Why Technology?
Besides the fact that technology is an essential element in the world today, as well as a critical component in the attainment of 21st century skills, technology has been included as part of my portfolio because it has played an integral role in my learning since its inception many decades ago. Although my early years saw little technology except perhaps that of television, it was not something I shied away from when it entered my world in its very basic of forms. At that time technology was in its infancy, the internet did not yet exist, personal computers were large and required key-stroke applications, big floppy discs, and the most popular software was Word Perfect and Lotus 1-2-3.
Now of course those programs are rarely heard of and today Microsoft rules with Apple Inc. by its side. Moreover, technology has become far less complex and is designed with pretty little icons that even young children who have not yet learnt to read, can easily consume. With the tablets, laptops, and mobile phones, technology is no longer too cumbersome or complicated, instead it has transformed into a portable, accessible vehicle for learning that is adaptable to people of all ages and learning styles. Like the study of andragogy, technology is another aspect of learning that crosses the entire program in the lessons learnt and assignments completed. When I look back at what little technology I began with as a child, I am overwhelmed by the vast possibilities it offers today. Love it or hate it, time consuming and time saving, technology can be so much fun, yet so completely frustrating at the same time, but I certainly cannot imagine life without it.
Essentially technology is inherent in everyday life, whether used in word processing, online communication, or uploading holiday pictures; it is simply inescapable. As well, before I began this masters program I was not aware of open source software or the magnitude of technologies available under its umbrella, nor was I concerned with technical limitations, file extensions, size, or software compatibility. Having tried and tested a great many applications, I can say that my technical knowledge and creative abilities have vastly improved and moved forward in a variety of new directions.
Now of course those programs are rarely heard of and today Microsoft rules with Apple Inc. by its side. Moreover, technology has become far less complex and is designed with pretty little icons that even young children who have not yet learnt to read, can easily consume. With the tablets, laptops, and mobile phones, technology is no longer too cumbersome or complicated, instead it has transformed into a portable, accessible vehicle for learning that is adaptable to people of all ages and learning styles. Like the study of andragogy, technology is another aspect of learning that crosses the entire program in the lessons learnt and assignments completed. When I look back at what little technology I began with as a child, I am overwhelmed by the vast possibilities it offers today. Love it or hate it, time consuming and time saving, technology can be so much fun, yet so completely frustrating at the same time, but I certainly cannot imagine life without it.
Essentially technology is inherent in everyday life, whether used in word processing, online communication, or uploading holiday pictures; it is simply inescapable. As well, before I began this masters program I was not aware of open source software or the magnitude of technologies available under its umbrella, nor was I concerned with technical limitations, file extensions, size, or software compatibility. Having tried and tested a great many applications, I can say that my technical knowledge and creative abilities have vastly improved and moved forward in a variety of new directions.