Module 2: Blog responses

I responded to Amanda Darlington's blog: http://darlingtonsblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/module-2-emerging-technologies-tetrad.html

Also, Kimberly Arlia's blog: http://amusingmoose.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/module-2-audio-tetrad-3/#comments

As for Micah Miner's blog, he had not posted yet.

Module 2: Emerging Technology Tetrad

Module 1: Group Responses

I responded to the following group members during the module:

http://darlingtonsblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/module-1-identify-emerged-technology.html?showComment=1324169183094#c7568264181819238804

http://amusingmoose.wordpress.com/2011/12/
Blog is not working properly at the moment.  Will check back later.
Read link to word document and commented on 12/18/2011.

http://minerclass.blogspot.com/2011/12/digital-books-as-disruptive-technology.html

Module 1: Identify an Emerged Technology

Web link and Graphic:
http://tabtimes.com/news/education/2011/10/31/schools-will-have-more-tablets-they-do-computers-2016

•Identify a current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning or productivity in your industry.

Coahulla Creek High School is a new high school in Dalton, GA.  This high school was built under the assumption that it would be the new innovative school in the county.  Instead of spending money on textbooks, filing cabinets, and library books, CCHS bought tablets.  Because of this, every student and staff member was provided with a tablet they could use at school or at home.  The students can use the WFi anywhere on campus and all assignments are uploaded to a site called “Moodle.”

•What problems or challenges have been associated with this technology?

“When schools start thinking seriously about moving to one-to-one computing, one of the immediate challenges entails power consumption” (Thornburg, 2009).  This statement postulated by Dr. Thornburg is exactly what has happened at CCHS.  Even though all students and staff have a tablet doesn’t mean they have immediate access to the WFi on the tablet.  Our network cannot handle all of the activity, so most of the time the tablets do not connect to the internet.  This means work cannot be accessed, and with no textbooks, education is stifled. 

•What societal need does it meet, and what are its benefits?

This tablet allows students to continue to stay “plugged in” while at school.  If the network worked correctly, the tablets would allow the students to glean information for all classes at a faster rate.  They are also portable, so students can carry them anywhere and continue to work on assignments.  It gives all students an equal playing field; instead of the rich kids only having access to technology. 

•What would make this technology even better, avoiding the pitfalls you identified?

If our network could handle all of the activity and power the tablets use, we would be able to bring some many things to fruition.  Students could work anywhere in the school and complete work.  They could also upload work and receive immediate feedback due to certain websites.  Also, students and staff could stay in constant communication due to wikis, blogs, or Skype.  Even though this has failed this year at CCHS, in the future I believe tablets will make another comeback and schools will be implementing them across the country. 

Resources:

Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.