was transmitted. The first facsimile was patent in 1843. The first telegram was sent in 1844 allowing people to communicate miles apart. As the years progressed, newer innovations such as text messaging and emailing became other telecommunication tools we have come to rely on for the same purposes as the telegraph. Additional information can be found at the following sites:


http://www.history.com/topics/telegraph

http://www.history.com/topics/telegraph/videos#first-telegraph-message

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/kevin_kelly_on_the_next_5_000_days_of_the_web.html

http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/fax.htm

Emerging Technologies Tetrad Rev.

Emerging Technologies Tetrad