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.