Who am I?

This unit is about technology (specifically ICT) and why it's important to use it in our schools.

Technology = a tool that helps us do something. As simple as a paperclip, or as complicated as a car or a hydroelectric power plant.

ICT (Information and Communication Technology). Specifically: locating, selecting, using and communicating with information.

‘Technologies related to capturing, organising, storing and exchanging information’ (Johnson 2011:308)

Johnson, N.F. (2011) Teaching with information and communication technologies. In Churchill et al., Teaching: Making a Difference. Milton, Qld: John Wiley & Sons.

Technologies are linked to the society in which they are developed (and vice versa).

Agricultural 'revolution' started when people started farming.

They soon found ways to make it easier.

That meant they had time to do other things.
=population boom!

People didn't need to farm, so they moved to/developed cities.

More people = more technology, more systems.

Eventually the technology started to replace people.

As more and more jobs are automated, the workforce is changing.

Technology has allowed for the globalisation of work.

In the past - we travelled to deal and trade with others. It's not as hard (but also quicker).

Work is more flexible. Mobile technology makes it easier, but the workforce is also more flexible. = contract work (and blurred lines between work and personal life).


Shoreditch Style Office Hours by Ann Wuyts
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagedept/5881463402
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

And outsourcing!

Call Centre by Vitor Lima
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vitorcastillo/2994723741
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

But think of the other things that have changed:

communication

Listening to music..

Philips D 8803 vintage Boombox Ghettoblaster by free photos & art
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79818573@N04/8056799362
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

Watching movies...

VHS by Axel Tregoning
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/axeldeviaje/2203848336
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

Taking photos...


Old School by Don McCullough
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/69214385@N04/9106183028
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

Playing games...


Old Video Games at the Manitou Arcade by Kari Sullivan
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ilovemypit/2267178231
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

In fact, think of all the technology that has appeared in the time that most of you have been alive:

Since 1985:

Mobile phones
Home game systems (Atari, Playstation etc)
DVDs
YouTube
Amazon, eBay
Digital Camera
Portable computers
smart phones
Social Media
iPads
Crowdfunding
MP3/MP3 players
Google

And disappeared (or almost):

VHS
Film Cameras
Typewriters
Rotary dial phones
Floppy discs
Dials on TVs (and rabbit ears)
Cassette Tapes
Car windows

Photo:
School by Robb North
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/robbn1/3928140051
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

Schools were designed for the industrial age.

Informal Gluttony by Northern Lights Man
Available: http://www.flickr.com/photos/orangegreenblue/9570626046
Under a CC BY NC 2.0 license

Photo by George Couros

Photo:
Student_ipad_school - 175 by Brad Flickinger
Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/56155476@N08/6660098369
Under a CC BY 2.0 license

Photo by Mel Bezear

Just because you can [image]. Retrieved from: http://blog.le.unimelb.edu.au/2014/01/just-because-you-can/