Red Queens and Increasing Returns

Module 5: Red Queens and increasing returns

Shirley Brady

Red Queens are defined by Thornburg as two technologies that are in mad competition with each other in order to achieve gain over the other by accommodating favorable needs and proving to be much better (Thornburg, 2008).  Arthur’s definition of increasing returns as ‘the propensity for that which is already ahead, to progress further ahead, and that which advantage decreases, to decreases even further” (Arthur, 1996, p. 100). 

Upon my deciding to obtain a DVD for my science fiction assignment in Module 4, based on Phillip K. Dick’s book I used my most trusted resource Comcast.  I decided to select a video I was not familiar with and had heard nothing about.  I could have chosen any of the science fiction videos because I am not a science fiction fan.  The video I chose was “Paycheck.”   I was able to rent this video for $2.99 and watch it for 24 hours.  This was very convenient for me because I was able to stop and start it.  According Dr. Thornburg’s statement on increasing returns, the opposition between DVD and Videos on demand would definitely fit into this class.

As we all know major movie rental stores such as Blockbuster have closed many of their businesses.  Would you agree that this is due to the many sales of VOD?  A disadvantage may be that the movies are not recent, but the convenience is why customers gravitate to them.  You can even have them sent to your home.

Where do you think DVDs and video-on-demand are on the four criteria of McLuhan’s tetrad?

It is my belief that DVDs and video-on-demand are on the expansion/enrichment quadrant of the McLuhan’s tetrad.

References:

Arthur, W.B. (1996). Increasing return and the new world of business. Harvard Business Review, 74 (4), 100-109. Premier database by title.

Thornburg, D. (2008). Red Queens, butterflies, and strange attractors. Imperfect lenses into emergent technologies.  Lake Barrington, IL.

Blogs I viewed:

http://technonico.wordpress.com

http://featheredflowers.wordpress.com/

The Disruptive Power of Second Life

Module – 4

Shirley Brady

How is Second Life a disruptive technology?

Second Life is defined as a 3D version of the internet that is set in the future.  Rosedale’s ideal involves a high level of entrepreneurial activity.  The dilemma with Second Life is in the classroom is that it may enhance the educational practice of students it would be a complicated task to persuade school administrators and decision makers of the curriculum to permit its use.  It is a disruptive technology because it, like all others go existing state of affairs.  As with all new developments in technology there are those who are afraid of change and people who embrace change.

It was the explanation of Thornburg (2009) that disruptive technologies are innovative apparatuses that modify how task are completed, they are not ongoing expansions of previously used technologies.  The illustration of a disruptive technology he used was the solid state electronic device known as the transistor that was substituted for the vacuum tubes.  This technology device proved advantageous for many people, another conclusion can be drawn is that due to a large number of people being left without jobs due to its disruptive effects.  Would people want a technology used that would disrupt their employment?

It is my belief that many people are uncomfortable with the computer stimulated environment due to their unfamiliarity of it and therefore we often choose what is comfortable.  This is especially true of veteran teacher and administrators who have been a part of the school system for many years.  It was reported by Carmody (2008) that Christensen, Horn, and Johnson promoted disruptive innovations so that we could move from the colossal school organization where subjects are being taught as one size fits.  It was also their belief that we must make available the best education for our students which will only be provided using differentiated instructions to meet the needs of all students.  With this in mind disruptive innovation must be embraced when necessary.

References:

Thornburg, D. (2009). Evolutionary technology Vodcast:  In Laureate Education, Inc. Emerging and future technology.

Toffler, A (1970). Future shock. Random House: New York.

These are the blogs I viewed:

              http://technonico.wordpress.com

             http://featheredflowers.wordpress.com/

Module 2 Assignment 1

Module 2-Assignment 1

Emerged Technology-Promethean Board

Shirley Brady

 

Enhances The interactive whiteboad has instinctive multitouch operational ability that enhances internet browsing and remote access.	Retrieves 1.      Projector displays 2.      Instructional communication
Promethean Board
Obsoletes 1.      Dry Erase Board 2.      Overhead Projectors 3.      LCD Projectors	Reverses 1.      IPad 2.      IPhone 3.      Tablet

Rhymes of History Technology

Module 3

Rhymes of History Technology

One technology that represents rhymes of history is the Smart Board.  Thornburg defines rhyme of history as “a result of a new improvement that reawakens something from the past.”  My example is also what I used in my project.  I used this example due to the many experiences I have has with the overhead projector as I watched the Smart Board emerge.  The Smart Board is an interactive whiteboard with many upgraded capabilities.  This technology allows teacher to use a touch screen instead of messy chalk.  The Smart Board during my initial teaching tenure would have been much too costly for the school budget.   Now it is seen as enhancing student learning, engaging students, and bringing rigor and enthusiasm to the classroom.  Using this piece of technology in the classroom can eliminate boredom and better prepare students for the future.  I truly agree with Kelvin Kelly, “we must get good at believing the impossible.”  The Smart Board is a good example.

Reference:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDYCf4ONh5M

http://smarttech.com/smartboard