Friday, October 27, 2006

Week 8 Initial Reaction

This week has not been quite as challenging besides trying to make it through all the presentations that I have enjoyed thus far. But in regards to wireless technology it is amazing to see how one can be on the road driving, in an airplane, or just being mobile and yet have the ability to communicate. My favorite technology is the cell phone because it has internet access, ability to communicate with those in the store to pick up more groceries, the kids, or whatever. It can also assist one with time management and scheduling. The cell phone is a powerful tool along with the other emerging technologies in our society. The other capabilities outside of higher education or corporate America is wireless capabilities to facilitate learning for students in K-12 environments if educators are not resistant. Just as in higher education, instructors hold classes outside, K-12 could take field trips outdoors to study the environment and other things as discussed in our readings this week. But if educators are intimidated and withdrawn from the emerging technology then they lose out on invaluable learning and teaching opportunities for themselves and students as well.

7 Comments:

Blogger David Peter said...

It's really interesting to see how wireless technologies have changed our lives. I'm impressed with the relative ease of wireless laptops and pda's ... now, it is no longer necessary to be tied to a desktop computer. This freedom has the potential to let each of us learn anywhere, anyplace and anytime. That is our challenge as educators ... designing instruction that personalized to the learner and the technology.

10:34 PM  
Blogger Karen Keffer said...

Nia,

I use my cellphone to get online when I am not near a computer. It is a bit more time consuming to type on a phone pad, but for me it beats the alternative of no connectivity at all!

Karen

9:10 PM  
Blogger Dianne said...

I like working with laptops and PDAs but I wonder what the cost of internet access is on a cell phone. With a wireless router, the wireless access points just use the same internet except a little slower. I agree that we are quickly becoming a wireless society. Dianne

9:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nia, wireless technology is the way to go! It is a wonderful thing to be able to connect from anywhere, anytime without the need of plugging in a cable to your computer. As you said, wireless connectivity is especially useful in working outside the classroom, and with the wireless capabilities of PDAs and other mobile devices, it will be far easier to motivate the students to learn.

8:25 PM  
Blogger nia said...

David,

This is what I love about modern education. I am an online and mobile student all the way. I would probably go nuts if I had to set foot back in a clssroom to obtain my education. Even those residencies almost drove me insane. I like the freedom to learn when and wherever I want.

5:37 AM  
Blogger nia said...

Karen,

Have you thought about getting one of those mini traveling keyboards. I heard that those are really neat to use with the cell phones.

5:37 AM  
Blogger nia said...

Dianne,

I know that Cingular Wireless charges about $40 a month for internet access from the cell phone... I don't know if that is unlimited or not..

5:39 AM  

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