Module 6: Making Emerging Technologies Valuable to Others

Module 6: Making Emerging Technologies Valuable to Others

As an advocate for technology in the classroom, I must keep up with new and emerging technologies by reading articles, searching on the internet, and adapting to more and more technologies. In my search for other techie points of view, I found an interesting article by Piquepaille (2008) where he describes a multi-touch smart desk. It resembles a giant iPhone and instead of using a mouse one  manipulates the screen by touch.  The short video that was hyperlinked in the article illustrated how novel ideas can engage students. The author goes on to say that the software will be available soon and probably as open source.

Besides reading and searching the internet, I must also be aware of what technologies kids are using . In an online chat, Gray, Klopfer, and Ash (2009) various attendees mentioned technologies that they feel are up and coming as an educational tool. iPod Touches, cell phones, iTunes, and Web 2.0 were just some of the things mentioned. If kids are using a technology at home or with friends, then that technology is much more likely to succeed in the classroom.

Learning is often by example which is another way to spread the news about the validity of emerging technologies in the classroom. I must use them and share my experiences and ideas with others. My colleagues will then see a real person who has real kids with very real day-to-day challenges using technologies that enhance instruction and learning. Lam (2010) points out the obvious that it’s not enough to have technology in the classroom but it also has to be used. Technology is used to meet the needs of the gifted learner, the slow learner, the speaker of other languages, and the special education student.

How do I affect the attitudes of others towards the use of emerging technologies? I must read strive to do all or most of the following:

•Read articles about new technologies

•Search the internet for new advances in technology

•Be aware of what technologies kids are using

•Lead by example, I must use emerging technologies in the classroom

Sources:

Gray, L., Klopfer, E., & Ash, K. (2011) Chat: Cutting-edge classroom technology. Retrieved on February 20, 2011 from http://www.edweek.org/ew/events/chats/2009/06/23/indes.html

Lam, Jamshed. (2010). Technology in the classroom. Retrieved on February 20, 2011 from  http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/techinclass/

Piquepaille, R. (2008). Multi-touch smart desks in the classroom.  Retrieved on February 20, 2011 from http://www.zdnet.com/blog/emergingtech/multi-touch-smart-desks-in-the-classroom/1039

Module 4: Second Life as a Disruptive Technology

Second Life as a Disruptive Technology

Disruptive technology, according to Clayton Christensen, is when a new technology disrupts or takes the place of an established technology (Tech Target, 2008). So, is Second Life a disruptive technology? To answer that question, one must look at the advantages and disadvantages of this virtual world environment. Helmer (2007) lists several strengths and weaknesses of the augmented reality called Second Life in an educational setting as follows:

Strengths	Weaknesses
•Inexpensive to develop •Rich and diverse learning environment •Multicultural input •Three-dimensional point of view •Highly engaging	•This augmented reality itself is difficult to learn how to use •Entertainment value may detract from learning •Can be distracting •Prone to bad publicity in the past

When looking at the strengths listed above, one may see the potential for Second Life to grasp a much greater audience. Its game-like environment makes it highly engaging. However, the gaming public already has access to video games with much richer graphics and greater capabilities. There are also many other Web 2.0 tools that are highly engaging, entertaining, and educational.

Second Life has displaced some of the older video games. It will probably be several years before Second Life is displaced. Second Life continues to evolve and it will take a few years before this virtual reality is fully developed. Google has developed a customizable three dimensional reality called Lively (Virtual Environments Info Group, 2008).

According to Bob Moore (Virtual Environments Info Group, 2008) virtual worlds will eventually merge with social networking sites, such as Facebook. Moore goes on to explain that in a virtual world you can be anyone that you want. Females can use a male avatar if they wish. Both males and females may  change age, race, and live in a fantasy world. Socially inept or reserved personalities can choose to be outgoing. The virtual world enthusiast can also meet people all over the world.

According to Virtual Environments Info Group (2008) there are already over 70 universities and colleges who maintain a virtual campus. Distance learning, broadcasting information, and exploratory learning are just some of the educational uses of Second Life. Conklin (2007) provides a detailed description of uses of Second Life in the classroom. One assignment that can be translated to elementary education is using Second Life to interview someone. One idea that comes to mind is creating some historical figures in which to interview. An elementary student would then have to create questions and answers based on research. Creating a  scavenger hunt to be used in this virual world would hone following directions and even writing directions. Socially, these two ideas could have an impact when working in small groups or with a partner. Shy students would be able to overcome any disadvantage by being anonymous in this setting.

Sources:

Conklin, M. (2007). 101 uses for Second Life in the college classroom. Retrieved February 20, 2011 from http://careersmarts.com/21/second%20life%20101%20uses%20classroom.pdf

Helmer, J. & Learning Light. (2007). Second llfe and virtual worlds. Retrieved February 20, 2011 from  http://www.norfolkelearningforum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/virtual-worlds_ll_oct_2007.pdf

Tech Target. (2008). Disruptive technology. Retrieved February 20, 2011 from http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci945822,00.html

Module 5

Module 5: Increasing Returns & Red Queens

When looking at the titles of Philip K. Dick’s books that had been transformed into movies, I chose Minority Report.  First, I tried YouTube to view this movie for free but it had been removed. My teenage son then helped me find the movie on MegaVideo.com so that I could still watch online at no cost. Savitz (2007) discusses the finding of Craig Moffett of Bernstein Research that video on demand is gaining popularity among the viewing public and will greatly benefit movie studios and the cable industry. It will take time to offset the cost and profits but video on demand will be a moneymaker for cable and the movie industry. DVD rentals and Netflix will see their profits dwindle as the new form of media takes the lead.

In choosing which of Dr. Thornburg’s terms (vodcast) correctly describes the competition among these media, I lean more towards Red Queens rather than Increasing Returns. Thornburg (vodcast) defines Red Queens as a fierce competition between two major technologies. The competitors of these two technologies lose ground and merge to the background but are not completely eliminated. The two victors continue to forge ahead in trying to gain the consumer’s attention. In the example of video on demand and DVDs, both will continue to compete for the viewer dollar. DVDs won’t be completely eliminated since they don’t require an internet connection and require little computer skills, if any.

In McLuhan’s Tetrad, the DVD is replaced in significance by video on demand.

Enhancements: The new media enhances the DVD by making movies attainable instantly. One does not need to drive to Blockbuster’s to rent the DVD or to purchase it.  With the click of the mouse, the consumer can view many movies for free, with a download fee, or the cost of membership to Netflix or another provider.

Obsolescence: Video on demand makes the video cassette, the filmstrip, and the slideshow obsolete. Not quite obsolete but definitely no longer in the forefront is the movie theater, the DVD, and the video cassette. Cable television has yet to be replaced since it seems to be evolving to keep its edge.

Retrieval: Video on demand rekindles the movie experience. The viewer can reminisce about the times when getting in line to relive the cinematic experience.

Reversal: Video on demand will probably continue to evolve its service to appeal to a broader audience. Gradually, the bells and whistles associated with this evolving technology will provide a greater edge over cable tv, DVDs, and other media.

Sources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Increasing returns featuring Dr. David Thornburg [Video Program].

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Red queens featuring Dr. David Thornburg [Video Program].

Savitz, E. (2007). Video on demand: The real threat to Netflix and Blockbuster? Retrieved February 14, 2011 from http://seekingalpha.com/article/24905-video-on-demand-the-real-threat-to-netflix-and-blockbuster