8 Present and Future Technology

The technology advancement in chapter 12 that I believe holds the biggest promise for education would be 3D printing. 3D printing allows educators to print models of objects that wouldn't be available to them otherwise. 3D printing also can print in braille so it would be convenient for teachers who educate blind students. It would also allow other teachers to show children what it is like for people who cannot see. This technology would be utilized by several different subjects, including science, math, social studies, and art. 

One of the future technologies that was not mentioned in the book was the occulus rift. I had the opportunity to use this technology last week in the FSU Education Tech Box. I used it to simulate being on a roller coaster, but when I was talking to one of the people in there they started to talk to me about how it could be used in education. The occulus rift is currently being used on athletes to simulate an on-field experience without the chance of injury. The simulation still stimulates the adrenaline as the real-life experience but it allows the participant to go over different events without the susceptibility of concussions. 

The digital divide talks about the divide of people who do and do not have technology. I am personally on the side of the divide who does have technology, hence how I am writing this blog post. I have had the privilege to be surrounded by technology for most of my life and I also have the benefit of taking my EME class to learn more about the technology I can use. I think the digital divide will still be present when I become a teacher and therefore I will have to address the issues that come with it. I will try my hardest to make sure that the computer labs will be open for my students to access after school, even if that means that I have to stay late as well. I could set aside certain times during the week for the students to come into the classroom and work on their extra homework. I can also allow the students to come into the classroom during their lunch and recess periods to work on their assignments if they don't have the opportunity to at home.