Wireless technologies were once a highly specialised application for use in government and corporate settings. However, in recent times, these technologies have been modified to be used by the general public. No longer an expensive or complicated form of communication, wireless technologies can now be found in many different environments. Two of these rapidly expanding environments include the domestic setting and also in the virtual classroom.
Kezia Yong 15:30, 31 Aug 2004 (EST)
As technology is increasingly becoming more and more sophisticated and integrating itself into almost every facet of our lives, it’s no wonder that education has also taken it on board. Technologies such as the internet/computers and more recently new wireless technologies are changing the ways in which we are both able to teach and learn. These new technologies, being incorporated with traditional methods of teaching, would seem much more productive and would stand to enhance the learning experiences of students. However, is the virtual classroom as superior to the traditional classroom dynamic?
The virtual classroom encompasses the current state of the classroom dynamic and the way that information is exchanged from teacher to student. This term is able to define the increasing effect that technology is having in the educational environment, and is able to communicate the fact that the function of the classroom and the structure of lessons are changing in order to incorporate these new media. In addition, this change of methodologies is also creating a shift in the roles and required skills needed by teachers to effectively educate students in such a technology based environment (Moxley; 2002).
Though much of the technology we encounter everyday now seems to be a necessity, such as the use of online resources in tertiary education, it has only been in recent times that we have come to rely so much on these new media. In 1965, mainframes and minicomputers were used for administrative purposes in some schools and by 1967, courses that adhered to computer maintenance were available. Although computers were in use in some schools for information storage and access at this time, they were not yet being used as a means for learning or teaching. It was not until the early 1980s that the personal computer was received in education “because PCs better fit the teacher/manger model of instructional delivery�, however the number in schools was still quite low (Murdock; 1998). The late 1980s saw the formation of the laptop and from here on, the growth of technology in schools started to develop; in 1994 “most US classrooms now had at least one PC available for instructional delivery (Murdock; 1998).� In the present day, technology in the educational environment is an absolute necessity. Universities rely heavily on the online resources such as email and unit websites to communicate information to students. It is becoming more commonplace for assignments to be handed in not physically in writing on paper, but online. The use of wireless technologies in classrooms is also beginning to be accommodated into the educational environment.
There are of course, some central issues that arise from the virtual classroom. The foremost issue of these could possibly be the advantages that such highly developed technology in classrooms can bring about. Such advantages in education can range from the increasing productivity of the students to whether it does in fact enhance learning abilities. The use of technologies such as laptops and wireless networks can “offer an appealing alternative, promising greater access for the learner and reduced infrastructure (Fielding; 1999).� However, for all the promises that such technologies bring, there are inevitably going to be some disadvantages that occur. The incorporation of new technologies into the classroom can also have an impact on the teachers themselves, both negative and positive. The effectiveness of the teaching with these new technologies can only be as involved as the teachers literacy in using it. Whilst these new media in classrooms are high tech and enhance certain abilities for some, we must not “put the equipment first and the education second (Swinford 2002).� Other issues surrounding the virtual classroom are the social impacts on the students. Technologies like chat rooms used in the classroom as a means of discussion are becoming more commonplace, and much of the communication between students is undertaken in the virtual world now, more so than in past times. A chief issue in the matter of the virtual classroom and the new technologies they involve are the technologies themselves. There are many new technologies available for use in the educational environment that many enhance the learning experience for some, and it is important to know just what kinds of new media are out there. With this in mind, to accommodate for all these advancements, the traditional methods of teaching are slowly making way for new methodologies on the education front. The curriculum for learning needs to adapt to the new ways in which the information can be presented and instructed.
The virtual classroom is a vital part of the new media scene, as its very nature is to use and incorporate these technologies in order to improve the learning and teaching experience. The virtual classroom is an important evolution of the traditional classroom dynamic as it enhances the ability to access information and improves the experience of education and learning for students.
References
Fielding, R. (1999) Wired Versus Wireless – Technology in School Computer Networks http://www.designshare.com/Research/Wired/wired1.htm (accessed 6/9/04)
Moxley, B., Swinford, J., (2002) Technology Article: The State of Technology Part 1 + 2: How Does Your School Measure Up? http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech143.shtml (accessed 6/9/04)
Murdock, E. (1998) History, the History of Computers, and The History of Computers in Education http://www.csulb.edu/~murdock/histofcs.html (accessed 8/9/04)
Sub-Topics
Kezia Yong 02:34, 10 Sep 2004 (EST)
It can be argued that the 20th Century has witnessed more technological change and growth than any other time in history. Today, the area of technology continues to evolve. An example of such change is that of wireless technology. Once a niche market, today a wide array of wireless devices and services are widely available to the public and are becoming more frequently utilised in everyday situations. This proposal outlines the main terms associated with wireless technology, with a specific emphasis on technologies that are designed for use in homes.
In simplest terms, wireless technology is exactly that, wire-less. It is technology that allows us to complete the same tasks that we would usually have to accomplish with the use of a cable or wire. For example, the internet could only be accessed if a computer was connected to a telephone cable. However, wireless technology makes the same action possible without the wires. Although the use of wireless devices is becoming more financially feasible for the everyday person, the technology itself has been available for years in the form of broadcast television and radio (Linskys, 2004). A brief history of the technology will be given later.
Domestic wireless technology simply refers to the different kinds of devices available and the uses for wireless technology within a domestic setting. It does not mean that there is a totally different type of technology in use within a domestic environment, it simply refers to the setting in which it is used.
There has become a general shift in the way we live. Life is deemed to be cluttered and busy enough so why should the way we go about it be inhibited with unnecessary and unsightly clutter such as wires? Life should be simple. Because many homes now have at least one computer, the market for wireless devices, such as keyboards and mouses, is increasingly growing. Consumers are desperate to get “unwired�.
Although wireless technology was initially introduced into the corporate setting, the technology has been adapted for use in homes. The major form of wireless technology being introduced into the domestic setting is WIFI Networking. This allows two or more devices in the same geographical area to be connected together and communicate with each other(Ring, 2003). Therefore, an internet connection and printers can be shared without metres of cables running throughout the house.
Another application of this technology is Home Automation. An increasing number of new homes are being designed as ‘smart homes’. As expected, fully automating a house can be an expensive exercise (Smart Homes, 2004). However, there is substantial evidence to suggest that, in the long run, home automation is energy efficient. Home automation utilises the technology in many different ways, from wireless detector lights to integrating and controlling a home’s heat, ventilation and air-conditioning.
So far, the general consensus on wireless technology is that it is beneficial to everyday life. In testimony to this, many large businesses internationally have encouraged employees to spend more time at the ‘home office’. However, Smith (2000), argues that “… groups of people using these tools will gain new forms of social power…� Therefore, new power groups and counter – power groups could emerge, with disruptive consequences and social effects .
Also, recent surveys have showed that there are significant security risks involved when using a WIFI network. Because wireless technologies are becoming ubiquitous, the risk of surveillance by unauthorised persons is becoming increasingly common (Ward, 2002). Home wireless networks are designed to be set up by ordinary computer users and many simply plug it in and go but do not think to change the default settings of their home access point. As a result, they run the risk of broadcasting their existence over airwaves to anyone who is interested. Without thorough knowledge of how a wireless network operates, home owners are leaving themselves exposed
As mentioned earlier, wireless technology has existed for many years. For many, these technologies are merely regarded as ordinary, yet continue to be been tweaked and perfected overtime. Like television and radio, wireless networking, home automation and other applications of this technology will eventually become just as commonplace. Similar technologies are all around us, such as microwaves and garage door remotes. So where is wireless heading? No longer does an office worker have to be at the office to check their emails. A parent can chat online to relatives whilst sitting in the backyard as the kids play. The possibilities appear endless as society continues its quest to simplify the activities of everyday life.
Sub-Topics
Social Effects of Wireless Technology
References
Mark Ward. 2002. Wireless net takes over homes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2591181.stm (accessed August 6, 2004).
MSN House and Home. 2004. Smart Homes:Your Wish Is Their Command. http://houseandhome.msn.com/Improve/SmartHomes0.aspx (accessed August 7, 2004).
Ring, B. 2003. The Magic Disappearing Cable Trick. PC Powerplay, 92: 87-92.
Smith, M. 2000. Some Social Implications of ubiquitous mobile networks. ACM SIGMOBILE Mobile and Communications Review 4 (2): 25-36.
What Wireless Networking Means To Everyday People. 2003. http://www.linksys.com/products/wp_wireless.asp (accessed August 10, 2004).
Katherineedwards 23:52, 9 Sep 2004 (EST)
