Educational Technology

There are several issues shaping the role of technology in education.  However, I'll only discuss 3 that I feel are the most important issues.  The first one is Privacy and safety.  People have to have the proper software in place on their computers to block outsiders from stealing their identity.  I remember when there was a time that people didn't focus too much on their credit score.  However because of the knowledge that hackers have to get into anyones system from a remote location, people are more concern about identity theft and their credit score.  It only takes one slip up for your life to be in someones hand.  Another thing that harmful is the online predators that come after our children or even grown family members.  Their identity is blocked and this type of safety has to be protected.  Meeting a person that you met on line may cause you to loose your life.  As a parent, I block all sites on my computer so that my kids don't have access to roam and end up on the wrong site.  The second issue is Viruses and hacking.  It seems the more technology grows and expands, the more protection is needing to block people with bad intentions from harming the computers and individuals.  Users have to be more cautious to websites they visit because clicking on the wrong link or opening an unknown email, can destroy your computer within seconds.  So not only has the cost of technology increased, the cost to protect your computer has also increased.  Hackers are quick to invade privacy on a customers computer and steal their identity.  It makes me question if I need a computer.  However with technology growing so fast, the only way to keep up is to not get too far behind them (I say at least one foot away).  The third issue is the Role of Distance Education.  This issue hits real close to home because I am an online student.  With my busy schedule, 3 kids, and a husband, the only means I have to educate myself is through online classes.  Is it possible for online students to get the same education as a student who attends the class in personl?  This is a question I always get from people who know I'm an online student.  The answer is YES.  There have been times when things around the home need your attention more, but if the drive is there you can succeed.

Three things that we have learned from the history of educational technology is: 1.  Technology is constantly changing so quickly that teachers may never catch up to the changes occurring. Each year, there will be new instruction provided on the methods of teaching and to keep students up to par, teachers will have to adjust and accept the new changes.  2.  When computers were first introduced, developers thought that some teacher jobs will be replaced with computers.  However, the more advanced technology grows, the more teachers are needed to help instruct students on how to adjust to these changes.  3.  Looking at past technology is what helps us shape the future of technology.  We learn from our mistakes to make sure we don't go backwards but step forward.  The past has helped shape us.