Reflecting on What I Know Assignment~Chapter 3

Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing? 

The book talks about how technology is always changing.  It's changing so much that the book is not up to date.  I wish it was for the purpose of the class.  Example:  the pocket pc they show on page 73 is something that I believe is rarely used anymore.  I read many posting about people who are actually selling them garage sales because they've been sitting on a shelf for 3 years.  In my son's 6th grade class, kids bring tablets to school to take notes and to research for projects.  They also are using them for reading books and textbooks. 
Although technology is constantly changing, I believe it is important to learn about different tools.  It may not be important to learn about the history of the computer, but to understand the basic function of the computer is highly important.  The computer is the main stay in technology.  It is the bases for all technology that is to come.  If you don't have a complete understanding of the basic functions of the computer, it would be even more challenging to learn about the new functions and additions to technology.  I think that all new technology is built off of the older technology.
Another reason it is important to learn about different or older technology is because you may end up working in various environments that do not all have the high end new technology.  For instance, I live in Fayetteville, NC in an area where the school districts are not that wonderful.  They do not have the money for Smartboards to be in every classroom and the students are not given their own computers.  So as a teacher in these schools, I may not have access to these tools to use.  But if I move to a school district that has more money and more up to date features in their classrooms, I will need to know about all of the new tools.

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/04/the-100-year-march-of-technology-in-1-graph/255573/

I know this graph that I found from 'The Atlantic' doesn't reflect today's tools...but it's a good snapshot of how fast technology changed in the 1900's.  It starts in 1900 when less than 10% of people even owned a stove.  By 1990 10% of families had a cell phone and internet access.  Look how much technology has changed in just 24 years! And most of it involves the computer system. 

Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?

Desktop computers have many benefits. They are stronger, faster and more reliable. They have the ability to connect to high speed internet connections.  They offer more variety in software choices.  They can not be lost as easily, left in a car to melt, or get thrown into the washing machine like students tend to do.  They offer mapping and charting programs that mobile devices do not handle.

Mobile devices are extremely convenient.  People are on the go a lot these days.  Having a mobile device allows the students immediate access to their email, school notes, homework, school books.  People prefer things they can hold in their hand and touch.  They like to learn on the go.  While others prefer a mouse and sitting in a stationary place.

How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?

I can think of two reasons to justify the cost of digital devices that perform or are limited .

  1.  The device performs a specialized function that nothing else can provide.  For example Smart Boards.  This electronic device is a new technology that is slowly gaining popularity due to its interactive power.  The digital screen allows images from the computer to be displayed on a board. It can also be modified on the screen itself, using a pen or a highlighting tool. Its touch screen feature allows teachers to run programs directly from the screen simply by tapping the application with her finger and even makes scrolling easy.  It can accommodate different learning styles. Tactical learners can use the screen and learn by touching and marking at the board, audio learners can have a discussion and visual learners can observe the teaching on the board.  It is neater and does not have the cleanliness hassle and is easy to maintain.  The device can be shared and used as a group.

2.  These devices might have a high-upfront cost, but it allows you to save money in the long run. These boards can range anywhere between $1300- $8,000.  But the convenience of having them well justifies the high up-front cost.  Not only can one classroom use it, but it can be shared with the whole school if needed.  Teachers can sign up to use a device like this.  Other web cam devices and skyping programs are being used in many companies these days that cost a lot up front, but it cuts down on travel costs.  Teachers could use the device to have parent teacher conferences or to speak with other teachers or professors in other locations.  Conferences are being held via Web for many companies, studies, and classes because of the affordability in the long run.