Chapter 3 Reflections

Reflecting on What I Know

1. Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?
I think it's important to learn about different technology tools because the more you know, then the more connections you can make with new technology.  Even though technology is constantly changing, it is useful to understand the old in order to help you build on that knowledge for the new tools.  Many of the new technology simply builds on the previous model or format so it never hurts to learn the current material.


2.  Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?

Even though most mobile devices are capable of doing the same thing as desktop computers it is still important to have experience with both.  Eventually desktop computers may be a thing of the past but for now it is necessary for students to understand that not all technology is mobile.  Sometimes we are responsible for bringing our other resources to the computer instead of the other way around.   Also, laptops usually have smaller screens so it can sometimes be more difficult for students to use.  Lowther and Morrison (2010) describe yet another reason why desktops are beneficial.  They explain that, "the mobility  of the laptop increases the likelihood that it will be dropped by a student during transport" (p. 66).  I worry about the laptops being fragile when I use them with my second graders but I just stress the importance of using two hands and being extremely careful when using the laptops.


3.  How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?
Even though digital devices may not be able to perform many functions, they are still worth the money they cost.  There are many pros to digital devices and only few cons for most.  Table 3.3 on page 75 in the text shows the number of pros and cons for each digital device which helps justify the cost in my opinion.  Also, I think many digital devices are beginning to provide even more functions, such as the iPad.  The iPad can take photos, search the web, download books, provide GPS navigation, and so much more.  This includes many of the digital devices all in one.  However, to have the benefits of the iPad the cost is considerably high but still worth it.  The school I work at recently purchased 25 iPads for our students.  This has been wonderful as we begin transitioning our students into the 21st century way of learning.

References

 Lowther, D. & Morrison, G. (2010). Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century. Pearson Education, Inc. Boston, MA. USA.