1. What did you think technology was before the module?
1.1. Next level topic
1.2. I think technology was laptops, computers, ovens, cell phones. I also thought of it as something that you used to write with (i.e. pen and paper) and anything that can be of use in daily life. The technology that I grew up with versus what it is now is different in the way of being more advanced (e.g. thinner cellphones and Ipads, more battery life in them, etc). Due to this, it is rare to go into a store and not see an advertisement saying “for more information, scan the QR code below” or “go to this website for more information”. Through using advanced computers, the medical field is also able to use technology to perform different scans and diagnostics of the human body and detect what is wrong through reading what was scanned. In order to use all this technology, we need power, engineers, and companies willing to make the products, which we already have.
2. What do you think technology is now?
2.1. What I think technology is now is still something powered by wires connecting to a cricut. Technology is also AI (Artificial Intelligence), which is used in electronic devices such as laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc. Engineers would think that “it’s a tool or process that can be employed to build better products or solve technical problems” Megantz (2002). There are a variety of ways to use AI, two examples are asking it for resources for a certain product you are researching. Instead of deeply searching the internet, it just gives you a variety of websites to choose from. A second example is that you can also ask it to write an essay for you through giving it the topic, describing how you would like it to be written, and giving references as well. It is also “a bundle of information, rights & services” Sagafi-Nejad (1981). In order to achieve “non-invasive medical procedures, micro-factories, and new scientific tools“ (Microrobotics Lab | University of Toronto, n.d.). The University of Toronto (UofT) Diller Microbiotics Lab is shrinking mechanical and electrical parts of robots extremely small.
3. References
4. Alan Kay. (2023, November 16). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Kay Freckmann, G. (2020). Basics and use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in diabetes therapy. Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1515/labmed-2019-0189 Kaufmann, K. F., Perez, G., & Bryant, M. (2018). Reaching Shared Goals in Higher Education: A Collaboration of the Library and Disability Support Services. Library Leadership & Management (Online), 32(2), 1-15. https://explore.proquest.com/elibrary/document/2011975057?accountid=44944 Li-Hua, R. (2007), "What is technology?", Journal of Technology Management in China, Vol. 2 No. 3. https://doi-org.library.sheridanc.on.ca/10.1108/jtmc.2007.30202caa.001 Microrobotics Lab | University of Toronto. (n.d.). https://microrobotics.mie.utoronto.ca/ Rossing, J., Miller, W., Cecil, A., & Stamper, S. (n.d.). iLearning: The Future of Higher Education? Student Perceptions on Learning with Mobile Tablets. Retrieved May 20, 2024, from https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/883aeb15-5e86-4397-8720-fb609b48a238/content
5. Why do we need new technologies?
5.1. We need new technologies in order to help us solve today's problems such as health, economic, environmental, and political. Advanced technologies also help us to compete with other countries in various industries, (in film and entertainment) for movies and TV shows to make things look realistic. We also need it to help people interact with one another. During COVID, we were deeply dependent on technology as a way to see each other's faces and hear each other's voices. New technologies help to make more cars function off of autopilot, having a “call” button on the steering wheel, having a screen to see where you are on a map, etc. When taking the underground subway in downtown Toronto you just scan your Presto or Credit card to go through the mini plastic gates. These new technologies help to make daily life easier to maneuver instead of waiting for so long in a line or having to move your hands more when reaching for your phone in the car.
5.2. New technologies also make the human brain function less in the way of technology replacing the brain in some ways. For example, autocorrect jumps in when texting someone, you do not need to memorize many or no phone numbers at all or addresses. “Tech is more than just machines” (Isam, 2012). As time goes on, we get new railway systems on highways, which makes transportation easier for people to get around to places. For example, highway 10 just got a new railway system and highway 413 is in the works. For people who have diabetes, their CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System) is able to let them know through a beeping sound where their sugars are at whether it is too high or too low. “Studies showed that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and hypoglycemic events can be significantly reduced by frequent use of CGM systems” (Freckmann, 2020).
6. How have your ideas changed?
6.1. My idea of technology has changed as I used to write on paper for essays or paragraphs. Now, I type on my laptop as I find it much easier than having to erase and redo half my paper. This changed after COVID. During online learning, having multiple windows open was extremely helpful when having to switch between applications for learning. Alan Kay came up with the idea of overlapping windows as a way to help education become mobile through learning (Alan Kay). When studying for a test in highschool and middle school, I would create a study sheet, look it over, and get my parents to test me.
6.2. Now, in College I look at what I need to study for, go to my notes, and write down the information on my iPad as writing helps to retain information better as it is using both hemispheres of the brain. Whenever I have to remember to do something important in the middle of the day, I will often set a reminder in my phone, which has been extremely helpful. For a project, it is much easier to access information as you just need to type what you are searching and click a link.Resources such as periodical databases help to make it easier and more efficient accessing credible websites and information. Technology allows College and University students to expand on discussion beyond the classroom. I experienced this through a group project where I had to comment on other peoples projects and post them to a discussion board via Slate.
6.3. Rossing et al talked about this in their article “The Future of Higher Education?” “Learning with mobile technology allows students, then, to expand discussion and investigation beyond the walls of the classroom” (Rossing et al., n.d.). When I first came to Sheridan, I found out that I would be able to record the lectures using a program called Glean. This was made possible through the accessibilities department because the College collaborates with the accessibilities department. This is more and more common as we are becoming more aware of the needs of students. “The Library and Disability Support Services (DSS) forged a collaboration resulting in acceptance of a grant for the acquisition of software to support student academic success” (Kaufmann, Karen F et al, 2018).
