McLuhan’s+Tetrad+(Week+2)

Week 2 Assignment: For this week’s Learning Community contribution, summarize the work you completed in the Application Assignment: McLuhan’s Tetrad. Select at least one technology contributed by a member of your Learning Community and add your thoughts and ideas about using that technology in an educational setting.

__The Tablet __ Tablets have become an emerging technology is some schools. My district has not adopted them, but I hope they will soon. For this reason, I applied McLuhan’s Tetrad to the tablet. The first question to ask is what new possibilities will result due to the new technology? I think tablets could change the entire classroom environment to a student-centered versus teacher-centered atmosphere. Also, the classroom could be paper less with communication via a school network. I have been able to cut down the amount of paper I use currently by sending documents to my students through the network. This is due to the fact that I have a computer lab in my classroom. Tablets, however, would enable students to access textbooks and other resources without carrying a large amount of books. The second question is what technology is the tablet replacing? Tablets would replace textbooks and desktop computers. The third question McLuhan would ask is what ideas from the past are rekindled? The long held mission statement of many schools is to promote a desire for students to become life-long learners. Tablets can be used in a way in which students learn how to use the resources available to learn new concepts. I have found in my experience that some students prefer me to give them a learning goal and a plethora of resources and then let them learn at their own pace through their preferred learning style. Again, since I have a computer lab, I am able to accomplish this. The fourth question is what future technology will replace tablets? I see tablets having a long term effect on schools. For this reason, it is difficult to predict what will replace it. I do predict that desks in the classroom could be docking stations for the tablets where students can plug into the school network, if it is not wireless. Also, teachers could take attendance based upon who has connected to the network. When new technologies emerge, it is important to analyze them thoroughly and predict what comes next to see if the new technology is worth adopting. In my opinion, tablets are worth it. Sarah Williams *Sarah - Tablets are a great idea. I feel as if schools are slowly moving in that direction. My school has access to our curriculum from the publisher's website. My students can read all of the stories from the internet if they wanted to. Tablets can also provide many resources for the students to enhance their learning experiences. I would love for my school to move in that direction, however I think money might be an issue. Next year, each teacher is getting one iPad for classroom use, so we will see how that implementation goes. Maybe in the years to come, we will have more of a technology focus. Nice use of the tetrad to analyze a new and emerging technology. -Tiffini

Judy to Sarah- I have an iPad. I am still learning all the cool things it can do. My husband bought me a device to connect it to my Smart Board so that it turns it into a huge iPad. I cannot wait to use it. I think the tablet is just the beginning. It brings so much in such a small package. Because it is still relatively new, I think the price slows down most schools from purchasing them; also it is still being developed. I believe in the near future they will become affordable for everyone, just like the cell phone. Before long there will be no more textbooks and every student will simply download their "text books" to their tablet, sort of like we do for this class. I am excited about where these new technologies can take us. Students will become more engaged in the learning process. I know there have been a few local schools that have adopted the iPad for every student. At first the students wanted to play games and were not always on task but this is the case with any new tool. I have to allow a few minutes of play time when we bring out manipulatives for math. It is going to be the same with any new technology. But the end results will be students more engaged, motivated and learning skills that will help them survive in today's workforce. Judy

Jackie to Sarah, I too have an iPad for my class. There are so many wonderful applications out there to use with your students. My district is starting to purchase iPads. Right now, all administrators have them for walk through observations. I am hoping to prove their worth to my administrators this year to get them on board for having them in the classroom. I have used my iPad for centers, small group instruction, drills, differentiated instruction, and enhancing instruction. The ipad is a powerful tool, I wish you luck in getting them for your district. and I would love to learn more about the part Judy's husband bought for her. Jackie

__ Google Docs __

Goggle Docs offers a wide variety of resources including drawings, documents, presentations, and spreadsheets that can be shared with others. Google Docs allows the user to download certain features in order to work without an internet connection. The first stage of the tetrad is enhancement. Google Docs enhances the way the user can access documents and files. Files can be retrieved from any computer without the use of a flash drive or disk. Additionally, Google Docs can provide the user tools including, but not limited to, surveys, spreadsheets, and presentations free of charge. The second stage of the tetrad is obsolescence. Thornburg (2008) states “there is equilibrium in sensibility, when one area of experience is heightened or intensified, another is diminished or numbed. The “new” drives an older technology into obsolescence.” Google Docs replaces equipment such as the flash drive or USB drives. Flash drives and USB drives are so small that they are easy to misplace. This new technology allows the files to be stored in a cloud service to eliminate misplacing any type of disk. Retrieval is the third stage of the tetrad. The retrieval stage is when this new technology rekindles something from the past, sometimes the very distant past (Thornburg, 2008). Google Docs retrieves the concept of a laptop computer. People carried their laptop computer around with them to have all the files and documents at their fingertips. The laptops could be taken to school or work and all the work was accessible. The final stage of the tetrad is the reversal stage. “Every form, pushed to the limit of its potential, reverses its characteristics. A fair extension of reversal is to state that every technology sets the stage for its own replacement” (Thornburg, 2008). Google Docs will be difficult to replace because it is efficient, effective, and a free technology. The Cloud-based storage systems will be hard to obsolete any time in the future.

Tiffini Varrasse

Judy to Tiffini- I like the idea of Google Docs. I have not used it much personally and have never used in the classroom but I have been researching it this summer to implement as we return to school in the fall. In fact, I chose to write my tetrad about cloud accounts in general. I now have an iPad and iPhone so I have been working with an iCloud account syncing these two devices. I love the idea that Goggle Docs is free and will eliminate the need for parents to purchase flash drives which seem to get lost by Christmas time. I can also send students to the computer lab or library to work on assignments and not worry about them saving it to the computer's hard drive where I cannot access it or saving it to the school server and then losing it. I think before long this is going to change the development of all computers because there will be less of a need for memory space. Everything will be available through the Internet. Judy

Sean to Tiffini: I just learned how to use Google Docs in our last class with Walden. I found it to be useful to share my work with others. I am still trying to be more comfortable with it, so I would say that I still need more work, but I am willing to use it more in my class. I would really like to attempt to use Google Docs to create a class newsletter. I want my students to be authors of the newsletter so Google Docs seems to be the most convenient way to allow multiple students to work on the same document.

Cloud accounts, such as Google Docs mentioned above, are new technologies that fit McLuhan's tetrad.
 * __ Cloud Accounts: __**

__// Enhances: //__ Cloud accounts allow users to store multiple medias without the use of a specific device. The information is saved via the Internet and can be retrieved from any computer or device with Internet access; iPads and smart phones. This changes how we look at saving and retrieving data.

__// Obsoletes: //__ Cloud accounts will obsolete the need for flash drives. They have been the trend in the classroom for some time now because they allow the user to store information and transport it to other devices easier. The physical size of the flash drive has made it even more popular. However, the adoption of cloud accounts mean there is nothing to have to keep up with.

// __Rekindles__: // Cloud accounts bring to mind the old file cabinets where teachers stored all of the information they wanted to use later. It has been replaced with folders we can create on desktops or flash drives today but again, access has to be there or the information is unobtainable. With cloud accounts you no longer have to remember anything except your account password.

// __Reverses__: // Cloud accounts are still new. I do not believe they have bridged the chasm yet. There are a few choices out there. Apple’s iCloud account is great for users that have multiple devices because it syncs all media to each device. However there is a minimal fee for the application. Google Docs is free and ideal for classroom use. It is available to everyone regardless of their economic status.

Cloud accounts are a new technology that changes the way people save and access personal information. I believe it is going to obsolete many of the old ways of working. I also believe it is going to help the development of new computers because they will no longer need large storage spaces; all information will be obtainable via the web.

Judy Spears

Sarah to Judy,

Good analysis of online storage using McHuhan’s Tetrad! I specifically like the way you predict the less of a need of large computer hard drive storage due to the new technology. I also see the implications online storage will have on the flash drive. I have found that many of my flash drives, especially the one where I store all my graduate work, fill quickly, requiring me to carry several around. With online storage, I would not need to carry flash drives and need to remember which file is saved where; rather it would all be in the same place. I am interested in finding the right service for me, so I have been researching the different ones. I do not want to have to pay for the service. I am considering the use of Dropbox as well as GoogleDocs for personal use.

I am considering using GoogleApps, which also allows online storage with my classes this year. This service is free for educators. I have found that my students sometimes lose their work because they cannot remember which flash drive they used. Also, sometimes when working on long term projects, they forget their flash drive at home. Online storage would assist with these issues.

Sean's Week 2 technology I chose the digital overhead camera for my technology. To summarize the four progressions, Enhances: The digital overhead camera is new because it does not require overhead transperancies. The digital camera can move between paper documents and documents saved on the computer or USB drive. The digital camera allows for immediate feedback, and encourages more classroom interaction. Obsoletes: The traditional overhead camera needs time to make copies. Student work needs to be copied before it can be placed on the overhead. The traditional overhead is not connected to the computer, therefore it can only project documents copied to overhead transparencies. Retrieves: Brings in mind the bulletin board. People can post notes, advertisements, or newsletters on a bulletin. With the digital overhead camera, students can project their work, even in draft form, and get feedback from others. The feedback from others can then be the basis of a discussion or debate. Reverses: IPad or Droid Tablet could replace it by utilizing the built in camera and then projecting the image onto the overhead utilizing blue tooth and a Dukane. A Dukane is a projector that can project anything that is on the computer. I have one in my classroom my students can see whatever is on my computer. We can do a web search, watch a video, or create a document together with the use of Dukane. The Dukane is not capable of projecting documents created by paper.

I think the digital overhead camera would really allow students to interact with each other. Projecting their work or ideas to the class allows the entire class to share with each other. This allows the students to be more involved in class

Jackie to Sean Sean, I have an ELMO in my classroom and it is a wonderful tool! The ELMO is an overhead projector, which runs through the computer and can be projected on the SMART Board. I love this tool! You are right, it does cut down on making copies. The Dukane that you mentioned sounds a little more high tech than the ELMO. I cannot search the web or watch videos through it. However, I do use it for displaying student work, showing examples, modeling, and student interactions through demonstrations and discussions of work. The ELMO is a great tool for encouraging class interaction and offering immediate feedback just like the Dukane. Great job with the Tetrad!

Lindzey to Sean I also have an ELMO and a SMART Board. They are amazing tools for the classroom! I use both of them hand-in-hand daily! They are extremely engaging for the students and to be honest they really cut down on my planning, running copies, etc. They are way more efficient and a time saver! When I think about the technology tools that our world has embraced in just the last 5 years, it makes me so excited to think about what's next! It's so much fun to be a teacher in today's world! ___ Jackie's Week 2 Technology I chose the Modbook Pro Tablet. It runs on Mac OS X Mountain Lion. The Modbook performs very much like an Apple Macbook. It offers high speed processing, Microsoft Windows 7, an 8X Super Drive DVD Burner, SDXC card slot, Intel HD Graphics, and Bluetooth to name a few. The Modbook Pro enhances technology by the fact that it offers two USB 3.0 ports, it offers a configurable base system that includes a 2.5GHz dual core Intel Core processor or 2.9GHz dual core Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, an 8X SuperDrive DVD burner, an Intel HD Graphics 4000 chipset, one SDXC card slot, one audio line in/out, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity capability, a built-in 63.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery and a 60 Watt power adapter. This powerful tool will obsolete the iPod and iPad because of its word processing capabilities. The Modbook will allow students to create artifacts that the iPod and iPad cannot do.This powerful tool offers students the capability to create high-resolution, pro-quality products (Modbook, 2012). It will retrieve/rekindle the laptop, desktop, and the flash drive. The Modbook has all of the features of these tools and more. Students can create artifacts, store the artifacts, and share them with others. This tool reverses the desktop and laptop computers. By using the Modbook, students are not confined to a desk or have to carry an awkward, heavy laptop they can just carry the sleek, small Modbook that offers all of the same features rolled up in one. Schools may want to adopt the Modbook because of all of its storage features, word processing tools, its video and audio capabilities, its size, and much more. Schools could invest in this tool and do away with desktop computers, which take up a lot of space and energy.

Lindzey O'Brien - Week 2 Assignment: I chose to discuss the iPad for classroom use. With McLuhan’s Tetrad is mind, the iPad enhances, obsoletes, retrieves/rekindles, and reverses technology tools. The iPad enhances how we teach, practice, share ideas, create and produce, etc. The iPad obsoletes many tools. It obsoletes paper/pencil, desktop computers, cameras/video recorders, etc. It retrieves/rekindles a new way of learning that exhibits the technology world we live in. Through the use of an iPad, students can use various apps or games to practice skills. Students can also take pictures and videos around their school for a project. Students can use iPads as a center or even to communicate with other students. The possibilities of the iPad in the classroom are endless. Check out this YouTube video. So cute! []

Lindzey,

CUTE!!! The iPad is certainly an emerging technology that will soon flood schools. I am so surprised at how well those first grade students used it. I really like that you point out how mobile it is. As a business teacher I would like my students to implement it in personal finance or business related scenarios. For instance, I just took a call about a car I have for sale. Students could do a skit about selling one of their cars or buying a car and demonstrating to me and the class how they utilize Kelley Blue Book or NADA to find a fair price for the car. Perhaps they could also use it to look up a contract template and fill out the details to finalize a bill of sale and e-mail it to both parties. Like you pointed out, the possibilities are endless. That is also a quote from the Cable Guy with Jim Carrey.

Kenny Bellino

Lindzey, I also chose the iPad (or tablet) because I feel like of all the technologies I am seeing and hearing about, this is an amazing emerging technology that has so many possibilities! Also, it could be used for students in primary grades through highschool or even college. There are many apps that would be so motivational and exciting for my first grade students. However, the students would also be able to begin to learn word processing and the use of software. I even thought that it would be great and easy to use it to track behavior for any students needing a behavior contract. I also like your idea (which I actually hadn't thought of) to be able to use it to communicate with other students. You are correct when you mention that this type of device would offer endless possibilities!

Nicole deMoll

Kenny Bellino--Week 2 Assignment

The emerging technology that I selected for analyzing with McLuhan’s Tetrad is fingerprint readers. They are becoming increasingly available as the technology has become more precise, the costs have come down, and demand has increased. Utilizing McLuhan’s Tetrad to examine the likely impact of large-scale implementation of fingerprint reader technology, many things come to mind. As far as enhancements, it allows for quick access to computers, homes, and businesses. It is an entry method that cannot be lost or forgotten. Fingerprint readers obsolete the need to remember passwords on computers or at places such as the bank or ATM. It potentially obsoletes the need for keys for accessing cars, homes, or places of work. The emerging technology rekindles from the past instant access to what is ours. In the past centuries humans have chosen security over convenience. The up and coming technology of fingerprint readers reverses the idea that choosing security must mean giving up access to what is ours if we forget or lose our means of access. We always have our fingers present and fingerprint readers will only get more efficient and will increasingly disperse throughout our everyday life. I have already experienced the benefits of fingerprint readers in the area of education. I am currently working on my new school laptop. It has a fingerprint reader that I was hesitant to incorporate into use, but I am so glad I did. As for my school, fingerprint readers have the potential to help all operate more effectively and could therefore save money in the long run if implemented wisely. Jillian to Kenny I think it's so interesting that you chose a fingerprint reader. It definitely is an emerging technology with endless possibilities. It would be amazing to have these installed at schools for countless reasons. You're right, it's hard to be without your fingers, it could definitely be something for students who have trouble with organization skills. It's very futuristic and exciting to think about. Jillian

Jillian Engelhardt - Week 2 Assignment For week 2 I chose the Kindle to analyze with McLuhan's Tetrad. I thought that the Kindle really was an amazing technology because essentially what it can do is provide reading material to schools with endless possibilities. The school that I currently work at has a difficult time buying new books, textbooks, and technology due to budget restraints, but because of the Kindle's inexpensive price, thought could really be used to replace all 3 needs. Not only can you download books on a Kindle, but you can use it for research and defining words as well. What this comes back to is the history of a library, but now you have access to it at the tip of your finger. What this technology could become in the future is a hand held library for schools to access. Libraries and publishers could upload their documents and for a fee students could have access to their materials, no more out-of-date textbooks. The Kindle is something I feel that has really taken a huge leap in the technology world in the last few years.

Nicole deMoll- Week 2

I feel that one of the more emergent technologies that continues to come up is the iPad (or tablet). I feel that if it becomes financially possible, this could be an amazing benefit to schools and classrooms! These devices have the capacity to access the internet and programs using the internet. They can also be used for software programs and applications that can open doors to a wide selection of resources, especially for education. In addition these devices are very portable, even more than a small laptop. They can also be used like a book reader, such as the kindle (although more expensive). This could eventually obsolete desktop and laptop computers, and I’m sure in some homes and even maybe schools, this has begun to happen. It has given us back the ability to carry around our work or reading and be able to comfortable hold it like a book, which I would argue you cannot always do even with a laptop. These devices could have huge impacts on the classroom. Even if only teachers had access to one (as opposed to teachers and students) the teacher would have so many applicable resources to use in lessons and would have the portability to use it around the classroom. If every student had access to this the teacher could easily have access to countless resources that every student could access. Teachers would be able to easily differentiate and make accommodations. Students would have the ability to watch educational clips, pull up references at their desk, and even use it like a computer, which would otherwise not be available to every student at the same time in the regular classroom.