The convergence of technology and the emergence of a participatory culture have changed the way people interact. How have mobile media positively impacted on our lives and what does this mean for the future?
Mobile media has enabled the convergence of technology and information to occur in new ways and has changed how humans behave and interact. I find it hard to believe that only 7 years ago Facebook and YouTube did not exist. Mobile media allows people to communicate with anyone, anywhere at any time, so why are schools limiting the opportunities available to students of today?
Did you know? 4.0 states that mobile devices will be the world’s primary connection tool to the internet in 2020. I believe schools need to recognise this change and embrace mobile media in the classrooms. This change has emerged due to the innovation of cloud computing. No longer is it necessary to have a local drive on site, info can now be stored on remote networks. Shouldn’t schools be encouraged to look positively at these advancements in technology and recognise that using mobile devices may be a cheaper and more relevant way for students to access information and communicate with people around the world? Portable machines also allow students to be more creative because they can capture information as it happens. What an asset for educators!
Convergence has promoted the creation of applications (micro programs) made by third parties. Many are free and provide people with access to tools relevant specifically to them. This allows educators to individualise student learning. This individualisation allows people to be in control of their experience with popular culture. Applications, also referred to as apps, allow people to be more involved in producing programs and are viewed by some experts as possibly the beginning of Web 3.0. Providing students with opportunities to produce programs enables deeper learning and I feel this should be encouraged.
A participatory culture has emerged in western societies where people are no longer solely consumers of products. New technology allows for more participation by people as consumers, readers and producers of media. Cultural theorists argue this allows them to not only use culture but to also contribute to culture more effectively. I feel that students who contribute to culture in a positive manner may begin to take greater ownership of their actions and begin to feel more valued in the community.
Social networking has opened up new and powerful ways for people to interact. This became very evident in Obama’s election campaign where far more money was raised online than by his opponent who used traditional campaigning methods. This was partly due to the fact that people could access Obama’s campaign at any time. This demonstrates how virtual coexistence- the need for people to stay connected all the time- has impacted on human relations. I believe schools should use virtual classrooms to encourage students to transfer their learning from school to their home environment. This also enables parents to be more involved in their child’s education.
New developments in technology will continue to change the way humans interact and provide new opportunities that most people can’t even imagine yet. I understand that many educators are weary of embracing new technologies as they bring with them a new set of challenges. Challenges such as copyright, stranger danger, access to inappropriate information and images are very real but I believe educators can’t let this hold students back from the many positive opportunities becoming available through mobile media each day.
References:
XPLANE, The Economist, Fisch, K. McLeod, S. Bestler, L. (2009), Did you know 4.0. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8
Karin, your selected You tube video allows us all to reflect on the rapidly changing world of technology. The speed of the slides is a portrayal of how fast the digital world is progressing. With each new generation emerges new developments and opportunities that are expanding exponentially and these reflect the changes of the youth of today.
ReplyDeleteYour blog aptly identifies this convergence of technology as youth engage in modern participatory culture. The reference to cloud computing and the primary use of mobile devices by 2020, is a concerning statistic, as this is only ten years away. Your recognition of today's youth not only as consumers but also as contributors of culture is a very valid point as people are able to have ubiquitous access to information. This virtual co-existence will definitely impact on the way people interact with one another, making the world a smaller place. People will be able to engage with others in a way that has never even been considered in the past. This change in culture will certainly have a major impact on the way we see our community and the role of schools in preparing a young person for their adult life.