Reading Response Questions

1. 

       Web 2.0: A New Generation of Learners talks descriptively about how the tools of technology have created a whole new light for learners.  According to Dina Rosen, Assistant Professor at Kean University, “Web 2.0 can promote user participation and knowledge production.. these tools have the potential to transform classes from teacher-centric, transmission instruction to social constructivist, student-participatory approaches.”  This approach along with Universal Design for Learning blend well together to form what most feel like is a perfect education for learners.  The idea of UDL is to have a curriculum that can be used and learned by all types of learners.  Each and every student brings something different to the table and this way of learning and technology is meant to bring “genuine learning opportunities for every student” as we saw in the UDL video from module two.  While learner students need to have plenty of options and ways to express how they feel and also have a feeling that they are wanted and their information is valued.  If students enjoy while they are learning they will stride in what they do.  This is touched upon in both Universal Design Learning and Web 2.0.  

A Web 2.0 world is made up of “the next phase of Internet usage.”  This is how information is both presented while involving participation.  Web 2.0 is about sharing information on the web with social media sites, e-mailing, book marking sites and much more.  This is technology that allows people to interact around the world, collaborate with each other, and even share creations.  Web 2.0 “allows all to participate in the conversation of learning and knowledge making.”  This fits along with Universal Design for Learning because UDL is meant to teach students and learners to enjoy what they are doing, share what they are doing, and present it in a way that they will enjoy.  For example in most inclusive classrooms their are students with special needs.  The new technology that has been raised in Web 2.0 can allow students who have these needs to use technologies that are specific for them.  Their are special computers with programs for those with certain problems that other students might not face in a classroom.  A classroom with some special needs students is a classroom that needs to be diverse.  UDL and Web 2.0 are two ways that technology can make a classroom environment “learner friendly.”  This means that the needs of students at all different levels can be succeeded because technology allows it.  A major set back of technology becoming so fast is the addiction and reliance one could get accustom too.  If a special needs student goes through all his schooling using technology just for his disability, once out of school, they might become dependent on that certain tool.  This goes for any student and learner, technology has become so mind blowing that it is all you need.  This can be bad for the future because humans have grown to become attached to technology.  This is an obvious example with people and their cellphones.  

2.

The video on the Today Show “What is the Internet, Anyway” really shows how far technology has come.  For somebody to not know what the symbol @ means I feel, proves enough in itself.  Now a days technology has gotten so far that kids can talk in just these type of symbols and others will understand.  It is as if technology has formed its own type of morse code.  As the video continues the speakers do not know how to define the word internet.  This proves how technology has moved so far from the past when this video was made in 1994.  Since we have grown up to new technology but have seen old technology we know what its like from our parents to live in a world internet free.  Them being digital natives it is like we have to teach them our ways.  For those people in the future they will have no idea what it is like to be technology and internet free.  The voice in the background describes how the internet is “getting bigger and bigger.”  Who knows what the future holds with technology and the internet.