Sandra Wenzel
Stephen Raymond
Kat Crawford
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Module 6 - Addressing the Digital Divide
No matter how much we try there will always be the haves and have nots of virtually everything. This is definitely true with technology. However, one unifying piece is the internet. With the internet, many technologies can have access to information and power that they are not isolated from.
There have been talks about a universal wireless technology that will work for everyone and is not dependent on towers or hard-line connections.
If I had the power to help to decrease or erase this divide, I would put my efforts towards the universal wireless internet. This would allow all citizens on the earth regardless of location or piece of technology, the ability to access information and connect to each other. This could help countries in places like Africa, or any other places without infrastructure, the ability to connect to others.
In some ways this has already occurred. With social networking, the fall of Egyptian president Mubarek was able to be exposed, where in the past this information would have never been able to get out, and the people would not have been able to organize (or at least the same way).
There have been talks about a universal wireless technology that will work for everyone and is not dependent on towers or hard-line connections.
If I had the power to help to decrease or erase this divide, I would put my efforts towards the universal wireless internet. This would allow all citizens on the earth regardless of location or piece of technology, the ability to access information and connect to each other. This could help countries in places like Africa, or any other places without infrastructure, the ability to connect to others.
In some ways this has already occurred. With social networking, the fall of Egyptian president Mubarek was able to be exposed, where in the past this information would have never been able to get out, and the people would not have been able to organize (or at least the same way).
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Module 5 - Red Queens and Increasing Returns
- When you decided to obtain a DVD for your science fiction assignment in Module 4, where did you go to find a movie based on a Philip K. Dick book? Did you rent or purchase a DVD, or did you view it digitally on your computer using Netflix or a similar vendor of video on demand?
For my choice I ended up having the movie Minority Report. However, I do have Netflix and that would have been an option as well.
- Is the current competition between DVDs and video on demand an example of increasing returns or Red Queens? Justify your response with sound reasoning and specific examples.
I believe that it is a reference to "Red Queens." As Dr. Thornburg mentioned about Lewis Caroll's story, "Run as fast as you can to stay in the same place," movie companies must continuously think of whats next. If they do not adapt, they will become obsolete. Success only lasts so long and competition is always there. I know personally that I stopped buying DVDs because I know that I can have just about any movie in my mailbox within a couple business days. However, movies that are collectibles or worth keeping, I will go out and buy. One major difference now is that I don't waste money on pointless DVDs that I wish I never bought.
- Where do you think DVDs and video on demand are on the four criteria of McLuhan’s tetrad?
DVDs enhance the ability to watch movies with great video and sound at home. However, now with HD television and extremely high quality televisions, the home experience is slowly obsoleting the movie theater industry. (Their counter attack is to offer 3D movies but that is also slowly being made obsolete with this being able to be done at home as well.)
DVDs and Video on Demand rekindle movie night for families. Many people would go to the movies or even watch a show on TV, but with the cost of movie tickets and the ability to record TV and watch at leisure, this has gone away. With more choices both in types of movies and when and where to watch, more families have the option to meet most of the families wants and needs.
With the available at any time movie as well as the ever growing technology world, movies may become more interactive. Like the old books where you can "Choose your own adventure," a movie might allow you to do the same. This will make the audience be able to be a part of the art.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Module 4 - The Disruptive Power of Second Life
- How is Second Life a disruptive technology?
Second Life is disruptive because it quickly added an ability for people to meet, collaborate, and create virtually through technology. We could now do a lot of new things using this "virtual world" without the costs of doing it for real.
- What technology or innovation did it displace?
Theoretically, this could replace the phone, video conferencing, email, etc. One example from the assigned resources mentioned how a professor was able to offer office hours "virtually" through Second Life. I found this interesting because I also teach at a college and rarely have time to meet with students. However, I could possibly set up office hours, or even just use "My Office" as a place to congregate and the students might even be able to help each other.
- How many years do you think Second Life has left before another emerging technology or disruptive technology replaces it?
I think Second Like does not have too much longer because, it is very useful, but only the tech savy people will truly use it to its greatest capacity. The interface and programming is not necessarily for the basic user (or could be very intimidating to the the novice). With computers becoming ever powerful, the abilty of this software along with ease-of-use will help make this software more user friendly which will increase the percentage of adoption.
- What are the social benefits of Second Life, and what might be the social implications of virtual worlds in your industry?
The benefits are definitely the ability to communicate in a virtual world (which mimics real life) and allows people to communicate regardless of locale. It also gives the ability for those who have difficulty communicating in public an alternative. HOwever, the social implications of this is that people lose the social interactions from having interactions face-to-face. People can get too comfortable communicating from behind a computer that they lose the abilty to communicate in person.
"We may prefer our digital life"
Philip Rosedale on Second Life
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Module 3 - Ryhmes of History Technology
‘History never repeats itself but it rhymes,’ said Mark Twain.”
One of the most predominant rhymes occuring right now is the possible turn towards personal learning. I understand it might be low level learning now but with advent of mobile technology and especially the iPad, people are reading and learning more about the world around them.
People used to read to learn about things they didn't experience. For a long time we did this but through portals like major newspapers, news on tv, or our educators. However, our information was only as good as our portals. Unfortunately, these resources were limited and we were at the mercy of their focus.
Now we have large amounts of resources, and with the help of social networks, this information can be managed and focused.
I know it might be optimistic, but I think more people will learn more but I hope what is being learned is not only how "Snookie" from the Jersey Shore makes her "Poof" so high.
(PS --- Sorry for the late post :)!
One of the most predominant rhymes occuring right now is the possible turn towards personal learning. I understand it might be low level learning now but with advent of mobile technology and especially the iPad, people are reading and learning more about the world around them.
People used to read to learn about things they didn't experience. For a long time we did this but through portals like major newspapers, news on tv, or our educators. However, our information was only as good as our portals. Unfortunately, these resources were limited and we were at the mercy of their focus.
Now we have large amounts of resources, and with the help of social networks, this information can be managed and focused.
I know it might be optimistic, but I think more people will learn more but I hope what is being learned is not only how "Snookie" from the Jersey Shore makes her "Poof" so high.
(PS --- Sorry for the late post :)!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Module 1 - Identify an Emerged Technology
The Tablet
http://www.apple.com/ipad/
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/ci.MOTOROLA-XOOM-US-EN.overview
If you are alive today it is hard to miss the fact that tablets are fighting for their place in todays everyday computer world. The tablet offers the user a color interface that is able to be manipulated by the user by using only the fingers on ones hand. The tablet offers most of the basic applications for the everyday computer uses, but still does not do everything a computer can do (but this is probably just a matter of time.)
As I mentioned, the tablet has its limitations. Although a digital keyboard is integrated into the device, the size and familiarity of the standard keyboard is lost. The size also adds to some of the problems. Although we all want something that is sleek and small, the size limits the technology that can be placed inside, such as batteries, processors, and storage. There are some other issues with these devices but the largest obstacle now is the price of these devices. Although they are reasonable for the early adopter, they are not cheap enough for the average user to adopt because most of these consumers already have a computer/laptop that can do what these devices can do. Many people simply see these as extraneous gadgets that are more "cool" than useful.
The benefits of the tablet can come from its ability to replace the laptop. It is cheaper than a laptop, smaller than a laptop, and more portable than a laptop. It can be a great way to get a device like this in the hands of every student for half the cost it would be as if they received laptops. Also, because these devices are less complicated than a computer, software and apps are easier to use, load and upgrade. Laptops offer similar technology, but not at the rate of tablets and smartphones. Also, because of the way these devices work and function, they can even replace the notebook, folder, and textbooks. With the growing expense of hard copies of textbooks and the inconvenience of carrying these bulky resources, the tablet can be a one stop shop to fix these problems. No longer will the student have to carry a notebook, folder, multiple textbooks and they can just put their iPad in their book bag and be on their way. The teacher can then tell the student to search for a particular app that represents their text book, put in a code licensed to the school, and that's it. No more passing out books and having to collect them. We also would have to worry about wear and tear because the student now owns the book, and the teacher will give out new codes next year. Lastly, because these devices are constantly hooked up to the internet, they can adapt real time. For example, I teach science, and when we were learning about earthquakes we discussed tsunamis. Wouldn't it be great if our textbook automatically integrated information about the Japan tsunami from last week right into the textbook. This is unheard of with todays books. The best case scenario is to get the updated versions from year to year, but with digital texts like this the information is almost real time. This would help keep the students interested because they already know that they can find more and better information on the internet, and texts are no better than a hard copy dictionary or encyclopedia.
I hope that in the future, grants can be offered to schools to be able to get these tools into students hands easier, faster, and cheaper. Finances are usually the most difficult obstacle of new technology but with something that can evolve, the investment can grow and not simply be out of date the minute it arrives in your hands.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/ci.MOTOROLA-XOOM-US-EN.overview
If you are alive today it is hard to miss the fact that tablets are fighting for their place in todays everyday computer world. The tablet offers the user a color interface that is able to be manipulated by the user by using only the fingers on ones hand. The tablet offers most of the basic applications for the everyday computer uses, but still does not do everything a computer can do (but this is probably just a matter of time.)
As I mentioned, the tablet has its limitations. Although a digital keyboard is integrated into the device, the size and familiarity of the standard keyboard is lost. The size also adds to some of the problems. Although we all want something that is sleek and small, the size limits the technology that can be placed inside, such as batteries, processors, and storage. There are some other issues with these devices but the largest obstacle now is the price of these devices. Although they are reasonable for the early adopter, they are not cheap enough for the average user to adopt because most of these consumers already have a computer/laptop that can do what these devices can do. Many people simply see these as extraneous gadgets that are more "cool" than useful.
The benefits of the tablet can come from its ability to replace the laptop. It is cheaper than a laptop, smaller than a laptop, and more portable than a laptop. It can be a great way to get a device like this in the hands of every student for half the cost it would be as if they received laptops. Also, because these devices are less complicated than a computer, software and apps are easier to use, load and upgrade. Laptops offer similar technology, but not at the rate of tablets and smartphones. Also, because of the way these devices work and function, they can even replace the notebook, folder, and textbooks. With the growing expense of hard copies of textbooks and the inconvenience of carrying these bulky resources, the tablet can be a one stop shop to fix these problems. No longer will the student have to carry a notebook, folder, multiple textbooks and they can just put their iPad in their book bag and be on their way. The teacher can then tell the student to search for a particular app that represents their text book, put in a code licensed to the school, and that's it. No more passing out books and having to collect them. We also would have to worry about wear and tear because the student now owns the book, and the teacher will give out new codes next year. Lastly, because these devices are constantly hooked up to the internet, they can adapt real time. For example, I teach science, and when we were learning about earthquakes we discussed tsunamis. Wouldn't it be great if our textbook automatically integrated information about the Japan tsunami from last week right into the textbook. This is unheard of with todays books. The best case scenario is to get the updated versions from year to year, but with digital texts like this the information is almost real time. This would help keep the students interested because they already know that they can find more and better information on the internet, and texts are no better than a hard copy dictionary or encyclopedia.
I hope that in the future, grants can be offered to schools to be able to get these tools into students hands easier, faster, and cheaper. Finances are usually the most difficult obstacle of new technology but with something that can evolve, the investment can grow and not simply be out of date the minute it arrives in your hands.
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