Friday, 23 October 2015

Module 6 Journal Entry - Issues in Media and Technology


Media plays a major role in communication. Technology has been used to organize knowledge for practical purpose. The internet has been as a global network that people and organizations connect into so they can access its massive store of shared information. Anybody can publish information or create new services. It is a persistent activity, therefore no one is in charge of it. Richardson J. (2013, pp54).

Communication lines, wireless connections and satellite connections are used to join this world-wide network of computers. These networks are used to share information and to communicate with one another. Networks can be placed into different groups. The internet which is widely used can be connected to by the computer, phone line, cable or other connections. Computers on the internet have address, just like people home. A domain system was developed. The domain name system allows one internet host to find another. The internet can be used for many different purposes such as sending and receiving emails, download free software, surf the web, internet relay chat and much more. According to Richardson J. Technology in Education Workbook (2013, pp57-58) The web was invented by Tim Barners-Lee (1991). It is used to distribute information and it is connected to hyperlinks. Some useful features are web browser, web servers, hyperlinks and the many vital buttons, such as back and forwards and the home button. Another important feature is the uniform resource locator (URL). Technology has generally changed the way we communicate with each other.

 Today’s Technology has changed the way we live our daily lives. While it has decreased the need for manual jobs, media and technology have evolved. It plays a role in every area of our lives. Example, technology plays a major role in academics. It is useful for teaching and learning. It can be used for many different activities. These include social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, videos, making power point presentation and many more. Social networking sites can be used to discuss work that was done in class. A class blog can be used as an on line classroom, students will be able to access it from anywhere at any time.  Podcast can be used to broadcast thoughts to the world and provide references. Also, videos can be used for instruction. The use of media and technology will definitely result in productivity and efficiency. .All of this is made possible through the global network that people connect to. The vast amount of information that is available is useful for teachers when they are planning. Also, the internet makes the learning process easier for the students. Students whose learning process involves technology are better prepared for the world of work.

Never the less, we are been reminded that technology fails. According to Jonny Berchtold,  When technology fails (Mar 6, 201) “Technology works the least when you need it the most.”  Also according to Nathan Loring Modern Technology: The Ugly Truth, as cited in Ross T., (2012, January).  We must be careful to realize how technology affects us. Example, if too much technology is used without in co-operating others the children can become dependent and antisocial. They can even become obese. Also, if the technology fails there must be an alternative plan. Therefore, careful consideration must be given when we are planning our work. Media and technology has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore as a teacher we must plan constructively. We must plan carefully for the benefit of the students.

Reference

Richardson, J. (2013)Technology in Education Workbook



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