I love technology. I get a thrill when I am introduced to some new applications that I can apply to my life or share with others. It is great and I am always amazed at how people are able to come up with these great new ways to approach a task.
Introducing and incorporating Web 2.0 applications into the educational process helps our students stay competitive and abreast. As stated in one of the readings - the possibilities are endless. Technology is not a fad. It will continue to advance. The more schools incorporate technology into all aspects of their curriculum are doing a service to their students.... Or are they?
Now, I will get on my soap box. As much as I love technology,I feel that something very basic and very crucial is being lost in the mix of it all - Person to person contact. I'm not talking about webcam and Skype, I am referring to sitting down in the same physical location and interacting. In my job I have had conversations with students having difficulties with their roommate and have communicated only through text messages, instant messenger, Myspace, Facebook.... but never sat down in the same room and discussed their grievances. What are we teaching our students through this flooding of technology? I feel there should be as much emphasis on the face to face. Life is not a drive through - sometimes you need to get out of the car and speak to a person face to face. Use technology, but don't let technology use you or abuse you.
What does Web 2.0 and School 2.0 mean for the future of education? Great things. Great advances. Opened doors to students. But the balance must be there.
Ok... stepping off my soap box.
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Ok Kimberly, I really love your blog and comments. It can incite discussion and cause one to think about technology, the good and the bad. I totally agree about sitting down with social networking sites and text messaging and not interacting with people face to face. I had someone text me alot, and I had to tell them that I am not a texting person. I prefer picking up the phone and calling to say what I need to say. I have never had a MySpace, Twitter, or Facebook account. Just as technology can be fun and an excellent way to learn, other forms of technology can prevent people from saying what they need to say directly and in person.
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