The technological advancement from chapter 12 that I find to have the most promise in future classrooms is the electronic paper. I am just amazed by the general concept, especially that they are made marketable very soon. Electronic paper is a lightweight, flexible plastic that can be used as an alternative learning material. The use of iPads in classrooms are becoming more available, although these can raise issues that electronic paper would solve. iPads are breakable, and heavy for younger classes. Young kids can easily ruin iPads and other tablets. Meanwhile, the electronic paper is virtually indestructible because it is so flexible. This new kind of "paper" is actually plastic, and can be used to replace normal more expensive and fragile mediums of e-readers and tablets.
I think a great technological advancement for the everyday classroom would be the virtual device we used in the tech sandbox. The name of the device keeps escaping me, but I really feel it would be beneficial and fun. The goggles can take students on virtual field trips, saving time and money for the schools. I think they would be best served in the media center first before in all classrooms, so teachers could test if they are effective for learning or not. Students could get "free time" after they complete their virtual field trips to ride the virtual rollercoasters we experienced in the tech sandbox.
The podcast describes the digital divide as the difference between people who have access to technology, compared to those who do not. I am definitely on the side of the digital divide where I am exposed to the technology. I grew up with access to it, so my learning styles may differ from those who did not. In a classroom setting, I am going to have to keep that in mind. Some students will be on the other side of the divide, and may not adapt well to technological teaching. But I also believe that most students by the time I have my own class will mostly be on the side of the divide that has had access. I feel most kids today are digital natives, and that will only grow with time. Even so, I would still adhere to some traditional styles of teaching that do not involve technology to help the kids who may struggle with the tools.
Oculus Rift (I think that's the name of the virtual reality. My fave, too!)
ReplyDeleteThe future digital divide may relate more to the types of technology rather than the presence. If a student's home access is entirely a smart phone or a tablet, will the experiences be the same as a student with the computer? Does it matter?