Thursday, September 2, 2010
Reflections on Chapter 1
This past 2nd summer semester, I took a CS 1301 class that did a spectacular job on getting me up to speed on computer technology. It helped me ease my way onto this course which is much more complex. In this course thus far, I have become aware of the slowly unfolding world of technology. From its slow and painful birth of quill pens and parchment to the now rapidly progressing field of integrated technology, the field of computers is rapidly increasing the speed at which we can access information and learn of the changes that are taking place around the world. Now is the time in history where the expression, "It's a small world" completely applies. Never before have the changes occurred in such monumental footsteps-never before have we been taken from our insulated worlds into the international framework of technological advancement. An even more astounding prospect is this: whereas many of us have crested the wave of the mechanical-electrical-digital sea, having been around since Phillips invented the cassette tape, and in the days when I could go to a "record store" and buy 45's that played a tinny sound on my record player, now children are given ipods for their birthdays and mp3 players because they are an undeniable and undisputed part of our world. Now I can watch videos on Youtube from unknown individuals and the next week I can watch them become worldwide celebrities. As an example, go to YouTube-iTunes version-Bad Intruder Song. This is an extraordinary example of what the Internet can do for the average person-though not so sure I would call Antoine Dodson "average".Wow. In retrospect, I recall the days of my youth when the world went "ga-ga" over advances in technology. I remember one winter in Lubbock when I was 19 years old and my boyfriend's brother-in-law worked at Texas Instruments (so long ago, I know!)He was a troubleshooter for the company and occasionally brought home prototypes to check for problems(he was also the original egg-head!). I got to see and poke at one of the first calculators which at the time were projected to sell for at least $200.00. This was all amazing! The technology! The novelty! We did not realize the implications of this cool and astounding technological instrument! One weekend he brought home one of their new computers to troubleshoot(it looked just like the one on page 5 of our textbook!) and we had hours of fun playing "Hunt the Wumpus" to the background music of "The Hall of the Mountain King"! This was an experience of such huge proportions-no one had ever done this before, and here we four were playing it on the floor of the bedroom! We were somewhat aware of the importance of this, but not to what extent the world would be changed by this little bit of monochomatic wonder. Looking back on that experience from my present "lofty perch" of computer knowledge and literacy is like taking an "Outer Limits" fantasy ride. I sometimes perceive it all as a fantastic loop through a wormhole. I see the beginning and I see the present and I am constantly floored by the perspective of the then to now. And now our children and the children of tomorrow will be utterly computer literate and will never experience the fantastic growth of technology the way we "oldsters" have. Think of the sheer amount of knowledge they will attain through technology.I have to wonder if students of the future will be smarter because of their access to so much information that will be usable in their studies. Many will never have to be ill without a reason and will be able to find remedies on-line. Bored with your diet? Go on-line and find new ways of eating from all over the world. Tired of not knowing where to go on vacation and paying too much? Go on-line! And think of the research available to anyone willing to sit down with a cup of tea and browse. The computer is the most amazing invention ever developed, and here is my question: if that first fellow had not invented the wheel, would we eventually have gotten here anyway?
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wow, I have to admit reading your blog was insightful. I'm older too but I was brought up where computers were around but new and not obtainable by all. I recall being in the 2nd grade and hearing things on TV when the internet came out, I worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the world because I wasn't sure what they meant when they said www dot(sad as that may sound). Luckily i figured it out and am I am glad our children and generations to come will not have to go through the same trials and eras we did. Though I can understand how you say it is sad they will not experience the advance of te4chnology, but it is probably better that they can just add to what we have. As for your question honestly I have no idea, I am glad though that the wheel was invented, technology definitely makes life easier in some aspects.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have been able to experience the dramatic changes in technology. Growing up in a world that is based on the "newest technology" can sometimes be a hassle. Its hard to keep up with what is expected of someone like me who was born into the technology era. How fun I think it would have been to live through all of the changes and be able to truely appreciate the things that people my age take for granted.
ReplyDeleteYour blog was very interesting. It's great how you have lived through so many technological advancements. I wouldn't say that the upcoming generation would be smarter but just have better access to information.
ReplyDeleteWow, I always love reading your blogs! And this one, just like the other, was very insightful. I was born and grew up in the technology world, and even to me I find it hard to keep up with the lasest technology! I believe that future generations, with all the technology they will have, might take for granted the simple things in life. Great Blog!
ReplyDeleteI liked your blog. I thought it was very interesting that you have gone through the different technolgical stages that people would be able to go through. Keep the good work and have a great rest of the semester! Awesome job!!
ReplyDeleteI think it is neat that you were able to relate to the different phases of technology. How do you plan on integrating technology in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteTechnology in the classroom:
ReplyDeleteI am very interested in using the math software available now to help my students who have problems with math dyslexia (dyscalculia). Millions of Americans suffer from this handicap, yet it is one of the lesser known- about handicaps in our schools, and many children are suffering needless anxiety and math fear because of it. These children have trouble seeing the black on white print in textbooks and have a tendency to see numbers jumping about on their paper. Often, they cannot distinguish numbers on lined paper, and are unaware that colored, unlined paper will help them tremendously (Irlen Syndrome). Many children will be helped to an even greater extent if they are able to do their work online, as they will not have to turn in messy, erasured papers that are also a symptom of dyscalculia. Many children also needlessly suffer from the private fear that they are 'dumb"; and many parents and teachers do not understand their dyscalculia and will say such things as: "if you only work harder, or try harder", or "go do it again", and the worst one: " you are not even trying!". These children suffer from deep feelings of unworthiness and intellectual and social alienation because they are trying as hard as they can! They cannot fix it on their own, and the longer that it is left unattended the deeper the feelings of low self-worth and low self-esteem will be embedded in their psyches, and the harder it will be to eventually help them learn to eradicate those feelings. On a personal note, I reached my senior year in college before a professor noticed that I suffered from this condition, and, as I know there is no cure for dyscalculia, just having it identified has liberated me from believing I am "dumb" in math. Now when I do math assignments, I do them with self-awareness of my limitations and I am able to use strategies to overcome the problem, whereas before, my frustration level would cause me to put my work away in anger and I regarded it with the same loathing and fear as I would a rabid dog. So after suffering through six math courses to develop my math skills, and being told by my professors to "work harder, or, "don't study hard, study smart", or "you shouldn't even be in this class, I can't believe they let you take it"; I am now taking an on-line College Algebra course here at ASU. I do my calculations on unlined, colored paper, and then enter my answers into the computer. NO PROBLEM. Using the math software has relieved my of my fear and frustration, and I learned first-hand the value of being able to use this technology. Because when a person has invested so many years in pursuit of their dreams and goals, having a handicap (1 class!) that can derail that dream is devastating. So, in my view, helping a child recognize the problem and helping them alleviate their intellectual shortcomings through the use of software is a miracle.