Emerging Technologies in E-learning

In our reading of Emerging Technologies in E-Learning by Delich, Kelley, and McIntosh, we are given a brief history on the evolution of the web, a tour of popular e-learning technologies being used today, an examination on how those technologies are being used in our daily lives, and a brief glimpse into the future of e-learning. This was a great introduction to the world of Web 2.0 since it gave a broad snapshot of what was being used today with all of the relevant links and glossary definitions to explore and refer to.

The article describes social computing as being the essence of Web 2.0, with that not only does the author of the message or information has a voice but so does the participant or learner -- that potentially doubles the amount or more of sources to explore through. There is no doubt that by having someone to participate in the discussion brings out more critical thinking than a one way version but I sometimes wonder if it is necessarily more effective if we have to spend time and energy in sorting through long threads of irrelevant content. Sometimes I waste time in sorting through responses in blogs and forums that just say things like "That was cool" or "I know how you feel" or "That's true". It's great that the responses show an enthusiastic audience but it holds very little or no value in getting more out of the content being discussed.

In reference to artificial intelligence of computers such as those depicted in science fiction, maybe some sort of brain can be implemented to sort and maybe delete or put aside the irrelevant information so that a visitor to the site can explore and get right into the relevant material. However, I am afraid that has a possibility of increasing a type of fear also often portrayed in science fiction and that is the fear of computers taking control of humans.

Fourth Week (2/19)

For this fourth week of class we touched on a good array of topics within the Web 2.0 realm, starting with identifying the basic types of technology adaptation groups, then on to examining the effects and issues associated with Web 2.0 technologies, and closing with a discussion on what kind of direction should we look towards as educators.

Regarding the technology adaptation groups there were three basic types mentioned:

1. Pioneers or early adapters
2. Users who jump on the bandwagon when the technology becomes mainstream
3. Late or non-adapters

As educators utilizing digital technologies, there is no doubt that we need to be pioneers -- especially now since technology evolves at a much more rapid pace than ever. They need to adapt early so that their students can can adapt at the appropriate times.

In examining Web 2.0 technologies, we started off with a great presentation by Zack, Jeff, Jonathan, and Brian on the use of blogs, wikis, and twitter. This led to quite an interesting discussion on issues such as:

• Non participants (lurkers).
  
• Problems with your idea becoming everyone other people's ideas.
  
• Your thoughts and expressions being seen by others such as present or future employers and being detrimental to your image.
  
• The convergence of all the technologies presently offered and actively used.

With Web 3.0 lurking somewhere in the near future, a big question about it is that will it address these issues or create much more to deal with?

In looking where educators need to go in utilizing the massive flow of information available online, we need to define how to put all of that into some kind of context that can be formed into knowledge,and figure out a way to apply experience to that knowledge so that wisdom can be gained. I believe a probable solution to that lies within the advancement of virtual technologies that will immerse the learner of the future much deeper into replicated situations and environments.