Two impressive information technologies I

Until now we have known a large number of information technologies since we took this course. Before I read the materials related to the information technologies, I thought information technologies could only be widely applied in modern businesses but not in educational settings.

However, as time went on, I am amazed at the benefits that have brought to the education systems.

Today I want to talk about impressive information technologies.

As you can see from the image above, First of all, I would like to talk about mobile learning.

Although I have to admit that mobile technologies have provided great learning opportunities and resources for educators and students, I am more concerned about some issues they brought to teachers, students, and parents, such as discipline issues, distraction caused by access to mobile technology, technology "addiction", and some social, cultural and legal issues.

Before I read the materials and participated in the online discussion, my attitude to mobile technologies was negative. I insisted using smart phones or other tablets would have negative impact on students’ learning process.

However, at the end of Week 7, other thoughts were constantly swirling in my mind.

Facing the reality, barring some kinds of technological apocalypse, chances are we’re not going back to a world without technology. To ban devices in a learning environment erases their value as learning tools and does not teach students how to be responsible device users. I remember once I talked about the issue whether we should allow kids to use cell phones at home with my principle. She told me:" If kids can’t be able to recognize the potential distractions that cell phones pose, and learn to deal with these problems now, then when?"

I also thought what Garmondyu said in the orange group in Discussion Board is reasonable, we should “welcome our guests(computers and cell phones) equally”. The problem we are facing today is not about banning phones but teaching students how to use them in a sensible and reasoned manner. We educators need to figure out effective ways to usher digital native students into this new realm by teaching them social responsibility. We must teach students about cyberbullying, focus, etiquette, safety, management plans and so forth.

References:

The images were retrieved from https://www.strose.edu/information-technology/; https://techieword.com/advantages-of-mobile-learning/;