(1) Interactivity #1

My Three Techonlogies:


1) cell phone
2) email
3) iPad


The integration of technology in my life has radically changed the way I now learn information.  With the use of my three technologies, I’ve seen that the biggest and most important change is within the idea of accessibility.  I am constantly connected.  To only name a few, I am always with a dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedia, and maps.  Whenever I encounter an idea, concept, word, or name that I am not familiar with I am able to immediately research to find the answer.  My phone allows me to integrate the unknown into the learned aspect of my brain quickly and easily.  Not only does my attachment to technology allow me to seek out answers to the unknown but it has also taught me skills.  I recently bought a new computer and made the drastic switch from a PC to a Mac.  As anyone knows, this kind of drastic change comes along with a whole new set of keyboard shortcuts, new programs, new layouts which I had never had experience with.  By having access to the Internet, I was able to connect to question boards, YouTube videos, blogs, and have access to explanations from people who all were learning like me and also from experts who were able to “dummy down” the explanations.  

Learning becomes much more accessible and allows people to take the process of learning in their own hands.  This process not only allots for more knowledge to be exchanged but also encourages learners to feel a connection with their knowledge.  While the benefits of this capability are obvious, there are still downfalls to the ease of the Internet and technology.  Laziness can be symptomatic of the Internet’s availability.  Because the information is so readily available, many people become passive in readings or classes because they know that worst case, the information is only a short Google search away.  With a little research, the answer will be able to give them a shortened and simplified definition that may not withhold the same value that a teacher would. 

Olivia displayed an ability to be extremely resourceful with her need and want to be around technology.  Even without having a computer, she was able to teach herself where to get access, how to use it, and developed advanced skills in an aspect of the internet that meant a lot to her; MySpace.  I find those same characteristics within myself.  If need comes around for me to find access or need to teach myself something that truly interests me, I find a way.  The Internet allows us to rely on ourselves for our education like displayed by the students in the second video.   The one student explained how by trial and error he is teaching himself the different music programs available on the computer.  I had the same type of experience but with the Photoshop program.  By looking up tutorials and of course trial and error, I have begun to develop a basic understanding of a rather difficult program.  Another student talked about using her phone as way to photograph, email, and post photos for projects with school.  Again, like her I have been able to sync my life to my technological devices and avoid the separation of having documents at home, school, and my flash drive.  Now, everything is accessible no matter where I am. 

I can almost call my relationship with technology an addiction because it has revolutionized the way that I operate as a student and future teacher.  I am able to explore options of learning and teaching that were never possible.  Further, technology has become a universal language that all people use to learn.  It’s a commonplace that all types of learners can benefit from.  It allows students like Olivia and myself to reach beyond the constraints of the classroom and learn a different skill or interest while promoting the concept of motivated learning.