Sunday, September 22, 2013

Tetrads and Emerging Technology


Module 2



Two Tetrads: IPads and Computers in Classrooms

The obsolete tetrad helped enhanced understanding about the way technology became out dated by demonstrating the effective uses of technology in classrooms. When the uses become insufficient, the technology should be replaced. The power lens can become useful in an organization by observation and monitoring technology and recognizing when replacement is needed. My awareness of new technology was enhanced when an emerged technology became available for use.

According to McLuhan The tetrad is a way of investigating the effects on society of any technology that becomes obsolete. IPADS are replacing the use of computers in the classrooms because this technology is accessible and easy to manage in different environments. Students are able to carry the IPADS to different classrooms without difficulty. Also, students can use the IPADS to reference E-books. Many schools are using E-books instead of hard cover textbooks.

Students are excited about using iPads in school. Teachers, have stated their goals should be to ensure sure that students understand how these new technologies fit into the classrooms and curriculum. Some students will need some pre-training about using IPADS and making applications.

This technology implements new ways for students to learn subject skills by containing reference and electronic books in capacity for the student’s use. Students can work independently or one on one with another student. Students can maintain personal folders to file their work until needed for assignments. It appears that ipads have replaced computers in the classroom. Many schools have computer labs so students can work on subjects and complete research.

IPADS have similar functions that are associated with computers. However, computers are more difficult to manage and transport from different locations within the school. It is also more difficult for students to personalize their work and save it to folders on a computer. Students can get more organized by using IPADS and maintain organization by using ipads in classrooms. IPADS can help students to focus and remain engaged in learning skills. This technology will probably replace computers in the future.

 

 

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Emerging and future technology. Baltimore, MD: Author. (David Thornburg ).

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York, NY: Free Press.

 

 

 


 
 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

New Technology



Module 1

Thornburg and New Technology

As a futurist, I believe that new innovations are constantly emerging because the former technologies are consistently being replaced or upgraded. Smart Boards are currently being used in my classrooms. The Smart Boards are defined by innovation and provides an improved for students to learn subjects. Teachers and students enjoy this new way of learning by being collaborative and making applications. There have been some challenges with using this technology, like consistent repairs. Maintenance is a consistent need because this technology is sensitive because some people are not careful when using it.
Students enjoy demonstrating their subject applications on Smart Board, like Math calculations and explaining their equations to the class. Even students who are too shy in classrooms want to make applications on the Smart Board. Therefore, students are interested and motivated about learning with this interactive technology. The benefits of using the Smart Board are very effective in helping students to focus and learn subject skills. I believe the Smart Board should be upgraded to prevent the frequent maintenance repairs. Maybe if schools could afford more than two per school, this could a preventive measure.
References
Thornburg, D. D. (2008b). Emerging technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Lake
Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.