The History of Technology in Schools

     In comparing this interactivity to the last one, I find it interesting how the people of my generation view technology as only iPods, iPads, phones, and computers when technology is also as "simple" as a chalkboard. We forget how important these technologies are to everyday learning and life. One of the definitions of technology is "the sum of the ways in which social groups provide themselves with the material objects of their civilization." The radio, the television, movies, are all technologies that impacted education for better or worse.  
     I would say according to the video, film has influenced art the most. I feel like you do not need much for an art class, besides physical supplies; but when it comes to ideas and demonstrations films could come in a lot of use. I recently watched a very old instructional video in my ceramics class, and it gave me tons of ideas and inspiration. It was like having a teacher right in front of me, showing techniques and sharing designs. I could see this being very helpful to kids in a classroom, because teachers have a hard time helping each student. A film reaches every student and impacts and generates different ideas in each.
     After reading the article it changed the way I first thought of film in the classroom. Grace said that her grandmother never really saw any innovation with film in the classroom. That it was more forced upon them because of the desire for proficiency. I know it can't replace a teacher and whoever would think a film would be better probably has never tried to teach someone. After doing the readings I decided to choose a technology that serves a great purpose, and doesn't take over the teachers job. It has been used many times in my art classes, and that is the slide projector. It gives students a chance to see things they might never have gotten the chance to see. It opens the room up for discussion and opinions. The teacher can use it as an aid in a easy and fast manor. I think the side projector is all an art class would need. Sometimes I am very against the idea of newer technologies used for art. In my personal opinion I like the idea of art being the slow way to make things. I like processes and keeping traditions. So I think a slide projector is a non-distracting technology that is a key to culture, master work, and inspiration for students in the classroom.

Interactivity #2: The History of Technology in Schools

Slide projectors can take students to countless museums, countries, and also provides inspiration without them ever having to leave their seats.

YouTube Video - Technology in in Education Timeline

I found this video when watching the one for interactivity #2, I thought it was cute and simple. It did a good job in setting up a visual  timeline. I thought it was a good way to organize thoughts about the advancement of educational technology throughout time.

Interactivity #1: Technology as Autobiography

     Technology has become such an important factor when it comes to education, and the new generations. There aren't many ways to avoid it in today's society and as a teacher I need to be aware of that, as well as accessibility to my students. The first video, "Olivia's Story" reminded me that I will be teaching students from all different home situations and lifestyles. Some may not have a computer to do school work on, write up essays, or watch a YouTube video relevant to a lesson. I have to make sure everyone in my class has the same opportunities that Olivia had, and the resourcefulness she has shown. I think it is very inspiring that Olivia has found ways to become so tech savvy when she doesn't have the convenience of owning a computer. Using the schools computer, the Mac Store, and her apartment's communal computer to access social medias and develop her computer skills are a great example of what students can do when they do not personally own a computer. It's important to me as a future teacher because I would want my students to be able to have access to a computer. Especially when it comes to art, the computer and internet have given me a limitless place for inspiration when it comes to art projects. As Olivia has inspired, I want to give my students ways to find access to the internet for when they graduate and move on with their careers or higher education they can be prepared for what is excepted of them.

     The three technologies I chose are my phone, MacBook, and my iPod. My phone is constantly with me and I feel lost, vulnerable, and disconnected when I don't have it. I sometimes feel that we depend on technology too much in today's society. For example I use my phone's GPS all the time, anywhere I go. This has made my life so much easier and I never have to be afraid of getting lost, except if I am without it. This has happened before and it makes me realize how dependent I am to it. I can't deny the fact that my phone is such a useful tool; I still use it constantly and it has shaped my life. It connects me to friends, family, work, and emergency aid. The next technology I chose is my laptop. It has shaped my life in giving me easier access to the world and connects me to news, friends, and blogs. When I'm not on my phone I'm usually on my computer, checking Facebook, Tumblr, or my email. It has helped me become a better learner in making information so readily available to me. My computer has impacted the ways in which I learn new information the most out of the three technologies I've chosen. I can read scholarly journals, and watch videos to help me learn anything I want. My last technology I've chosen was my iPod. For me, this device has shaped my life a lot because music is such a big part of myself. My music styles have changed throughout years as well as myself, and I think it reflects that greatly. I also think music is a great way to communicate and connect to people around you. Sharing and showing others your music is what music is about, finding a connection to someone you have never met, which is a common theme in technology as a whole. I feel like I share many of the same views about technology as the young people in the videos. I picked similar technologies and they did a great job in explaining why and how they have made them a better learner. Whether it is expressing themselves, connecting to people, learning languages, or learning how to use teamwork in real life situations these students use technology to get a head in the world.

  

     Technology has become a big influence on the younger generation because of its convenience. It can do so much for us - record memories, play us our favorite songs, hold hundreds of books, and give us access to a world of knowledge with the click of a button. Technology is fun, exciting, always changing and new. It brings possibilities one can only dream of and the younger generations love to dream. These young people show how important technology is to them, how it impacts their lives, and aids them in learning.