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.