Utilizing Thornburg’s format, respond to the following:
•Identify a current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning or productivity in your industry.
The Smart Phone such as the Motorola Blackberry has been issued to administrators and county personnel. The idea of having certain individuals having a Blackberry is for easier and immediate access to information, e-mail etc. on and off campus. The productivity level is assummed to go up. You no longer need to be connected to the server at the school site or on campus to conduct school business. The mobile phones include a calendar, gps, phonebook, notepad accessories as well as numurous mobile applications for download.
http://us.blackberry.com/business/industry/education/
What problems or challenges have been associated with this technology?
The problem I see with the technology is that the individuals who have been issued the Blackberry's are expected to be reachable 24/7. The user must be comfortable with mobile technology in order to reep the benefits of the smartphone, which could lead to frustration. The software on these devices require downloads for latest versions which could be inconvienant as well as time consuming. There have been known gliches with software which could cost time= money. Contacting the Blackberry technology support is time consuming and frustrating to some users. If the phone needs to be fixed for some reason, the parts are costly. They do offer an online forum for each model phone with a variety of issues.
http://supportforums.blackberry.com/
•What societal need does it meet, and what are its benefits?
The Blackberry or any smartphone mobile device is the 21st century's cellphone. Not only do higher ups, administrators etc have these for professional use but personal use as well. Most recent cell phone technology that you hear about is the smartphone or android platform. A mini mobile computer plus so much more meets today's fast paced world in which businesses and families are seperated by not only hours but time zones.
•What would make this technology even better, avoiding the pitfalls you identified?
With technology as in humans, there is no such thing as perfection. You will always encounter some type of gliche or non-working function. The Blackberry can just continue to improve and learn from the issues they experience. As smartphones become the only cell phone available the price to purchase and repair will decline, like most new gadgets.
Jeannine,
ReplyDeleteGreat post as always. You make some great comments. Do you think that these have future potential in the classroom? Do you think that these handhelds will replace computers in the classroom?
Jeannine,
ReplyDeleteI love your post! I work in a school district where mobile device use among students is prohibited. As a matter of fact, the device is confiscated if the student uses it on the school premises. Because of their place in the 21st Century workplace, it would be beneficial for students to see their productivity capabilities.
Also, I find it interesting that you mentioned how smartphone users tend to be reachable 24/7. As a matter of fact, the BlackBerry had another unpleasant name “CrackBerry” because of the attachment its owner displayed. In “Addicted to the Smartphone? Here’s What to Do,” Susan Davis provides strategies smartphone users can implement to break their dependence on their devices. One of the most useful tips that I implement with my smartphone is “be[ing] displined about not using your device in certain situations or at certain hours.”
References
Davis, S. (2010). Addicted to the smartphone? Here’s what to do. Retrieved March 17, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/addicted-your-smartphone-what-to-do
Angela
@Lynne,
ReplyDeleteI do eventually think that Mobile devices will be allowed in the classroom, especially higher ed. Public school I believe will fall behind as usual. I am not sure if handhelds will replace mobiles but I eventually think the ipad or something similar will.
@Angela,
I agree, same in my school. Yes, I remember the crackberry comments as well. You have to be disciplined in when and where it is acceptable to use it or know when its off limits. Thanks for the comment.