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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