Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Disruptive Technology

A disruptive technology is defined as an innovation that improves a product or service in ways that the market does not expect (Langson Energy, 2012). Second life is a disruptive technology because it has taken the technologies of the internet, avatars, distant learning, and virtual worlds; and combined them to create a new age learning environment. Thornburg (2009) explained disruptive technologies as completely new tools that change how things are done, and are not gradual extensions of older technologies. Disruptive technologies bring about the changes that come with little or no warning. Second life challenges the need for brick and mortar classrooms that would reduce the need or use of a multitude of other technologies such as the Promethean board.  With the rapid changes in technology and the ability to use cameras on both computers and mobile devices Second Life may also be on the verge of being replaced by Google+ Hangout. Members can communicate, view each other, and share material such as videos and articles with the group.  Google+ does not limit individuals to the use of their computer it can be utilized via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

With all the challenges that education faces Second Life and Google+ provide additional avenues to provide education to students of all age groups. In the state of Georgia there are some online state approve K-12 education providers such as K12.com and Georgia Cyber Academy. These are new ways the state is looking to provide education for students outside of the traditional classroom setting. Second Life and Google+ can help online providers of education find additional ways to communicate and share with students.  I look forward to what new technologies are to come.

References:

Irodriguezetc. (2009, October 29). Second Life as a Disruptive Technology in Education. Retrieved from The Next Step in Education: http://lrodriguezetc.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/second-life-as-a-disruptive-technology-in-education/

Langson Energy. (2012, July 20). Gas Pressure to Green Engery. Retrieved from Disruptive Technology Zone: http://www.langsonenergy.com/faqs-2/what-is-disruptive-technology

Nuthall, K. (2008, January 20). US: A Disruptive Technology Arrives. Retrieved from Univeristy World News: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20080117162121373

Solis, B. (2012, April 16). Disruptive Technology and How to Compete for the Future. Retrieved from BrianSolis.com: http://www.briansolis.com/2012/04/disruptive-technology-and-how-to-compete-for-the-future/

Tyan, D. (2008, March 19). The 10 Most Disruptive Technology Combinations. Retrieved from PCWorld: http://www.pcworld.com/article/143474-5/the_10_most_disruptive_technology_combinations.html

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

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Rhymes of History

As communities strive to become more eco-friendly rhymes of history are bound to present themselves. This is because the need for the technology remains but how this technology utilizes power is the driving forces of change. The technology that brings this ideal to the forefront is transportation. The need for transportation remains, so the need for change is fuel driven. transportation ha.. always been a part of human life whether by foot or via some man-made vehicle. Over the centuries transportation has developed into planes, trains, and automobiles. The plane was invented by Orville and Wilbur Wright (also known as the Wright Brothers), in1903. The steam engine train was invented in first century A.D. by Heron of Alexandria, but was not utilized; this technology was ahead of its time. The automobile was invented in 1769 by Nicolas Joseph Cugnot, this invention changed how individuals traveled and how long it took them to get to distant places.

Today,commercial trains and planes continue to utilize the same fuels: coal and high octane fuel. However, mass transit systems and cars are undergoing fuel development. So, although these technologies are new they rekindle vehicle development. With the growing number of fuel types the industry is striving to find the best fuel to provide for the future: diesel fuel, electric fuel, hybrid cars, bio fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, and hydrogen fuel cell.

Links:
The Green Car Website at http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/a-guide-to-green-car-fuel-types/