Content Curation Station - Technology, Media, and Culture

Advancements in technology have not only allowed for progression in the lives of everyday professionals, but in the classroom as well. While colleges and universities have continuously led the way in this theatre since the 1960s, K-12 schools have been progressing steadily in advancing their efforts in the online (or virtual) classroom since around the late 1990s. Matt Donnelly advises in his writings that almost two-thirds of schools in the 2005-06 school year had at least one student taking blended course[s], or one conducted entirely online. Furthermore, Donnelly adds that number is suggested to increase 19% over the next two years. That being said, while there have been plans in place at most K-12 school districts nationally to continue to advance in the online learning arena, we must also consider how COVID-19 has caused superintendents and principals to expand their efforts more rapidly than planned. Overall, based on my own assessments, the advancements of technology in the cla...

As Technological advancements to make us more productive in the workplace continue to abound, it can be difficult to disconnect and find ourselves in an “always-on” state. Even for myself, prior to COVID, my occupation by design is a work-from-home position. This is a huge advantage to me personally, and to my family. Not having to fight traffic, being master over my daily schedule, and having everything I needed technologically at my fingertips made the transition from pre-COVID times to government mandated quarantine status an almost non-disruptive item. In fact, there are many others cited in a 2013 study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) as being  happy about the ability to blend their work and personal lives. About 71% surveyed said they had control over their hours and 56% said technology makes it easier to get their work done. However, while being always-on may feel like a reward to some, others view it as a disadvantage. For myself, when I beg...

Time has certainly seen its share of advances in technology and communication, but none more than in the last 60 years. From the first computer in 1951, to the most recent tech advances with search engines and social networking sites, no period in history has experienced more technological and communicative growth that what we are experiencing now. While advancements in technology are fantastic and a benefit to all, in the afterglow of these advancements, we may have overlooked the unforeseen  side effects and decline in interpersonal skills we are currently working through in society today. Think about it! Just 15 years ago (2007) sending a text to someone, having a laptop (or a tablet) out to take notes during a meeting would have seemed odd and/or rude. From that, it seems we have moved to the other extreme where not having one of these devices available during that same meeting makes us look unprepared and not engaged.  The shift between these two extremes has set ...