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

EDUC 7108

Mod 1
Responded to Burian Kitchen and Laine Pagan blogs.

EDUC 7108

An Emerged Technology

A technology that has emerged in the last few years that has shaped my industry has been the digital camera. Several years ago I worked as a special education teacher. Our class always had photo moments and I would take pictures of the completed assignments, with parents’ permission, they turned in as evidence they had mastered an objective. Often times the pictures would come out too dark or if we were involved in a special Olympic activity it wouldn’t come out at all. That became very frustrating. I recall using the digital camera for the first time and viewing the students on the screen. I thought it was so magical! If the students and I didn’t like the snapshot we would do them over. I think digital cameras can serve many functions in the classroom. You can create class projects, evidence of students work, storyboards, and students can be introduced to photography as a form of art.

As with most new innovations I think there are some challenges associated with its use. One of my initial challenges was with my memory card. There was a defect in the card so I did not use the maximum amount of storage on the card. Other challenges for consumers may be associated with the cost as they tend to cost a little more than the cameras with films. Consumers also have to purchase and charge the batteries for the cameras to function properly. Learning to operate the camera may present some problems. Many of the newer models have additional features that require the user to consult the manual, whereas for those who have the traditional Polaroid and Kodak film cameras only one or two steps are required to take a picture.

Digital cameras are not only great tools to have in the classroom, but others can benefit from them as well. What better way to preserve ones’ history than through photos and videos. Most of the cameras have video recording features. Individuals who want instant pictures are able to take shots on their cellular phones as they have digital cameras as an added feature. We live in such a fast paced society where we are accustomed to having things instantly. Having the option of obtaining the product quickly may be an added benefit. Hopefully in the very near future as the digital cameras become more emerged in our society they will become less expensive. Perhaps there will be a model that will have a built in printer like the Polaroid camera that will minimize the number of steps needed to print a photo from the computer.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech147.shtml

http://www.wacona.com/digicam/digicam.html

Module 4 Connectivism/ Social Networking Responses

I responded to Brend Rutherford and Ashley Bridges posts.

Connectivism/How has my network changed the way I learn?

How has your network changed the way you learn?

My network has changed the way I learn by providing me with an abundance of information that can be obtained quickly. The ability to email and share information is convenient and an easy way to access information that may be difficult to get otherwise. Prior to enrolling in the educational technology courses, I knew very little about the benefits of blogging and the use of Wikis. Both networking tools have given me the opportunity to collaborate with my peers and share information that I have been able to utilize to enhance my educational endeavors as well as my professional career. Some of the tools that have facilitated my learning most have been the discussion boards, chats, blogs, emails and the people I have meet through the use of these networking tools. The ability to connect with others is important for the dissemination of information with regard to learning. Having access to these networks allow me the opportunity to research and gather additional information on topics to gain clarity regarding concepts that are sometimes difficult to obtain in online course. I use blogs, video conferencing, discussion boards and Wikis in a collaborative format with several students who may have a better understanding of content or with an individual student to complete assignments or to ask questions about particular assignments. I think our social networks are great resources for sharing and communicating ideas and building positive relationships in our educational pursuits, business, and for personal growth.