Reflection 1: Technology Bits, Bytes & Nibbles

The blog Technology Bits, Bytes & Nibbles, written and maintained by Kansas State University instructor Cyndi Danner-Kuhn, offers a wide range of information, articles, and special features related to technology, most of which is specifically linked to its role in benefiting the field of education. It serves as an excellent resource for people (especially teachers) who want to stay up-to-date on technology news and to discover endless possibilities for professional improvement in the digital age.

What I like best about Technology Bits, Bytes & Nibbles is the wide range of information found among the blog posts. Just in the past few days, topics have included video software for kids (KidsMotion), programs for taking simple and easy to read notes (Quiklyst), the availability of polar fleece pullovers complete with a kangaroo pocket to “store” one’s iPad, and a professional development blog called The Teacher Challenges, among others. Each blog post is relevant to both teaching and to technology, and there is something for everyone’s interest or specialization.

Personally, I was intrigued by the blog post from January 31, 2011 entitled, “Is the iPad the textbook of the future?” This post focused on the Boston Globe article that discussed such ideas. Having worked in the publishing industry pre-iPad, news of this kind interests me greatly. While I am not surprised that such companies as Pearson Education and Houghton Mifflin are considering the iPad as a tool for their material, it amazes me that our society is entering this phase so quickly. The struggling world of publishing finds electronic options to be their friend, so to speak. It cuts the cost of book production, is often times more accessible, and is understandably the road to the future. If schools were able to supply iPads to their students – and students are able to take care of such expensive equipment in a respectful manner – I believe that iPads would be quite beneficial to promote learning and could be utilized effectively. Being able to read textbook material on the iPad, then switch to write papers based on key findings, create graphs or presentations, would be ideal. The iPad could become an all-in-one mechanism for students to review and apply knowledge. While part of me enjoys the classic, traditional aspects of education (i.e. books, paper, pencils), learning more about the iPad and its possibilities excites me. I’m totally on board with it.