Responds Paper for this term

Responds Paper

by
Jeff Ward



ED 4862 (Information and Communications Technology II) February 15th 2008



Instructor Jeff Whipple



“It was the best of times, it was the worst of time.”, Is a quote that can clearly describe the challenges that we as individuals, parents, schools, business people and society are truly facing with respect to the futuristic ideas on how the nature of information will continue to change. Technology is evolving so quickly at times that in many situations many forms are becoming obsolete while they are still on the market shelves. What can we do as the masses to keep up with the changes? I believe that we need to focus on the following; education, updates of programs, keeping up with companies buying other companies, hybrid learning approaches, investing on technology smart, and most importantly stick to traditional learning skills.

Now there are many partnership that are currently out there that everyone must keep in mind. Major players such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple are just a few examples. One great partnership that just ended was between Microsoft and M.I.T., who are two major giants in the technology world. In an article written by Seely Brown, he stated the following “The conference was organized to mark the end next year of an eight-year partnership between Microsoft and M.I.T. explore the use of technology in learning.” Martin LaMonica 2006. It is about these partnerships that Seely Brown argues in following statement.

“ education is going through a large-scale transformation toward a more participatory form of learning. Rather than treat pedagogy as the transfer of knowledge from teachers who are experts to students who are receptacles, educators should consider more hands-on and informal types of learning. These methods are closer to an apprenticeship, a farther-reaching, more multilayered approach than traditional formal education, he said.” Martin LaMonica 2006.


In the article by Seely Brown, He argues a point on how education is enhanced by technology. He stated

“Some universities are using the Web-community approach as well. A Web site set up at Brown University called the Decamarom Web brings together experts on a novel by Boccaccio… Online communities are forming around a wide variety of topics. Amateur astronomers, for example, are sharing information among themselves and even with professionals….As you work shoulder to shoulder with other kids, all the work you do and work in progress is done in public. So others understand what you're thinking," Martin LaMonica 2006.

I agree with Browns point of view. For example of this course is a great example on how 57 students from 9 different First Nations, Two Different provinces, all to reach a common goal of further education. This is also great way to create partnerships in the business world. Many small companies could not afford to travel to make partnerships that would allow them to be successful. Another note for students this form of technology “gives undergraduate students "an apprenticeship platform" for learning the practice of scholarly debate,” Martin LaMonica 2006.


However one can look at the total opposite side of the scale. There are many arguments from researches that the following;

“Technology changes faster than educational researchers can study it. Although many researchers insist computers are valuable in schools, they readily admit they can't yet say whether technology actually helps kids achieve educational goals. Have schools jumped onto the technology bandwagon too soon? In this story, Education World focuses on some of the research that makes a strong case against the way technology is currently used in schools.” Glori Chaika 1997
This statement has truly created a shadow of a doubt. Also to add to the argument the article goes on to say,
“Educational psychologist and long time teacher and administrator Jane M. Healy, once an advocate of technology in the schools, sees many problems with the way educational technology is used today. It's become an idea that has taken over the public consciousness, helped, of course, by the mass promoting of these products to kids as young as a year-and-a-half." Glori Chaika 1997


Which also goes on saying “…the sparse objective evidence indicates that computers have thus far contributed nothing of note to the learning process.... There is no question that computers are 'motivating' to children -- but are they motivated to learn or just to play with the computer?" Glori Chaika 1997 . One would question that most programs are for sell and not for education. This is a easy fact to believe, considering the big companies are out there to make money.

In conclusion I believe that we need to focus on the following; education, updates of programs, keeping up with companies buying other companies, hybrid learning approaches, investing on technology smart, and most importantly stick to traditional learning skills. And like what was seen in the video in regards to the future, it can go any directions and we as society will all be a part of it, If we like it or not.






Reference:


http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6140175.html Futurist: To fix education, think Web 2.0. By Martin LaMonica, News.com Posted on ZDNet News: Dec 1, 2006 9:07:00 PM

http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin121.shtml Technology in Schools: Some Say It Doesn't Compute!. Article by Glori Chaika 1997Education World® Copyright © 2006 Education World. 06/23/1997

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/epic. Epic 2015by Robin Sloan and Matt Thompson

Drums of Technology

Technology.....Has a great affect on all of society. I was at the Cape Breaton International Drum Festival this weekend. And I saw how technology has even changed Drums. There was a new set of drums there was all control by technology. It was a small set of drum that was all hooked up to a computer. This allowed the drums to always be tuned. A push of a button you can change up to 6 differnet sets of drums. It was light weight and easy you for travel. A little bit more expenisve. But I am sure that the cost will go down in the days to come.

Technology Love

This a topic that was not touched upon. Technology love. We always hear about the crazy stories about stockers and preditors. What about love? that is found on the net. My friend met her husband on line. They were from other countries. Canada to Ireland. Now they are happily married and 3 kids later. He is a wonderful guy. That is turly beautiful. I never read about that on the front page on any paper or on any news cast. So there is good out there. On the net and through technology. We as people and human nature always tend to hear about the bad stuff and never the good. And did you see my Facebook today. My Girlfriend sent me the most beautiful message for the world to see, "you are truly the best man I have ever loved and been loved by...I am humbled by you...and honored to walk beside you...I feel blessed to have finally found you...and know in my heart that the creator has saved the best for last..." and thats after I sent her a poem on her facebook. " A falling star.....The Northern lights.....A rainbow after a storm....Thats Mother nature’s beautyBeauty to the truest,Nothing can compare,Time to time they appear.A reminder that beauty existence.Twinkle in your eyes....Beautiful smile...Compassionate, understanding and caring.Is what I see in you.Beauty to the truest......Nothing can compare.....Time to time they appear.A reminder the beauty existence.Now my eyes are open.....And to my surprise.....Beauty has graced me, You are my reminder that beauty existence.". So thats my take on Technology love. What is yours?

Technology is helpful or harmful

There are many advantages to technology. Improvment to the qualitly of life, the advancement of hearing aides, and many others technologies that help people with disabilities. The form of communitcation has also changed. You can text some one, email , MSN, Phone, cell, web cast, face book, and many more. However, there has to be an answer on the other end. If you forget to power up your back berry, then your not going to get your calls. You also need a form to check your messages. And if you have friends that are not on line or use these forms of communications then you have to rely on smoke signals i guess.

Technology is changing so rapidly. From IPODs to video games. I know personally, as a parent, purchasing and owning 4 different video games and 3 different IPODs and MPS. Game Cube, Play Station One, two and three (next), X Box, X Box 360. Nintendo, and so on...... Also the TV tecnology have also had its rapid growth. So whats next.

Balance

Tecnology may cause strain on your personal life. When you wife starts making comments like....wow your not of facebook....why you talking to me?Is the internet down....you touch that labtop more then you touch me. ( I have never heard this personally....lol) I think it is time to relax from the net. One must creat a balance. The Net and Technology is great, but like everything in life, Use it in moderation. Or if your wife or partner is a tecno nerd too,,,,then I guess you got it make. Use you can communicate through the net and tecnology. Or are you a parent that your kids are sorry they taught you to use the computer, cause you tend to be on line more then them. I know personally my son thinks I am on line too much....as do I think the same of him. LOL
BALANCE people.
Later

power of the pod cast

it s amazing how many pod casts that are out there and available. It can be a great way to educate. Just on how the pod cast on sweats shops. This is no sercret, but when you see it in that form, with that kind of music, it turly affects your feelings. I wanted to take off my Nike shoes and trow them in the garbage can, Than i thought, I dont want to walk home in my socks. But I am in the need to shop for new sneakers. Guess what, I am going to do some research first.

high speed or bust

After reading the article of the Navajo Nation situation. I would question if this is a true challenge of funding ? or is the company just upset that the natives are parking out front to get free service. Of course that would never be admitted too. Is this happening in Non Native communities? I hope that I don't sound like I am playing the race card, But it does not sound right for such an organizations to look into First Nations business and the only time its done is due to the loss of money. As for the rural and poor people of New Brunswick. The companies do not see the profit in setting up high speed in rural comm unties, therefore they may never see high speed Internet. I commend the Steve Graham and Liberal government for supporting such a company to create these unique jobs. However one seems to question of sustainability of such an industry. One sign of loss profit, they can easily pack up and head overseas for a cheaper work force. But I guess that's what you get for using up all the other resources. And how long is Alberta's boom going to last? I willing to wage not as long as companies estimate. They will never tell until the last minute, when all money is made and you receive a pink slip in the mail with your last cheque. Now this technology of working on line is the next great boom, and assessable to everyone with high speed. We are fortunate here in my community, And if we didn't have it, I know my community would not be the same and we would suffer greatly.
What types of challenges would this community face after losing the Internet?
Provide examples of economic, social and educational opportunities that are not available now (if your community does not have high-speed access) or would be lost (if you currently have it) if service was discontinued.

Responds Paper that was sent 5 times to Instructor...this way it would not get lost

Reponds Paper
by
Jeff Ward
ED 3862 (Information and Communications Technology I) February 15th 2008
Instructor Jeff Whipple


The challenges faced by First Nation Organizations in the 21 st Century are vast compared to the global scale. One must relize that is wasn't until the last 35 years that First Nation Governments were able to control their own Band funds. Therefore, the last 30 years, First Nation Governments have been on a fast track trying to catch up with other government agencies and businesses. It wasn't until the last 10 years that First Nation governments were able to afford and and feel more privileged in using technology in the work place.
Like the Farmers in the world that relied on traditional methods, we as First Nation Goverments, by that I mean Band Offices, had to rely on the old methods of paper reports and actually book keeping in real books. I myself can remember the old fashion manual cheque presses. However, that this is not the case now, for my First Nation as well as the majority of First Nation's out there. This transition was fast for our people. This is same for the farmers of the world today. “Computer-savvy cattlemen and crop farmers are lining up to try out the latest gadgets, from tractor-mounted mapping systems to market reports delivered as podcasts.” First Nation Governments are now on high speed internet with computers in the majority of offices and are now contacting with other goverment agencies via e mail. Reports are now all created by computers. Cheques are now being printed by the computer. Just as the farmers now have evolved with the use of “Topics ranged from basic spreadsheet use for managing finances to implementing "precision agriculture" techniques to maximize crop yields through computer-driven soil testing and fertilizer applications.” We as First Nation Governments are now able to keep in touch with the rest of the world.

It may seem that Farmers are more advanced then many First Nation Governments, for example “ Lifelong farmer Norman Brown of Aledo, Ill., started a company that specializes in farm-friendly software to compile crop summaries, cost analyses, livestock feeding schedules and other specialized applications.” And, although First Nation Governments are able to use programs that are readily available on the market, they are more in need of specialized applications that would be more relavant to First Nation Goverments. However, because they only make up a small market for the industry one can see why these programs are not available. It has improved in the last few years, as the Federal Goverment has started to implement specialized programs that allow First Nation Goverments to become partners and more actively share programs. The Goverments are starting to see the need for First Nation Goverments to be online with agencies such at Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs.

As far as businesses in my community as well as other First Nation communities, it has been a hit and miss. It is promising that for the first time in history, businesses out there are looking to create partnerships with First Nation Communities and First Nation Goverments. However many of the companies are looking to do business on a Nation to Nation basis. As for example, “A Virginia-based company that specializes in "virtual call centres" in the United States it plans to hire as many as 500 home-based employees or contractors in the Ottawa area to work for this year. This company is doing what many other call centres do. It is capitalizing on that part of the workforce that finds not driving into a building every day very attractive,".

There are examples in some First Nations that are extending out into the business world. This is great for First Nation Governments and communities. However, many of the times these business agreements basically consists of land usage or leases of building on First Nation lands. For the First Nation this is only a baby step compared to the National scale.

As for the National scale, First Nation Governments and communities are at the bottom of the totem pole. In the Video speach by Daniel Pink titled “Abundance, Asia and Automation”, he brings up 3 very important points of consideration. As he puts it we must ask ourselves “Is somone over seas doing it cheaper, does a computer do it faster or does what you plan on doing meet the needs or wants of the population”? A fine example on how true that statement is and how First Nation Buisnesses are being under sold would be the selling of dream catchers and other Native arts and crafts. Now this is truely a First Nation products. But now you can go to almost any dollar store and buy a dream catcher for not only next to nothing because it is mass produced and made in China.

Why are we behind? There are many reasons as mentioned above. However there are many other issues that we face as First Nation People. Goverment Policies tended to surpress the First Nation Goverments. Big Industries tend to over flood the market, pressure Goverments to look at them rather then First Nation Goverments. Resourses are not shared. Call centers are pressured to move to bigger cities rather then smaller First Nation Communities.

One can see the challenges on the 21st Century that First Nation Governments, communities and People deal with on a global business environment. The challenges and opportunities may seem endless however it is up to our current leaders and future leaders to learn and capture the spirit of technology and bring it to our people.

References :


Articles:Farmer's Riding the Technology Wave, Associated Press, January 10, 2008Virtual call center to Hire 500, Ottawa Citizen, January 9, 2007Video:Daniel Pink: Abundance, Asia and Automation