Name some emerging technologies. How might they affect teaching and learning?
Wireless Devices
As the title implies, wireless equipment has severed the cable umbilical ands uses the either net to make connections with computer devices. Such devices as printers, cameras, and handheld gaming devices all allow greater flexibility in the education environment. You no longer must arrange your classroom at the direction of where the data lines were installed two years ago. Wi-Fi or wireless fidelity uses radio frequencies to connect with digital devices. A Wi-Fi connected school allows a great deal of flexibility as to the location of computer based education. With Wi-Fi and laptops properly configured, a school can expand the learning environment into the bleachers of the gym without the hassle and confinement of additional data lines. With wireless devices enabled with Wi-Fi technology, the location of your classroom is limited to your imagination.
Handheld Computers
Better known as Personal Digital Assistant or PDA, these devises allow instant management of calendars, schedules, address book, word processing and spread sheets. The compact size and expanding abilities make these micro powerhouses almost as convenient as a lap top or a PC. These devices are the size of a paperback book and provide immense computing flexibility with access to the internet and allow the student instant access to notes and programs.
e-books
Electronic book are digital versions of textbooks used with PDAs, laptops, and personal computers. Some of you may have chosen to purchase the electronic format of our textbook for this class. E-books allow for rapid updates top material and allow for embedded audio and video education. And the most evident feature is finally we are saving trees by eliminating wasted paper.
Portable Storage Devices
Portable storage of digital information is highlighted by the USB drive. Many of us already use USB drives as a convenient manner to save data and then transfer the product to work or school. About the size of car keys, USB devises store over a Gig of data. The USB turned the floppy disk into a coaster for protecting your table from water rings. The price of USBs is in a freefall similar to HD TVs and printers so shop around and you are sure to find a bargain which is practical and convenient.
Voice Activated Devices
Star Trek has arrived; you can now have a conversation with your computer without touching the keyboard. Just ask the computer to open a file and begin dictation of your next term paper or report to your boss. Voice activated computers and peripherals have the capability of saving time and eliminating hardware, remember the floppy disk and the dial-up-modem? I also envision voice activation helpful to people with physical challenges and nerve disorders that make typing on a keyboard or using a mouse difficult.
Virtual Environment Devises
Hardware similar to night vision goggles worn by soldiers and pilots, virtual equipment allows the possibility of taking the student anywhere in the world. This technology not only provides a 3-D view of your surroundings but; allows the participant to turn their head 360 degrees and view their virtual setting. A student will be able to witness an MIT chemistry experiment without leaving the campus in Mississippi. Gamers have already experienced the next to real life experience of virtual games. The sights and sounds provided by the virtual environment are again limited to your imagination. I can only guess the sense of smell and actually feeling in the virtual world in the next development.
Computer technology and software development mature at a rate which exceed current human requirements. As with the inventor Thomas Edison, inventions (technology) are developed without a clear purpose; but the creativity of humans find a place for these new devices. As these new technologies are presented to the public, educators turn their heads and scratch their chins in an inquisitive manner and imagine how that technology can be adopted and help the student. Educators must be wary of purchasing the latest gadget and throwing it in the classroom. Does anyone remember the 12 inch laser disk for projecting movies? That laser disk won't even make a good boat anchor. Technology is useful in the classroom but costly mistakes must be avoided. Through investigation of how an emerging technology will be valuable in the classroom is required prior to commitment.
2 comments:
The many devices for teachers can be a good teaching tool. It can make lessons interesting. It can also get students more involved in the lesson. I agree that teachers should investigate what can be used and if it is useful. Just because the technology is available does not mean it will help in your classroom.
Good job explaining these devices.
There are new technologies emerging daily. I think they all are great tools for the classroom, because it gives the teacher options of what tool works for which student. I would hope having these options would be a break threw in learning for many children, but Sonja also makes a good point.
Got me thinking Richard,Good Job.
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