Module 4: Second Life

http://secondlife.com/whatis/?lang=en-USIntro

Welcome
Start Exploring
Meet People
Go Shopping
Get Settled
Be Creative
Make Money
Education & Enterprise

Second Life is a disruptive technology because as Thornburg discussed it came onto the market with more beneficial qualities that obseleted other technologies had. One that immediately comes to mind is Sims City, a virtual world that was created by the user but recently has not been heard of.

I believe Second Life will continue to grow in the business and educator sectors but do not think 5-10 years from now it will be used for individual socializing as it is now used for. Although, Philip Rosendale, the creator of Second Life states it is a world much like Space where you can create your own identity and make anything possible. I still feel like it is fantasy and although it is a "social space" there will be fall outs. You can connect with people but you still are in reality sitting alone. I can see tremendous benefits for use in k-12 education. I wouldn't be surprised if virtual schools replaced traditional schools in the future. Here is one site where Second Life was used in a Middle school. Review the powerpoint presentation it is real look at what worked and what didn't work.
http://site.aace.org/conf/site/sessions/index.cfm/fuseaction/PaperDetails?&presentation_id=50309

Module 3: Rhymes of History

The technology I chose to discuss this week is the automobile engine. In the 1800s there was the steam engine that later progressed into an electric engine, then a gasoline powered engine was developed along with a diesel engine and now a hybrid. An automobile engine is one of those things that have been improved upon over the years. The progression of the engine included the design of the internal combustion engine, developments such as alternators replacing generators, the design of catalytic converters and fuel injection, as well as carburetors with emissions. Decade after decade this piece of machinery has been fine tuned and improved upon. In 2011, there are multiple computers in automobiles and there is more emphasis on fuel efficiency and emissions which has called for car manufacturers to roll out hybrids and electric vehicles. It seems this technology is an example of Rhymes of History as Thornburg discusses. A retrieval of the past that has transformed over time.

Reference
http://www.motoring-history.com/index1.html