Interactivity #1: Technology as Autobiography

            According to Vanessa Domine, technology is “a way of thinking about information, knowledge, and the world at large” (Domine, 7). Technology is synonymous with knowledge. When reading about this assignment I thought about how technology has influenced my life through two perspectives: technology for general purposes and technology in the classroom. In general, the three most influential technologies in my life are the Internet, smart phones/cell phones, and social media. These general technologies help with both communication and mass communication. They also provide access to information and help to stay connected with friends and family on the Internet.

            Technology can also be utilized in schools as an educational tool. The Internet has boundless amounts of information that can be helpful in getting material across. Three technologies that I think are important in the classroom are PowerPoint, online journals (like JSTOR), and through streaming videos such as those found on YouTube.  PowerPoint provides a visual aid for students and it is very accessible by providing a good amount of information. I believe that as a teacher I would utilize this technology to go over main ideas. I also feel like online journals are important because they are often peer-reviewed and provide credible sources.  Also, I like youtube.com (and other streaming media sites) because it is a fun way to get information. I use these technologies pretty often as a student, and hope to implement them in my classroom.

            The video “Olivia’s Story”, presented a perspective on Olivia’s relationship to technology through her daily life and her education. In some ways, Olivia’s experience could resemble students’ involvement with technology in New Jersey. While watching this video Olivia lives in an urban area, she takes public transportation and has limited access to technology, but it is very important in her life. She uses a cell phone and social media sites to stay connected. When needed, she usually utilizes school computers and a computer in her apartment building. According to the video, a teacher stated that only 1/3 of her students had access to computers. Teachers must be understanding and knowledgeable about their students’ access to technology. Also, New Jersey has many urban areas/districts so her story can be relatable.

            The second video we were required to watch was “Learning to Change, Changing to Learn” portrayed students and their relationships with technology. In general, the students depicted technology as improving their lives. A major component that the students all shared was using technology for communication and coordinating with people and group members. These students also felt that technology has helped them express themselves. They also discussed how technology makes things convenient for learning and easy to access for information. Students also discussed how technology has helped them improve their reading and writing skills.

            Similarly to the videos, I feel technology has had a big impact on my life, both in general and academically. In school, the Internet and technological tools I discussed help facilitate learning.  For example, PowerPoint is a visual aid that helps get main ideas across. I feel this will be helpful, not only as a student, but as a teacher. Also, the typical use of technology in my life has improved my ability to communicate and stay connected with friends and family. Communication played an important role in the two videos. A major theme I saw in the videos was technology making things convenient and accessible.  The tools I discussed for educational purposes were not really addressed, but there were noticeably more similarities than differences. One of these similarities was making information easier to find.  I wish they addressed this topic more, in order to relate technology to the classroom.