Reflection 5

My “aha!” So many. If I had to choose one, it would be my e-portfolio. It was a combination of all the effort required during the semester. Graduating from a bit in the beginning to a byte, gave me a sense of gratefulness and accomplishment. However, I still live among the unknown world of the net-tech generation. From wikis to iGoogle gadgetry, there were some extremely gratifying moments. The Joneses (the net students) know a lot of stuff and are our next creative generation of entrepreneurs... the Steve Jobs of this planet. My simple concerns are 1) What else is out there? 2) Is there more to come? 3) Can we cope? Questions, questions, and more questions from people like me. We do have some real concerns with advancing technological issues. In my technological philosophy, when I stated that I believe learning new technology should be a fundamental subject taught to every student from K through 12, it was a statement for the 21st-century schooling. This ensures that our next generation, when more technology comes, will be savvy enough to cope in a very technological society without intimidation or fear. Of course, there always will be more to come because it's just in our human DNA to invent and create. As I was reading through several of our blogs, I was amazed when a student took computer science and had no computer. How did she do that? She's pretty much on top of all this stuff now; therefore, there must be hope for us all... I think. In essence, my philosophy has guided me in a way which has assured me that all should be well with learning the high technological advancements right along-side of our net generation and digital natives. Certainly, it has inspired me getting with your program and completing the projects. Again, nerve-racking at times, but it was fun learning and gave me hope. As Nike would say, "Just do it!"

INTERVIEW with Mr. Meadows

Few have been granted interviews with Mr Meadows.

Reflection 4

"Is it Age or IT" was an interesting article and very true. The next generation is the future, appreciate or not to appreciate, it is here to live. As to the eight questions, I found myself scratching my head for several different reasons on how I would answer. I still find myself composing most of my written work by using the established way, pen and paper. Why? It helps me with the brain waves going from brain to pen... crazy, I know. I still use the old book technique to store most of my vital information... just a lack of faith and trust in the crashing computers we have today. I do drag my lap top along with me sometimes, but rather grudgingly. I prefer to use my satchel so I know where all needed information can be found with certainty and confidence. Cell phones are only used in emergencies like roadside flat etc. I don’t always feel a need to be connected. To me, it’s a crutch! It seems to be a wasted effort of one’s time. In fact, cell phones going-off in meetings are rather rude and extremely distracting for most people. And it always seems to happen! Engaging in one topic at a time is just good focus and that's what I try to do. In essence, one giant step for man at a time, it’s a virtuous slogan. Focus, focus, and focus more. Video games were great until I found myself totally hooked on the practice. It's much like drugs, hard not to engage in its pleasures and excitements. With the ease of technology and what it brings to the modern table of civilization, I think most will have a mixture of using technology. Especially with the established rituals learned in our past generation, regardless of one's age, from age six to one hundred. Change for our youth comes most easily while with our older generation, it comes with a substantial price. However, change is unvarying in life and it must be looked upon as an investment for human growth at any age and especially when it helps ease life’s hardships. However, in many cases, change is just used to say, "Not Your Way but My Way"!