EDUC 7108 Module 5: Red Queens and Increasing Returns

The video that I decided to watch to complete Module 4’s discussion post was Minority Report. Because I have a Netflix account and can instantly access movies through my Nintendo Wii, I first searched Netflix to attempt to find the movie. However, they did not offer it, so I had to go to my nearest video store, Video Warehouse. I can’t remember the last time that I’ve been in a video store since Netflix and Redbox became popular… It felt very inconvenient to have to actually leave my house to go to a video store to pick up a DVD when I’ve gotten so used to instantly accessing movies through Netflix. Furthermore, it now appears to be more costly to rent movies from a video store, as DVDs are $3.99 for a few nights. However, with Netflix, I pay $7.99 monthly to instantly access movies via my Wii, laptop, iPhone, or iPad.

The current competition between DVDs and video on demand (VOD) is an example of red queens. Based on its definition, red queens occur when there is competition between two technologies, and in the process, all other competitors are left behind. In the video, Thornburg supports this by saying “If you see two technologies shooting up while the others are falling to the side, you may be looking at a red queen” (Laureate Education, 2009). Because of the convenience, cost, and ease of use of VOD longer have the value or support that they once had. No longer do users have to have a physical DVD to watch a movie when they can simply access it via their Internet service and with a paid subscription to a VOD subscriber such as Netflix. And the technology that has become completely obsolete, or left behind is the VHS.

Overall, it would be safe to say that VOD enhances users’ ability to access movies because the access is now instant as opposed to having to physically drive to a store to rent or buy a movie. Furthermore, the same quality and features that they’d receive if the movie was available on DVD would be available to them via VOD. Next, no longer do users have to worry about their DVDs getting scratched or cracked; nor will they need to maintain a huge DVD collection. Because of the success of VOD, I think that DVDs will soon become obsolete as their sales drop, just as VHSs became obsolete at the rise of DVDs.

·         This article listed some advantages and disadvantages of VODs: http://www.indvdrentals.com/dvd-movie-rental-by-mail.php

References:

DVD movie rental by mail vs. video on demand. (2012). Retrieved August 7, 2012 from http://www.indvdrentals.com/dvd-movie-rental-by-mail.php

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). Emerging and future technology: Red Queens. Baltimore, MD: Author.

EDUC 7108 Module 4: The Disruptive Power of Second Life

According to Dr. Thornburg, “disruptive technologies are called such because they disrupt what’s going on” (Laureate Education, 2009). Second Life, which is a free three dimensional virtual world where users (known as residents) can create avatars for the purpose of meeting and socializing with other residents, participating in individual and group activities, and creating and trading virtual property and services with one another” (“Second Life, 2012). Second Life is considered a disruptive technology because it allows users to interact, communicate, and collaborate virtually in the same manner that they would in real life. Additionally, it provides a more advanced way for users to connect, in a way that chat rooms don’t have the ability to. This means that less people are interacting in real life or electronically (via chat rooms, email, and instant messaging), and more are using Second Life as a tool for connectivity. Furthermore, through Second Life, users are given the opportunity to interact with more than just the people that they know; they could connect with an array of individuals from various professions, cities, states, countries, races, backgrounds and cultures, etc.

Overall, “Second Life takes communication to a whole new level. [The user can] use 3D voice chat to talk it up with friends, type messages in local chat, or instant message anyone in Second Life. Unlike a phone call, email or IM, you [the user] can also use body language to express yourself. Gestures let you laugh, sigh, dance or shake a fist to add some personality to what you're saying. Also, why talk about hanging out, clubbing or camping, when you can do it virtually with your friends right now? Second Life lets you share experiences with your friends and family- not just talk to them” (Second Life, 2012). Because of how individuals can use Second Life, I think that it’s a technology that will be around at least another six years before something comes along to replace it.

From an educational perspective, I think that Second Life can be used to teach middle school students how to communicate and collaborate as they interact and work with others. Knowing how to work with others is important in reality, but is equally important electronically or virtually, as some of their courses may have to be completed online. Furthermore, I find that sometimes it’s easier for people to hide behind words, so they’re more prone to be more open (honest and expressive) in their interactions with people who they don’t know personally than those that they do. Or they may be more open when they are communicated electronically than when they are communicating one on one.  

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Emerging and future technology: Disruptive technologies. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Second life. Wikipedia. (2012). Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

I responded to the post of:

·         Tiffany Harrell: www.tiffanyharrell.blogspot.com   

·         Tracy Snow: http://snowkween.blogspot.com/

EDUC 7108 Module 3: Rhymes of History Technology

In the video, Dr. Mayer says that another force that really has impact on the emergence of new technologies is rhymes of history, which occurs when “the affect or impact of a new development rekindles something from the distant past” (Laureate, 2009). Additionally, he says that it’s not the technology itself; but the affect (how the technology gets used) that is rekindled” (Laureate, 2009). There are many technologies that we use today that gained prominence due to their ancestor technologies because without the ancestor technologies, these newer technologies probably wouldn’t exist. Furthermore, because of past technologies, the technologies that were once thought ‘not possible’ are possible indeed (TEDtalksDirector, 2008).

Since the beginning of time, humans have found means of communicating with one another. Our intelligence allowed us to find methods of communicating with others from longer distances. This was done by means of smoke signals, carrier pigeons, and messengers, just to name a few. Afterward, we developed other methods of communicating through the use of various technologies, including morse code, telegraphs, and landline telephones – all considered telecommunication technologies. Now, we no longer have to depend on any of the older methods of communicating. The new methods that we have today allow for distant communication, and are much easier and simpler to use. Examples of today’s distant communication methods include instant messaging, text messaging, email, etc.

The focus of this blog will be on email, also known as electronic mail. Requiring Internet access, users must also have an email address, which is free from hosts like Yahoo, MSN, and Google. This is one technology that supports Kelly’s embodiment principle, as the world wide web is needed in order for email to occur (TEDtalksDirector, 2008). After these criteria are met, users can send and receive messages electronically/digitally easier and more quickly than having to send or receive messages via postal service. One the email is composed and sent by the sender, the receiver is able to receive the message instantaneously from any location around the world. Therefore, email is a powerful tool that has become a part of our everyday life personally, academically, socially, and professionally.

Here are some references that I was able to find on the history of email:

A Brief History of Email - http://www.cs.umd.edu/class/spring2002/cmsc434-0101/MUIseum/applications/emailhistory.html  

The History of Email - http://mashable.com/2011/06/18/the-history-of-email-infographic/

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Rhymes of history. Baltimore: Author.

TEDtalksDirector. (2008). Kevin kelly: The next 5,000 days of the web. Retrieved July 9, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDYCf4ONh5M

EDUC 7108 Module 2: Emerging Technologies Tetrad

MOBILE DEVICES

“A mobile device (also known as a handheld device, handheld computer or simply handheld) is a small, hand-held computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input and/or a miniature keyboard and weighing less than 2 pounds (0.91 kg)” (Mobile devices, 2012). Examples of mobile devices include PDAs (personal digital assistants), SmartPhones, and tablets because they are portable, light weight, and allow for multipurpose functionality. Furthermore, mobile devices serve the same purposes of computers [desktops and laptops].

Mobile devices are changing the way that individuals communicate and collaborate worldwide. Due to Internet access, users have instant access to information, and can easily access and share this information with others.

Note: I am including an article of how mobile devices are revolutionizing the business sector. The article can be found here: http://www.strategicgrowthconcepts.com/growth/increase-productivity--profitability.html. Additionally, I responded to Rachel (https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_967488_1%26url%3D) and Anetha (http://anethajaye7108.blogspot.com/2012/06/johnson-module-2-blog-links.html) blog posts, as these are my group members.

EDUC 7108 Module 1: Identifying an Emerged Technology

APPLE IPAD

The technology that I will focus on that has shaped learning and productivity in educational institutions (both K-12 and higher education) is the Apple iPad. To begin with a brief summary, the iPad is a tablet computer designed, developed, and marketed by Apple, Inc. It is used primarily as a platform for audio/visual media, including books, movies, music, games, videos, and Web content; used to check email, search the Web, watch videos and movies, play games, download applications, read e-books, etc. It’s size and weight falls between those of smartphones and laptop computers.

Apple improved content consumption in places where people would be consuming content anyway. Therefore, the iPad was created in an attempt to:

• Keep the company (Apple) at the forefront of the computer manufacturing industry;

• Be used in a variety of areas to offer an all-in-one package for connectivity, computing, gaming, and any other task you might think of, according to Kessler in his 2010 article entitled Apple's latest creation: It's an ipad!, and 

• Replace the laptop and netbook

Everyone of all ages are the intended target audience for the iPad, as it has the capability to offer something for everyone. For instance, consider these individuals:

·         the person who rarely uses a computer,

·         the person who is absolutely into gadgets and new technologies,

·         ebook reader owners,

·         iPhone and iPod Touch users,

·         Mac owners

There are some identified issues with the iPad; such as:

·         There not being multitasking capabilities

·         There not being Adobe Flash

·         There not being any USB ports

·         There not being a physical keyboard

Although incorporating these functions would make the iPad even better, I’m not convinced that any of these issues would be cause for a ‘deal breaker’ for those who are looking into purchasing the iPad.

Here are some of the advantages of the iPad:

·         Reading: The iPad makes an excellent ebook or any document reader. The advantages to students would be: (1) not having to carry around heavy books, (2) having all textbooks on one device, (3) being able to take and share notes, (4) automatic bookmarks when returning to the book, and (5) potential cost savings versus purchasing books.

·         Listening/Viewing: Students can download podcasts, music, and other media for instant listening and viewing through the iTunes store. They can also view YouTube and other image/video sharing services.

·         Conduct On-Demand Research: The Safari browser is quick and easy to use, allowing students to conduct quick research to answer questions, watch videos, read and save webpages, and search for resources in online library databases.

·         Communicate/Collaborate: Social apps are available through the iPad for sharing information, receiving updates, and conducting research. The email app built-in to the iPad is intuitive and handy.

·         Facilitate Note taking: Students can have all of their notes organized, along with their “textbooks” to study and review. There are also apps that allow the user to handwrite on the device, using either their finger or a specialized stylus. This would provide another way for students to write instead of having to keyboard.

·         Offer Individualized instruction: As a teacher, you know that not all students are on the same page or at the same level. By identifying students who need extra help or those who are bored and need to move forward, the iPad can provide the platform for additional curricular paths and challenges. Entire courses could become less dependent upon the teacher, with students identifying their interests, needs, and ways they can accomplish their goals.

References:

Anderson, B. (2010). 14 problems with apple's ipad leading to failure. Retrieved June 16, 2012 from http://www.infernodevelopment.com/14-problems-apples-ipad-leading-failure

Elgan, M. (2011). iPod. iPhone. iPad. Why apple is done inventing new devices. Retrieved June 16, 2012 from http://www.cultofmac.com/108753/ipod-iphone-ipad-why-apple-is-done-inventing-new-devices-2/)

Melanson, M. (2011). Apple passes HP with iPad sales to become #1 mobile PC maker. Retrieved November 17, 2011 from http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/apple_passes_hp_with_ipad_sales_to_become_1_mobile.php#more

Schroeder, B. (2011). 7 reasons you need an iPad in your classroom and 10 ways to use them. Retrieved November 17, 2011 from http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/2011/04/7-reasons-you-need-ipad-in-your.html

Module 6: Learning in a Digital World

Learning is the ability to understand, acquire, retain, and apply information and knowledge. Today’s Information Age makes it possible for individuals to have instantaneous access to information through an array of technological devices… Basically, learners are able to have information at their fingertips. In today’s 21^st century classroom (whether face to face [F2F] or online), technology is used to facilitate, enrich, and extend learning. Furthermore, because of technology, learners are able to communicate and collaborate as they learn necessary content. This makes for more of a learner centered approach to learning, as learners take an active role in their own learning experience.

In the past several years, there has been a push to incorporate technology into every class, regardless of subject matter. As a student, the online environment has been conducive to me because it has given me the ability to learn at my own pace and in my own setting, using a variety of technology resources and tools to enhance my learning experience. I can truly say that I’ve used more technology, and had more engaging and meaningful learning experiences in my online classes than in my F2F classes.

As an educator and student, I have embraced the connectivist approach as a learning theory, as it is reflective of the role that technology plays in today’s educational institutions. This theory focuses on the forming of networks, in which learners are able to connect as they learn from one another. The forming of educational networks that allow students to work and learn together is most definitely a non-negotiable in F2F and online classrooms. Also, the use of technology in these classrooms is also a non-negotiable.

I responded to the blogs of Jill Lewis @ http://technibug.wordpress.com/2012/05/ and Melinda Schroeder @ http://schroederedtech.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html

Module 5: New Technologies

I have not had an experience in which I was met with resistance by my colleagues when trying to implement a new technology. The majority of my experiences have been assisting colleagues if they’ve had questions or concerns about using a particular technology; however, in these instances, they’d be attempting to use it and not resisting it. However, if I was ever put into the position of being met with resistance as I was attempting to persuade others to use a particular technology, I would follow the four steps identified in Keller’s ARCS model.

The easiest way to implement the model is in a training or workshop setting where you have the undivided attention of a few participants who may or may not be open to implementing the technology. As the presenter, you first want to gain the participant’s attention, as it is necessary to hook them and peak their interest in the new information being presented. The next step is to make the information relevant by showing them the importance of implementing the new concept/skill/resource. If participants do not see the importance of implementing the new, they’ll be convinced that the old still works just as well. Next, the participant’s confidence must be built. It’s not enough for them to understand the importance of implementing the new, but they need to be convinced that they can actually do it after the training is over. This is why one on one hands on training is important. It gives participants the opportunity to actually practice using whatever is to be implemented. Once participants are confident with the training provided through the workshop, this contributes to their satisfaction; and when they are satisfied, they are more willing to implement the new concept/skill/resource.  

I commented on Thomas Jacobs’s blog @ http://jacobseduc8845.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/module-5-new-technologies-and-motivation/#respond and Stephen Zollinger‘s blog @ http://srzollinger.wordpress.com/