8. Digital Divide No More!

Reading through chapter 12, there were so many different technologies that could be useful in future education. The one that stood out to me the most was electronic paper. This is just so cool to me, it is a flexible light-weight printed material that could replace e-books and tablets. Now, this technology is in developmental stages, but I think it could be a huge breakthrough in the classroom setting. This electronic paper can be folded and rolled up, making it compact and unbreakable, so kids won’t have the worry that if they drop it, it could break. Not only that, it has low power consumption and replaces paper products; making it better for the environment.  It displays information from a network or cloud onto the screen. It prevents using paper handouts because it is able to change its content and display different information throughout the class day. Printed paper is used all the time in the classrooms, electronic paper is sure to be the same. I personally would use this product all the time in my classroom.

One of the “future technologies” not mentioned in the textbook is the 3D movies. 3D is everywhere nowadays, the theaters, even people’s homes, but is it in the classrooms? I think that 3D screens should be in every classroom. When learning about a subject, say coral reefs, the teachers often show videos and pictures to the students.  By using a 3D screen to watch those videos, the students could feel more engaged, almost like they were in the coral reefs themselves! It creates interest and excitement when things seem more real.Find the TV's here!

The digital divide is a term used to describe the gap between people who have access to technology and those who do not. Not only is this a problem in developing countries but it is also a huge issue in the US. Typically this term refers to the educational context; students having access to computers and internet at home and at school versus those who don’t. I am on the side in where I believe all students should have access to technology. I think if the parents cannot provide that, the schools and classrooms should. The problem with a digital divide is that some students will grow up uncomfortable with technology and that can hurt them in their later careers. It doesn’t just affect students by not having access but it affects their knowledge about technology and their skill. Students with access to computers and technology have an advantage over those who don’t have technology readily available. Students who grow up around technology and having access to technology will have more confidence in technology use for their career. Because some students don’t have access, it can create a divided workforce. This could greatly affect my future classroom if some students continue to not have access to technology. I wouldn’t be able to post assignments solely online, I couldn’t require a typed essay, little things like that can be a huge problem for those without access. In the future, I will make sure my school has easy, readily available access of technology for all students.