Chapter 1 Short Answer

Question 1
Name two advances or developments that have occurred in technology since the 1970s that you feel have had significant effects on education, and explain why these technological changes had such effects.

Two developments in technology that have occurred are the World Wide Web and computer programs. The World Wide Web can be so important to not only teachers and faculty but to the students as well. A teacher can easily check facts on the internet or can show students useful information that can be gained by using the World Wide Web. The advantage for students is simply making research easier. Students can gather a variety of information now without a problem, and it helps them to sort out the important facts from the disputable ones.
Computer programs are a huge development now. Programs such as Word or PowerPoint are highly advantageous because anyone can have a presentation using PowerPoint and can write a formal document using Word. Such important programs can be used by any being of any age because it has become that important and necessary in today's world.

Question 2
Discuss one emerging trend in technology and the effect it could have on classrooms and schools.

An emerging trend I have in mind is laptops. I know that for younger students this is a crazy idea to think of incorporating laptops into the curriculum but I think it would be very beneficial to students. Kids in say fourth or fifth grade can have a real advantage to using laptops because it will give them a chance to write more papers and to help with spell check so they can correct problems earlier. Laptops can also be very helpful in looking up information for any subject. Maybe one group might need to talk about a certain topic in depth and the laptop will be reliable fast tools in making that happen. Today everyone has cell phones even when they may not need them, so maybe a laptop can be something useful that will really help kids to understand more about the topic at hand.

Question 3
Explain reasons for developing an electronic portfolio.
An electronic portfolio is very important to someone like me because it shows how much I truly understand by gathering all of my documents in one easy accessible collection. Someone may develop such a portfolio because they want to be able to view everything accomplished at one easy glance. For Elementary Education the portfolio is an easy way to check and make sure all paperwork is filled out and that all possible tools and applications were used. It helps anyone to be more prepared and organized by having every piece of information in one place with no way of getting things lost. Using this electronically can really prove that someone understands computers and computer based technology so well that they can put all documents together in a portfolio.