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.