Walden course 10 week 1 application

New and Obsolete Technology
James Manning
Walden University




Dr. Christopher Calvin
New and Emerging Technologies
EDUC-6715I-4
July 4, 2010





New and Obsolete Technology
According to Thornburg (2009a), “The constantly changing landscape of educational technology can be thought of as a series of transitions from older tools to newer ones” (p.1). As I look in the storage closest and see old typewriters, tape players, overhead projectors, filmstrips, and big cathode ray Television sets on tall tipsy carts, I am amazed at the amount of technology that has quickly become obsolete. The computer and all its software have done a good job of easily stepping in to replace these items more efficiently and cheaply.
With all this constant change, why are we concerned about new technology? According to Thornburg (2009b). “If we who care about education truly take the time to examine emergent technologies, we can perhaps anticipate some of the changes that can take place in our schools to help students learn more effectively. The sooner we know what may be coming down the line, the more time we have to think about the implications of these technologies, and to plan on their eventual adoption when they do dome to market.”(p.2)
It all started with a simple piece of slate and some chalk. Teachers wanted bigger blackboards at the front of the room for all to see. This was cutting edge technology at the time. Then came rolling blackboards, which allowed teachers to put up multiple items. At first teachers balked at switching over from having their lesson on the blackboard to an overhead. But with the addition of an overhead role, which they could rewind for the next class, the speed at which one could whip through information, and the addition of photo-copy-able overheads this new emerging technology was adopted. With the invention of color video projection systems, the power of the multimedia computer could be shared with everyone. When other teachers started spicing up their lessons with PowerPoint slide-shows, with integrated multimedia, the old overhead teachers had to move away from their boring presentations, though some of the converts did a good job of making slide-shows boring too. Slide shows are are now being replaced with more integrated programs like prezi.com or glogster.com; which in-turn will be replaced one day by more integrated, exciting, easier and cheaper to use software and platforms. According to Thornburg (2009b) “we are all aware that technology prices drop significantly over time, so at some point, this new technology will be affordable and (likely) commonplace” (p.4).
The reason I like the continued adoption of new technology like overhead projectors is it facilitates good teaching. Good teachers have existed for 1000’s of years. What made them good was their ability to know their students and to use their students learning styles to bring out the best in each of them. With a video projection system, students now have an opportunity to experience items first hand through multiple modalities. They can also produce and share items digitally with the entire class. But just like any technology, it too will be improved upon and replaced. According to Thornburg (2009a) “Many schools have brought color video projection systems into the classroom to facilitate whole-class viewing of information. However, because color flat panel monitors can be made in large sizes, some school are opting to install large displays in the front of the classroom instead of using projection systems” (p.3).














Reference

Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Thornburg, D. D. (2009b). When is technology emergent? Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.