Tech tools from a nerds perspective

New technology is one of the most important aspects of learning in the classroom.  I always remembered having so much fun on the old Macintosh 128k and the latest gadgets in the classroom.  The problem wasn't the technology but the way it was used.  The integration of technology was lacking and not nearly as practical.  Chapter 4 talks about a new model called The New Technology High School model which uses in-depth- and problem based learning that involves teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills (Solomon and Schrum, p78).  Technology is everywhere and it isn't going away.  Look was what happened today, Apple and Intel released a new type of digital I/O port called Thunderbolt.  Thunderbolt is exceptional technology because of innovation and forward thinking.  You can transfer a 5GB file simultaneousness to and from an external hard drive with thunderbolt while watching a 1080p HD movie on the same external drive. Yes I know (tech jargon) but the rate at which technology is going - wait times will be nonexistent.  How is does this apply to new tools in education or the professional settings - well honestly it has everything to do with it.  I hate to sound cliche, but new innovative technology can impact a classroom dramatically.  With this nearly instant technology, classrooms could leap ahead of most professionals today. I believe that education should "buy into" the latest innovations.  Granted, money is always difficult to come by, but that is why specials grants and programs exist.  Being able to collaborate using new technology like Cisco Telepresence can reshape the classroom into something more interactive and enjoyable.  

High-End version of Cisco Telepresence

Image using a scaled down version of this in a classroom - students would eat this up, being able to see and interact with children from around the world.  This is the future, education should find the means to include this into the curriculum.  The only way this will be possible according to the New Technology High School model is to find out how to balance pedagogy and technology. (Solomon and Schrum, p79).

From experience, being in a professional setting where I see technology daily, I find that the New Technology model does have its place here as well.  Collaborating with others is almost as simple as a double click, for instance - I signed up for a webinar called Apple iPad and iPhone in the professional enterprise market.  All I had to do after I signed up was click a link - install gotomeeting - and launch it after it was installed.  Pretty simple...Once I entered the webinar I was greeted by more than 100 people live all at their workplace listening to the same exact person explaining how iDevices have penetrated the enterprise segment, and the impact Apple has created.  Another promising tool that I enjoy is Podcasting / screencasting.  This has allowed many people to learn from others; one-on-one.  This type of learning is great for constructive feedback, learning on our own pace, and sharing socially with others.  Recently here in the IT department at McNeese we bought Camtasia for Mac and PC.  We will be developing "How-To" videos on various technology related topics.  Here is an example that I made entirely with my iPhone 4 and Flash CS4 ( no this is not my voice - another Tech did the voice over )

To view this at better quality visit http://ns.mcneese.edu/wireless/iOS.mp4 All of the animations were made in Flash with images I captured with my iPhone4.  ***Tangent*** If you have an iPhone you can press the sleep button and the home button at the same time which takes a screenshot of whatever your doing on your iPhone. ***Tangent is now over*** Developing tips and ticks like this is a great way for feedback in education and the professional world.  It also allows for social networking which can lead to trends that impact the digital world.  Chapter 4 makes me wonder what haven't I experienced?  Let me explain - browse through the chapter and you see text like "New Tech", Blogs, Wikis, Podcasting, Flickr, Media, etc... I know I'm not the only one who has encountered these tools before graduate school.  Makes you wonder how we are going to teach this to the kids and professionals involved with it daily! Its all about being creative, unique and ubiquitous - never let your ideas go undeveloped.  Figure out fun and enjoyable methods to collaborate while staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends, and innovations.