Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 3: Reflection

Reflecting on What I Know: Chapter 3

 

1)      When it comes to technology tools, the demand is high and the change is constant.  New tools are invented every day.  It is important to learn about different tools, even amongst the changes, because they are often connected.  New technology tools are often an upgrade of something that was previously used.  Engineers are continuously looking to create a smaller, faster version of an old technology.  Through the use of these tools, technology skills are acquired that are helpful within new products. 

2)      In today’s techno-savvy society, mobile devices can do the same things as most desktop computers; however teachers are still using both.  Mobile devices are often designed with certain specific features in mind.  There are devices that are designed to play music, devices designed to record photos and videos, devices to read on, devices for navigation, and then there are devices that do all of the above.  So why do teachers need desktops?  One example is the iPad; although it has amazing features and is basically a handheld computer, to actually be able to use it, it must first be plugged into a computer to sync itself with iTunes.

In the school setting, desktop usage is still consistently high.  Desktops are often found throughout schools, even though they may be ancient.  Although these schools may have new technologies, they are not getting rid of these working devices.  They can still be used to access the Internet, type papers, download software, and be used when the abundance of new technology dwindles.  Another reason teachers use desktops more than mobile devices is because of their familiarity with them.  Many teachers, like most people, are more comfortable completing tasks using a familiar method, rather than attempting to learn something new.

 

3)      The use of digital devices in comparison with the cost to purchase these devices used to be imbalanced; however as the capabilities of these devices have increased, their cost has become less significant.  Digital cameras/recorders, audio players, video players, and other technology devices used to be an extravagance that had specific, minimal use.  Now, these devices have been placed into tablets and other digital devices, making the extravagance worth the money.  People are no longer spending money on a device that has one function; they are now investing their money in devices that have multiple functions, which makes the cost seem more justified.