As technology progresses and advances, it becomes much more
available, affordable, and accessible for all people to use. However, there are
still places and people that do not have everyday access to technology. As a
teacher, it is important to obtain background information on the town and
district I am working in. By researching socio-economic status, average income,
and others, I will be able to get a sense of how accessible technology may be
for my students. In addition, someone like Olivia who does not own a computer
still has a very strong relationship with the use of a computer. She was able
to take advantage of the opportunities provided to use a computer. It is
important for me to know how much my students value the internet or other forms
of technology due to the fact that it can help improve motivation. Someone like
Olivia values the customizing and uniqueness of her MySpace. If I can
incorporate creating a website into a lesson plan, I believe students will
better appreciate the activity.
The second video had people who had much more access to
technology, unlike Olivia. However, these people are able to use technology to
advance learning. One person explained how playing video games is very similar
to group work in school. Both require cooperation, planning, and execution. I
think these people use technology to learn because it is always changing. For
example, when creating a website, at any time I can change something. Whether
it is adding a new picture, changing a description, or adding an effect, I am
able to control and experiment different areas to customize the website to my
liking. I think being able to create something that is unique to oneself is one
of the easiest ways for someone to learn.
My three most influential communications technologies are
texting, Facebook, and email. It is easy to see how much texting has influenced
the world by just walking outside. Just around our campus everyone is looking
down at their phones typing away. Even though it has become a global phenomenon
and has become the easiest way for me to communicate with others, it has
prevented use of verbal communication. When I was younger, if I wanted to talk
to someone outside of school, I would have to call their home phone. Most of
the time it would be to set up a “play date.” Today, I just have to send a text
if I want to hang out with someone. Although I do not think texting has
affected my social skills, I do wonder what society would be like today if cell
phones were never invented.
Facebook was something that I joined simply because everyone
else had one. However, once college started, it has become my resource for communication
for my jobs on campus. We have a Facebook group and the executives regularly
post updates to future events, meetings, and other changes in the office.
Unfortunately, Facebook has also become my major distraction. It is easy to sit
on Facebook and browse who has started dating who and other updates from
friends and family. For this assignment alone, I unconsciously took several
breaks to open Facebook.
Last but not least, email has become an important part of my
life. I receive updates from things happening around campus, my jobs, and it
helps me stay in touch with past teachers. Instead of sending a letter through
snail mail, email has become an almost instant way of keeping in touch and
updated. I do not think it has negatively impacted me at all. If anything, it
has only enhanced my ways of communication.
Both videos talked about how important MySpace was as a use
of technology. I did have a MySpace when I was younger, but in high school, I
made the transition to Facebook. However, I did enjoy how MySpace allowed much
more customization and I felt like my page was unique. Even so, both MySpace
and Facebook achieve the same purpose: it is an easy and accessible way to
communicate online. Some of the other technologies from the videos included
video games which, although not on my list, have been influential to me. I have
met several people online from all over the world that I have learned a lot from
and that I do consider my friends.
