Red Queens and Increasing Returns

When you decided to obtain a DVD for your science fiction assignment in Module 4, where did you go to find a movie based on a Philip K. Dick book? Did you rent or purchase a DVD, or did you view it digitally on your computer using Netflix or a similar vendor of video-on-demand?


When I chose a movie for my science fiction assignment in Module 4, I selected a movie available on Netflix instant streaming and watched on my computer. I selected Blade Runner because it was the only movie of the options listed that was available on Netflix instant streaming.


Is the current competition between DVDs and video-on-demand an example of increasing returns or Red Queens? 


I think the current competitions between DVDs and video-on-demand is an example of Red Queens. Thornburg describes Red Queens as competition between two forces results in rapid development of both (2008). I think Netflix and other similar video on demand sites are seeing tremendous growth in their customer base because viewers can choose from a variety of movies at any time. However, their selection of new releases tends to be limited. I think that as HD TV grows as the standard format for televisions, the customer base for Blu-Ray DVDs will also grow especially if Netflix continues to be behind in releasing newer movies into their database.  


Where do you think DVDs and video-on-demand are on the four criteria of McLuhan’s tetrad?


I think both DVDs and video-on-demand have made VHS completely obsolete. I think there will be a time when eventually one of the two technologies surpasses the other. If I had to make a prediction, I think that video-on-demand will make DVDs obsolete. Digital media is more portable than a collection of DVDs. I think DVDs will eventually join VHS as an obsolete technology.




Reference:
Thornburg, D. (2008c). Red Queens, butterflies, and strange attractors: Imperfect lenses into emergent technologies. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.

Disruptive Power of Second Life

How is Second Life a disruptive technology? What technology or innovation did it displace?

A disruptive technology is one which is new that functions the same as an existing technology, however it is more efficient than the existing technology therefore making the existing technology obsolete (Laureate Education, 2009). Second Life is a way of communicating with people in a virtual world. It displaces traditional social interaction like instant messaging and does it more efficiently by providing a virtual world for people to interact with while they communicate.

How many years do you think Second Life has left before another emerging technology or disruptive technology replaces it?

Second Life launched in 2003 as a way for people to network and socialize with each other. It has experienced steady growth since its inception, so it will probably continue to be a disruptive force for at least a few more years. 

What are the social benefits of Second Life, and what might be the social implications of virtual worlds in your industry?

Second Life provides a way for users to communicate in a life-like environment online. People can conduct meetings and collaborate with others whom they might not otherwise be to due to lack of accessibility. Second Life has been used in education as a way for learners to interact and collaborate with each other and access materials and ideas. Up to this point it has mainly been used in higher education. I think for it to be utilized with younger learners, a child-friendly, safe environment would need to be provided so that students could still interact with others while being protected. Elementary students could use a child-friendly version of Second Life to play educational games with each other and learn about different cultures and areas of the world. 

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

 Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Emerging and future technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Rhymes of History Technology

GPS technology is an example of a rhyme of history. It rekindles using the stars and sun to navigate. GPS technology uses satellites positioned at different places in space to determine position and where your destination is and how to get there. Hundreds of years ago, people would use tools like the sextant to measure the distance between an object in the sky (like a star) and a point on the horizon in order to help them chart a course of travel. Similar to this method, GPS receivers measure distance using the travel time of the radio signals transmitted in order to triangulate and determine position and course. GPS technology is used in vehicles by drivers to navigate to different places as well as in cell phones for emergency purposes when 911 is called.

References:
Gps technology. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.beaglesoft.com/gpstechnology.htm


Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Emerging and future technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

IPad Tetrad

My IPad Tetrad:

IPad Tetrad

What it enhances: Ipads enhance the portability of technology. They are smaller than laptops and lighter, making them even more portable. They provide a large number of educational apps that can be used to enrich student learning or for students who need more practice. Students can also download e-books onto the IPad making text more portable. There are a variety of interactive tools that can help students with organization or study skills as well.

What technology does it replace: IPads easily can replace desktop computers with the amount that students can store and access. In some cases they could replace laptop computers, however, students may still find a laptop or netbook to be more ideal for word processing.

What does this technology bring to mind from the past: IPads combine a variety of older, out dated items into one efficient piece of technology such as a walkman/discman for listening to music, a video or still image camera for taking video and still shots, and agenda type books for recording important calendar dates and contact information.

What might replace this technology in the future or what might cause it to occur: In the near future, I could see the IPad being replaced by a tablet that supports Flash (which Apple/IPad do not) which is a widely used programming format on the internet. If someone were to create a tablet that worked more effectively or efficiently, it could replace the IPad as well.

Emerged Technology

Interactive whiteboards have emerged as an alternative to flipcharts and whiteboards or chalkboards and has shaped learning in the classroom. Interactive whiteboards can be used by teachers to present information using text, images, video and sound. They have the ability to captivate the attention of learners who have grown up being exposed to so much technology. Interactive whiteboards can also appeal to a variety of learning styles and can serve as a great tool for meeting the needs of special education students.

Some of the problems with this technology include the learning gap of older teachers or teachers who are more hesitant when it comes to new technology. Training is essential for teachers to be able to use them comfortably and effectively.

Interactive Whiteboard Resources:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/09/12/it-makes-teachers-touchy.html
http://downloads01.smarttech.com/media/research/whitepapers/interactivewhiteboardsanduniversaldesignforlearningjan20.pdf