Disruptive Techologies

Clayton Christensen describes a disruptive technology as a “new technology with the same functionality as an existing technology, but it functions more efficiently, costs less, and then obsoletes that technology” (Thornburg, 2009). 

Second Life (SL), is an example of a disruptive technology because it surfaced rather quickly and took the gaming world by storm.  SL allows users to create avatars, play games, travel, and interact in real time in virtual worlds; therefore, it has the potential to replace traditional computer games. 

Second Life also has the potential to have a major impact on distance education as well as businesses because it provides a platform to hold virtual meetings replacing the need to have face to face meetings. 

It also provides social benefits for those who are home bound and/or have social anxieties because it allows them to create a fully mobile avatar that is not bound by any disability. 

Although, Second Life came on the scene rather quickly, I don’t see it going anywhere soon!

Rhymes of History

Someone once said, “The future will be like the past, only with cooler toys.” This quote is quite useful in understanding the force of rhymes of history.  Dr. David Thornburg asserts rhymes of history are tools that rekindle something from the past.  All through history this statement rings true. 

Communication “toys” are one such example.  The innate desire to stay connected with others encouraged the innovation of the telegraph in the late 1700s.  This communication system transmitted electric signals over wires that translated into a message. 

Although the telegraph was a wonderful innovation for its time, Alexander Graham Bell took it up a notch (rhyme of history) inventing the telephone in the 1870s, allowing users to transmit speech electrically.

Again in the late 1900s, innovators “one upped” the telephone creating mobile phones allowing users to have a portable device that transmitts speech.

Today, we have Skype!  Skype allows users to communicate with others by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the Internet.

I am excited to see what’s next!

References:

Bellis, M.  (n.d.)  The history of the telephone.  Retrieved from

       http://inventors.about.com/od/bstartinventors/a/telephone.htm

Bellis, M. (n.d.) The history of the telegraph.  Retrieved from

       http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/a/telegraph.htm

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Rhymes of History [Video]. In Emerging and

       future technology [DVD] Baltimore, MD: Author

Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia (2012).  Skype.  Retrieved from

       http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype


I commented on the following blogs:

Linda Hutchinson at http://hutchisonedt550.blogspot.com/

Christopher Douglass at http://cd-musicblog.blogspot.com/
 

 

 

Smart Phone Tetrad

                Smart Phone Technology

Enhances:   ·       Communication ·       Storing Information ·       Music ·       Portability ·       Syncs Calendar Events/Organization	Obsoletes:   ·       Letter Writing ·       Land line ·       Palm Pilot ·       Face-to-face communication ·       Notes in memo pad
Retrieves/Rekindles:   ·       Programming Apps for personal interests ·       Communication ·       Accessibility	Sets the Stage:   ·       Skype ·       Holographic communication ·       Collaborative work using real time collaboration using Cloud applications such as Sky Drive, Google Drive and Apple Cloud.

Emerging Technology

Interactive white boards (smart boards) are an innovative technology that has emerged over the past few years.  An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector.  A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface where users control the computer using a pen, finger, stylus, or other device (Wikipedia, 2012). 

Interactive whiteboards are invaluable resources that promote student engagement allowing students to actively participate in their learning experience.  Likewise, IWB allow educators to accommodate various learning styles.  The large screen makes it viewable by an entire classroom while the touch screen allows students a “hands on” learning experience.

One challenge in getting teachers to eagerly adopt the idea of using smart boards is lack of training.  Often times, due to budget cuts, teachers are given new resources, but are not properly trained on how to use it effectively; thus they are reluctant to use it, because they’re not convinced that it will make their job easier.

References:

Wikipedia (2012).  Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_whiteboard

Promethean Planet Retrieved from http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/

I commented on the followed blogs:

Kristy Burrough @ http://kburrough2012.blogspot.com/

Charee Hampton @ http://champton1019.blogspot.com/

 

 

Digital Learning

Digital resources have become such an important part of my life.  My hectic life style doesn’t allow me to visit people as often as I would like; however, I feel like I can still stay connected with my friends and family through technological innovations.  Equally as important, is the flexibility that it offers.  Distance education affords me the opportunity to further my education even though I can’t physically make it to class. 

My philosophy of learning closely resembles that of a connectivist.  I believe that learning occurs most often when a learner can make mental connections with new concepts presented.  With that being said, I think that building background knowledge is non-negotiable.  Teachers must seek ways to help their students scaffold new ideas with previously taught concepts in order for true learning to occur!
 

 

 

 

Keller's ARCS Motivational Model

As a third grade teacher, my world is dominated by pressure to prepare my students for the “big test.”  More often than not, my colleagues and I feel overwhelmed with the amount of instructional material that we are expected to cover in a short amount of time; therefore, when we’re asked to try something new, we are somewhat skeptical.   It’s not that we aren’t willing to try new things; we just don’t want anything else put on our plate.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that if the ARCS motivational model designed by John Keller was used when presenting new ideas, teachers would more receptive to them.  As recommended by Keller, administrators must gain their learner’s attention.  This could be achieved by explaining the relevance of the new product/concept in improving student achievement and making our jobs easier.  Additionally, proper training should be provided giving teachers the confidence they need in effectively using the new products presented.  Finally, administrators must evaluate the progress made since using new product/concept to ensure satisfaction.

It’s simply not enough to present a new product and provide a “crash course” on how to use it, if you expect to see positive results!

I responded to the following blogs:

Kristy Burrough @ http://kburrough2012.blogspot.com/

B. Hiett @ http://bhiett.wordpress.com/

Reference:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.).Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

 

 

Module 4 - Connectivism

 

My networks are such an important part of my life!  Social networking via email and Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with people that I haven’t seen or talked to in years.  In addition to being able to reconnect with people, I have gained so much knowledge from connecting with others. 

On multiple occasions I have posted questions, via Facebook or on my college course discussion board, which I needed answered and was able to get feedback from my networking community.  Likewise, I have also been able to read their posts and learned new ideas/ways of doing things!