F2F Spcial Topic

Open Source is a topic which has intrigued me for quite some time for a number of reasons: flexibility, it is relatively low cost compared to copyrighted software, and its ability to be modified quickly when upgrades or patches are needed or because technology has, yet again, changed rapidly.
When investigating possible topics for this assignment I discussed open source with a colleague who is the technology teacher at my school. He was not enthusiastic about the topic because in his words it was very technical and I did not have the computer background to do it justice. He was right! But I found the potential applications of open source in my district fascinating and decided to investigate it more so as to become an advocate for it in my district. Thus my presentation was a bit weak in the technical side of open source, but I hope that was balanced by the knowledge I imparted on the uses of open source and its many advantages.
The Open Source movement gained momentum in the 1990’s as laws were being introduced to protect intellectual property. It was believed by its proponents as having numerous advantages over copyrighted software, most especially that its source code or language was freely available to be changed by anyone willing or able to do so. This appeals to the current trends of collaborative efforts in both the work place and learning environments.
The most satisfying aspect of this assignment was introducing my classmates to the plethora of websites and downloadable elements which are available for the most part online and free or of minimal price to cover reproduction costs. By providing links for them to open source materials they can readily use, I hope I have increased their awareness of open source resources which will help them at work, in school, and on vacation.

Technology-Adaptive and Emerging

Susan and Walli’s special topic presentations were both very thought provoking and insightful. As usual, I learned a tremendous amount about both topics and as always, left class wondering if I am the only person who is so clueless and “out of it”!

Walli’s presentation on adaptive technologies, which opened with a pre-quiz on our knowledge of the topic, reminded me that the term “technology” does not necessarily involve electronics and the digital age. Rather, technology means a device which aids one in a task be it something as simple as a magnifying glass or as advanced as the interactive technology of a computer program which “read” aloud typed words or a mechanical device which turned pages of a book or magazine. Instructional technology also encompasses many tools which are considered “simple” in the digital age but still have well-defined uses and purposes in our practice of the field.

Susan’s topic of emerging technologies served to get me excited about the many new tools and methods which will soon be both a normal part both of our daily lives and in our facilitation as either synchronous and asycnchronous instructors. This past weekend I read in the newspaper about a study in Japan that showed a decline in the use of personal computers and a rise in the use and purchase of other electronic devices. These devices included games such as WII and PSP and more advanced phones with internet capability and advanced audio video capability in the form of MP3 players and video players. Instructional technology will encompass all of these new tools and more as the field continues to adapt and grow to accommodate new fields, job demands and training.