Module 6

As a leader in educational technology, my primary goal is to continue learning about the latest technology and in return educate my community. Unfortunately, everyone is not able to buy the current technological gadgets and tools, but there is no law that states that obtaining knowledge about these tools are prohibited. The future consists of our students. Parents, students, and the faculty that teach these individuals need to be aware of how technology is the center of the earth in the 21st century. Students need to be in constant contact with technological tools. Schools need to use governmental resources and funding to provide students with as many technological advantages possible. Parents need to become more involved in their child’s education and become their advocate to their local school district.

As far as gender, cultural, and socioeconomic status unfortunately, these are all factors that educators cannot change. What educators can change is providing these individuals with valuable tools that can assist in each student changing their particular status in the future. Technology knowledge is a driving force within the employment market. People want the next generation (Soloway, n.d). Educators need to take the educational approach of No Child Left behind in Technology.

Additional Reading:
The World Bank is an organization aimed at ending poverty within developing countries. Their mission is to fight poverty by providing resources (which may include technology tools), building a partnership, and sharing knowledge/wisdom about their environment. Please check this out
http://www.worldbank.org/

Sources:
Soloway, E. (n.d.). The digital divide: leveling the playing field. Retrieved from: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/14936/CRS-WUEDUC8812-3730077/EDUC_8848_PK_Transcript.pdf

To Own Or To Borrow?

Blog Post Module 5


When given the video assignment for Module 4, I went to the local retail store (Target) and purchased one of the movie choices (Minority Report). I paid only five dollars. My goal was to try and find the movie on the internet or rent at the local Blockbuster, but decided to purchase because this movie may serve as a reference for a future project, assignment, or for personal reasons.

The competition between DVDs and video on demand (VOD) are an example of Red Queens. According to Dr. Thornburg (2009a), increasing returns are two innovations that hit the marketplace at the same time; unfortunately these two innovations did not. DVDs and VOD are examples of Red Queens because currently companies can seen through marketing, advertising their products and services. DVDs currently have companies such as the big Redbox, Blockbuster, and Netflix. The big Redbox present the challenge of immediate access (multiple locations) and cheap prices. Blockbuster went from your local video rental company to providing on demand movies to compete with other companies. Netflix allow individuals to access movies through mail, from your pc/laptop, and broadband with an unlimited time limit of return or having access to the movie. VOD are currently being provided by ComCast, Dish Network, and Direct TV (huge cable television providers). VOD allow users to receive instant access to movie, stop, play, pause, etc. from video streaming.

As I look back at McLuhan’s tetrad, I feel that DVDs are in the stage of reversal and VOD are in the obsoletion stage. DVDs reverse themselves because they provide new options that were not available when DVDs first came on the scene. DVDs can are in the formats of blue-ray, 3-D, and extended versions. VODs are in the stage of obsolete due to the fact that individuals can download movies for free. With downloading, free movies mean that a person too can become an entrepreneur by selling burnt movies.


Sources:

Answer.com. (2010). DVD. Retrieved on August 9,2010 from: http://www.answers.com/topic/dvd

Answer.com. (2010). Video on demand. Retrieved on August 9, 2010 from: http://www.answers.com/topic/video-on-demand

Thornburg, D.D (2009a). Increasing returns. [Vodcast]. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4199715&Survey=1&47=5863163&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Thornburg, D.D. (2009b). Red Queens. [Vodcast]. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4199715&Survey=1&47=5863163&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Module 4 Second Life

Many technologies become disruptive merely because they cross a tipping point in price or performance or dramatically increase accessibility and/or capabilities relative to the incumbent technologies (Thornburg, 2009). An example or method of disruptive technology is the way individuals communicate today. Communication, within a large environment, consisted of word of mouth, Alexandra Graham Bell’s telephone, cell phones, emails, and now the great world of social networking. Humans now have the instant access to connect to others, present their emotions, follow individuals electronically, and chat to multiple individuals at one time.

In the world of Second Life, a rich network connects innovators and their ideas to help each other create better products (Rosedale, 2007). Second Life displays the human’s fantasy ideas and goals. According to Rosedale (2008), virtual worlds allow us to reinvent ourselves and they contain anything and everything, and probably anything could happen there. An example of Second Life is the World of WarCraft. World of WarCraft allow people, around the world, to connect and battle amongst each other and world.

Technology and, more generally, knowledge are diffusing today at an unprecedented rate along pathways limited only by the global reach of the Internet (Thornburg, 2009). I personally feel that Second Life will have more time to accomplish its goal of acceptance before a new technology replaces it. Second Life has not overcame its jitters or knocked out the rust of the system. With the introduction of new technologies like 3-D voice, which will let SL residents speak to each other, and Web integration, the virtual lab, with its low costs and cross-fertilizing possibilities, becomes an ever more attractive alternative to old-fashioned reality (Rosedale, 2007). Once people learn the ropes and the unlimited boundaries, Second Life will submerge. It is going to stir the Human Society to its roots by challenging the existing logic, motions, transactions, inter-relationships, and interactions in ordinary human life in most confounding ways (KulKami, 2007).

Educational environments that mix real and virtual instruments and places will enrich the learning experiences of the school children (Cerf, 2007). Students can feel connected to the distant class mates, create animated experiences, and have more involvement in their education.

Additional Information:

Second Life in Education http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1005/p13s02-legn.html

Sources:

Cerf, V.G. (2007). The disruptive powers of networks. Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from: http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2007/0507/058.html

Kulkami, G. (2007). How second life is a disruptive idea? Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from: http://ganeshayan.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-second-life-is-disruptive-idea.html

Rosedale, P. (2007). Alter egos. Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from: http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2007/0507/076.html

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

Thronburg, D.D. (2009). Disruptive Technologies. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4199715&Survey=1&47=5797856&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

An example of technology that represents a rhyme of history is social networking websites and visual communication with Skype and Apple’s Iphone 4. Social networking websites rekindles reunions and neighborhood gatherings from the past. The first social networking website launched in 1997 (SixDegrees.com). Due to lack of applications, early adopters complained that there was little to do after accepting friend requests, and most users were not interested in meeting strangers (Boyd & Ellison, 2007). Entrepreneurs paid close attention to the failures of SixDegrees.com. Myspace.com heightened the social networking epidemic in 2003. Myspace differentiated itself by regularly adding features based on used demand and by allowing users to personalize their pages (Boyd & Ellison, 2007).

Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real-life friendships through similar interests on groups (TopTenReviews, 2010). Social networking websites supersede the younger generation. People of all ages and backgrounds have discovered that they can enrich their lives through the contacts they make on a social networking website (TopTenReviews, 2010).

Another interesting piece of technology that represents a rhyme of history is visual communication. Visual communication can be obtained with Skype and Apple’s Iphone 4. Skype is a software that allow users to make video calls (with multiple users) from their computers. Rather than using standard voice over IP (VOIP) protocols such as SIP and H.323, Skype uses proprietary protocols that incorporate a peer-to-peer architecture (Answers.com, 2010). Skype has taken an additional step and can be found in the latest cell phones. Skype can be found within Verizon’s Android phone.

Apple’s Iphone 4 also offers visual communication. This new application is called Face Time. Face Time uses Wi-Fi, which provides high quality video, and is built upon Internet Engineering Task Force Standards. This makes 3GPP video calls comparable to SMS messages rather than IETF standards based on email or instant messaging (Dilger, 2010). For additional information on the new Iphone 4’s video conferencing, please click on this link: http://www.zdnet.com/videos/events/iphone-4-video-calling/431580

Visual communication rekindles telephone conversation (individuals hidden behind wires and distance) and mores codes (texting and chatting) from the past. Visual communication enhances conversations because people obtain information in two forms: visually (body expressions and emotions) and auditory (verbally).

References:

Answers.com. (2010). Skype. Retrieved on July 10, 2010 from: http://www.answers.com/topic/skype

Boyd, D. M. & Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social network sites: Definition, history, and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), article 11. Retrieved on July 10, 2010 from: http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol13/issue1/boyd.ellison.html

Dilger, D. E. (2010, June 20). Iphone 4 face time video calls won’t use cell minutes. Apple Insider. Retrieved on July 10, 2010 from: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/06/20/iphone_4_facetime_video_calls_wont_use_cell_minutes.html

TopTenReviews. (2010). Social networking website reviews. Retrieved on July 10, 2010 from: http://social-networking-websites-review.toptenreviews.com/

Module 2- Tetrad

(Excuse the additional tabs on the Tetrad :-))

Module 2 Blog Assignment-
Topic Assignment- Smart Phones

Enhances: What does this technology do that is new?

Smart Phones offer features that help keep users organized, entertained, and connected to others (eHow, 2010). Smart phones provide consumers with mobile email, computing ability, 4 G network, and social networking (to name a few of its many components); whereas before, all these features had to be completed from a laptop or desktop. Now, smart phones are keeping up with the demands of society. The new features consist of 3D GPS system and Skyping from your phone.

Obsoletes: What does this technology replace?

Smart phones replace expensive software, dial up connection, and desktops/personal computers. A smart phone allows the user to install and run much advanced applications based on a specific platform (Answers, 2010). Smart phones have 3G/4G networks which makes available instant access to the internet. Lastly, a smart phone gives individuals ample range instead of confinement to a desk.

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

A smart phone may be thought of as a handheld computer integrated within a mobile telephone (Answers, 2010). The Smartphone is closely linked to the mini handheld computer. An example of the mini handheld computer is the Symbol PDT 1100. Symbol PDT 1100 has data collection and management solutions for virtually every market, allowing a choice of operating systems, capabilities, size and weight, and scanning and wireless LAN solutions (Motorola, 2010). The major problem for mini handheld computers being adopted was the price.

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

In the future, Smart phones will be replaced by mobile computers. In 2015, these powerful laptops replacements will provide true multitasking where you can run Spotify to stream audio, chat over an IM client, process EXIF data for a massive photo collection, and even play World of Warcraft (Digital Trends, 2010). As society prepares for this big transition, Smart phones will continue to provide instant access, operating systems, and the demands of society.




References/Additional Websites:

Answers. (2010). Smartphone. Retrieved on June 28, 2010 from:
http://www.answers.com/topic/smartphone

Digital Trends. (2010). The future of smartphones: 2010-2015 and beyond. Retrieved on June
28, 2010 from: http://www.digitaltrends.com/features/the-future-of-smartphones-2010-
2015-and-beyond/

eHow. (2010). Information on pdas & smart phones. Retrieved on June 28, 2010 from:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5880421_information-pdas-smart-phones.html

Motorola. (2010). Symbol technologies announce mini-handheld computer. Retrieved on June
28, 2010 from:
http://www.symbol.com/news/pressreleases/press_releases__portsys__mini-.html

Module 1

A current technology that has emerged within the last few years in education (K-12) is the Smart Board. With the big shift to a technology driven education system, Smart Boards are seen throughout American classrooms today. Combining the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer, the Smart Board interactive whiteboard engages students and audiences around the world (Smarttech.com, 2010).

The biggest problem associated with the Smart Board is the cost. The two vital parts of the Smart Board consists of the white board and the projector. The two together prices range from $3,000-$5,000 (http://jsguilkey.iweb.bsu.edu/professional/Technology/SMARTboard/SMART5.htm). With the country enduring economic hardship, many school districts are experiencing huge budget cuts. Less money means few supplies, especially the latest technology. An additional challenge of the Smart Board is that it requires training. Each teacher needs training in order to successfully use the Smart Board to its full potential for their students.

The societal needs that the Smart Board meets are: providing a huge visual, interactive (bringing the lesson to life), instant access (internet, videos, movie

Providing free training for all teachers upon the purchase of the Smart Board will make this product even better. Teachers will have the opportunity to ask questions and state concerns to the creators of the product. School districts will not have to worry about providing additional funding for training.

Additional resources about the Smart Board:

Pros and Cons of the Smart Board- http://unixgen.muohio.edu:8081/SMARTboards/Pros-and-Cons.html
Ease of Use of the Smart Board- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U05WeXPGlk
All Smart Products- http://www.smarttech.com/us/Solutions/All+Products

Sources:

Smarttech.com. (2010). Products. Retrieved on June 13, 2010 from: http://www2
.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Boards/default.htm

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