In Chapter 31 "Emerging Instructional Technologies: The Near Future", we were supposed to write about something that made us go “Wow! That’s so cool!” I found three wows, all for different reasons. After reading a little about them, I would be interested in learning more, or maybe even participating in one of these fields.
My first “wow” was when I read about Cognitive Science and Neuroscience. “Researchers are studying brain regions that appear to give rise to memory and retrieval process, thereby making it possible to monitor the levels of knowledge acquisition and retention…Can a gentle electrical impulse focused on a specific brain region spur acquisition and recall of to-be-learned information? If a learner is temporarily unable to focus on the task at hand or is experiencing a more general sense of low motivation, can focus neural stimulation assist the learner to refocus…?” This could be a new direction for learning disabled or brain injured students. Could this retrain the brain to think and process at a level considered “normal”? Can a devise be used to help students learn at the same rate expected of average or above average students? I know there are ethical rules to work out, but the potential for students whose brains honestly don’t function correctly is astronomical. Maybe it could be used in brain injured patients or people with Alzheimer's. This is a WOW in my book.
The next “wow” was in Advanced Performance Tracking. The book gave an example of teaching a person to learn a better tennis serve—something I could use work on—however, I believe it could be used for so much more. The sleeve with the “microhydrolic capabilities” could be used for so much more than improving sports. My daughter has a hard time holding a pencil correctly and it shows in there writing. A devise like this could help her and other young children with other similar problems. On a larger scale, technology like this could aid in both physical and occupational therapy. One word, WOW!
The last “wow” was when I read about Cybernetics and Nanotechnology. When I read about the professor who walked around with a nanocomputer inside of him, I was a little freaked out. But, as I read further, I thought “wow”. A tiny computer that can be controlled by a person’s nervous system that will open doors or go over e-mail, or even run a bath is incredible. Would this be possible for quadriplegics or paraplegics? Even if it’s not, it could help those who suffer from muscle debilitating diseases. Again, endless possibilities. Giving people back their independence and, in some cases, their dignity. What better way for technology to serve mankind?
I must admit, I did not understand a majority of this chapter. If I had, I might have a bigger list of “wows”. As it stands, I am quite impressed with the future of IDT and am looking forward to learning more.
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2 comments:
After reading chapter 31, I found the entire chapter to be "WOW". I was amazed to see how technology is advancing. I especially was "wowed" with the advanced performance tracking (APT). Most of my current students see an occupational therapist to help enhance their fine motor skill. After reading about APT, I can see how my students could benefit from such a device. I am now eager to see how technology will advance in the near future. Enjoyed reading your reflections this semester. Have fun with your final project.
Tammy W.
You must have understood more about chapter 31 than I did, because a couple of your wow's didn;t even register with me. I really think the idea in the cognitive science and neuroscience was interesting. Being a person with short attention and easily distracted, this could help so many people. I too think that Google Sites was the best technology tool that we used, it is so versatile and you can make use of so many other tools using Sites.
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