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By Natalie Harr
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(Blog Post #2)
Think about the word TECHNOLOGY. What comes to mind? Most often we think of computers, telephones, or radios as prime examples. But what about a clock? A chair? Even a pencil is considered a technology. So before we delve into future technologies, let’s examine what technology truly is and the kinds that currently exist today. |
Image Credit: Wikipedia
were designed to keep papers organized and pens for recording our thoughts and ideas. Yes, these are both technologies that teachers heavily rely on!
There are many different kinds of technology that we depend on for daily use. Some are quite simple (e.g., pencil, paper), or complex (e.g., printers, telephones, radios) or really complex (e.g., airplanes, automobiles, computers). Some are mechanical (e.g., a stapler), electronic (e.g., a calculator) or a combination of mechanical and electronic (e.g., computer). Even the clothing we wear is an example of technology.
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SIMPLE
Technologies |
COMPLEX
Technologies |
VERY COMPLEX
Technologies |
Image Credit: Wikipedia
It has transformed how we communicate, travel, make decisions… basically how we live our lives. As we have progressed into the 21st century, the development, adoption, and advancement of technology has grown exponentially. And as technology continues to transform and innovate, so does our reliance on it.
Just think of the recent history of cell phones… With each new iteration (new version), cell phones have become more compact, portable, and functional. In the past fifteen years or so, our cell phones have literally evolved into handheld computers!
Phones have become so “smart,” in fact, that we can now use them as learning technologies. Students can use their phones to do simple things like bringing photos or movie clips of discoveries for class discussion (e.g., animal tracks found in their backyard) or for complex tasks like running data analyses (e.g., calories expended in a day).
As I continue the blog, I will present technologies, some you are familiar with, some you are not, that can be used to foster learning. I will also help you have imagination about how to use technologies you are familiar with educationally.
TECHNOLOGY. TIME. TRANSFORMATION.
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and where would the nano-chip used on our current forms go on the chart? or nano-robot? Alas, technologies may not be as simple to categorize in our new world of technologies… But loved the reminder that a pencil is indeed technology, once groundbreaking. Have you tried chiseling in stone lately?
This is one of my first lessons in the Pre-Engineering Academy at CMS. I usually use a pencil as my example to the class. It is amazing to see their eyes light up when they come to understand that they don’t have to INVENT something to be engineers. . . they need to think INNOVATE and IMPROVE an existing technology. I LOVE that lesson.
Hi Bob. Thanks for your comments. You raised a great point about nanotechnologies. We’ll soon explore the evolution of technology from the industrial age to the information age. Perhaps it’ll shed more light on how to think about and categorize new and future technologies.
Hi Eddie,
Thanks for following along! I really appreciate how you introduce technology and engineering to Crestwood Middle schoolers. It’s very thought-provoking yet simple,and just want students need to start thinking like an engineer. Some of the simplest of tools (i.e., pencils, paper) are the most useful and have stood the test of time.
GO RED DEVILS!
Natalie, I’m really enjoying reading your blog! I’m looking forward to learning more about the augmented reality innovations!!!
Like Eddie, I start with this lesson and use brooms and vacuums as my examples of technology that I share with my elementary students.