Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Technology Autobiography

     The three most influential communications technologies in my life up to this point have to be my cell phone, email, and Google.  I cannot imagine having to go home or use a payphone to make a call. Not only do I depend on my cell phone for calls to and from people, but it has become a sense of security. There are many times I’ve forgotten my phone at home and turned around to get it, because I rely on it not only for calls and texts, but for emergencies. Being able to keep in touch with people makes life easier. Smartphones are almost like carrying mini computers around with you, information anytime, almost anywhere. The camera is also a great aspect included in the phone that always comes in handy.

     Another communication technology that the smartphones have within them is email. Email has been a significant tool that I depend upon for communication with friends, family, and school. I receive bills, notices and documents through my email. As a parent and future teacher, I know email will be a major way of communicating with my students’ parents or guardians. I think it is a faster way to convey information or arrange meetings between teachers and parents compared to writing notes back and forth.

     The third most influential communication technology that I cannot live without is Google. Google includes so many features and services, but if I had to narrow it down to one in particular, it would have to be Google search. I cannot image what I would do without it. I have come to depend on using it for investigating important, as well as trivial information. It has helped me immensely in research for school.  For example, being able to access almost any image from historical to contemporary artwork is an amazing advantage. Google search allows me to find information anytime, day or night, which is extremely convenient.

       The negative aspect of these three technologies is how dependent I have become on them. If I do not have my phone with me, it becomes stressful. Friends and family expect to be able to communicate with me almost immediately, as I to them. As for my email, if I was not able to access it, I would panic. Again, I rely on it as a means of communication, especially for school. Without Google search, I would have to spend most of my time at the library. I have become so accustomed to the instant accessibility of information and communication that these technologies offer, I simply would not know how to function without them.

      After watching the video, “Learning to Change, Changing to Learn”, I noticed some similarities and differences between my uses of technologies with that of the students in the video. The convenience and “access to everything” was something that I, too, believe creates a better learner. Some felt they could not live without their laptop or phone. I also feel that technology is a major part in how we operate in today’s society. I am not a gamer or do not tweet, so I do not have much use for those particular technologies. I do agree however, that playing video games can help enhance some of the same skills needed in school and everyday life. I think as future educators integrating technology into the classroom will be something that is easily accepted by the students and will enhance their learning experience.

3 comments:

  1. I like the way you noted your cell phone is like a sense of security. I agree with this completely. I would not feel safe driving home from work late at night if I did not have my cell phone with me. I also always take it with me whenever I go on a run. I feel secure knowing that I can make a call if I get too tired or get lost. I could never imagine not carrying my phone with me whenever I am alone.

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  2. As you mentioned in your statement,"Smartphones are almost like carrying mini computers around with you, information anytime." Your previous statement is spot on. I use my phone for business and I am able to access my email any where. Google has always been a great source of information because simple and convenient. We need to incorporate a social media that can be fun and interactive so students can be involved intrinsically.

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  3. Hi Karen! I love that you put Google down as one of your most influential communication technologies. I did not even think if it, but Google is so useful! It is there for us to access information whenever we need it. That is a huge change from a couple decades ago. My mom always reminds me how easy I have it when it comes to looking up information. I can access it at home. And like you mentioned, now people can access it in their smartphones-we are carrying little computers around with us! It’s a crazy thought, but I agree with you, these technologies do come in handy all the time.

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