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World?
Robin Lynch-Woodley
Spring 2015
Western Oregon University
have questions, they can send an email any time of day or night. Schools
are so dependent on computers and technology today that they are when
the power goes out or the computer network goes down, schools are left
scrambling. However, when instructors use technology, they need to be
aware of the potential hindrances technology can bring to the learning
process, (Klaus, 2014)
variety of reasons. Some schools say it saves money and allows them to
offer a wider variety of courses, including Advanced Placement classes,
(Wicks, 2010). Other schools insist that online learning can help with
scheduling conflicts that occur when a face-to-face class is provided only at a
time when a student already has other obligations. In addition, online
courses can provide highly qualified or expert teachers for classes otherwise
not offered by a school, (Wicks, 2010). This is also very important for smaller
schools, especially in rural areas, that might not have the staff to provide
students with all the elective classes or higher level classes that are needed,
(Wicks, 2010). All of these are benefits to students should be addressed at
all levels of learning.
The International Association for K-12 Online Learning which is also
known as iNACOL, has estimated that more than 1.5 million students in
kindergarten through grade twelve were engaged in some form of online or
blended learning in the 2009-10 school year, (Wicks, 2010). At the end of
2010, supplemental or full-time online learning opportunities were available
in at least 48 of 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, (Wicks, 2010). One
of the fastest growing areas of online learning is credit recovery. This means
providing students with an alternative path to getting the credits they need
to graduate. These online courses allow students to retake classes they
havent been successful in, but in a new and different format and often at
their own pace, (Wicks, 2010).
Online Testing
Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) is still the website
where testing is administered, but this year things have changed drastically.
In the past, students would have up to three chances to take the state test
and pass it. This would allow for students to have an off day and be able to
re-take the test. Students also used to know instantly if they have met the
standard or not. There was a magical number that was required to pass or
meet the standard and another number to exceed the standard. However,
this year, students were given a test referred to as Smarter Balance. It is a
multi-part test that no longer has all multiple choice answers. Instead,
students must use words and numbers to explain their answers and they are
only given one chance. In addition, no test scores will be received until
sometime in the fall of 2015. This is a result of the adoption of Common
Core Standards that most states have started using in recent years.
Technology hasnt just changed education but it has also changed
medicine drastically. That includes how we train people in medicine also.
Computer simulators and new technology have changed almost every aspect
of medicine.
In recent years more and more people are going online to check
symptoms, explore treatment options and get educated, (Krueger, 2010). In
fact, in 2009 more than 24 million Americans went online to find information
on their health or the health of a loved one. While the internet will never
replace a visit to the doctor, it does give patients access to more information
than ever before, (Krueger, 2010). The Internet has empowered patients to
assist medical professionals in making important health care decisions and
about what the next step in their care, should be, (Krueger, 2010). Currently,
some medical professionals are encouraging patients to explore online
before their next appointment. This empowerment is making patients and
doctors partners in care, (Krueger, 2010).
get frustrated quickly when they are online and the page they want to view
takes time to load, (Hudson, 2013). Students are also less like to stick with
something when it gets hard in order to succeed.
interaction skills of many children and adults. This has led to less time spent
being active or exercising which can also lead to obesity, (Holsale, 2013).
Obesity is a serious problem that is getting worse all the time. Since
the 1980s the prevalence of obesity has doubled to 30% of the adult
population, (Evans, 2012). In fact, in 2008 there were 12.5 million or about
17% of the nations children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese not just
overweight. This means that they have a body that is made up of at least
30% fat, (Evans, 2012).
Depression
Technology creates the perfect recipe for depression with the lack of
human contact, overeating and lack of exercise, (Holsale, 2013). This could
be part of the reason the use of antidepressants is on the rise and cant be
completely blamed on pharmaceutical companies because these companies
arent making people go to the doctor and forcing pills on them, (Holsale,
2013). We know that depression is a very real problem that affects millions
of people. However, research suggests that living a healthier lifestyle could
help with the symptoms of depression, (Holsale, 2013).
milieus intent, they can use phishing, viruses and hacking helps to find any
information they wish to obtain, (Holsale, 2013)
Health Issues
Constantly being plugged in and connected causes an extra layer
of stress that wasnt present before the overuse of technology, (Holsale,
2013). It is also causing poor posture which is leading to all kinds of other
American Academy of Pediatrics has estimated that the average child can
spend upwards of 7 hours of TV, internet usage and video games per day,
(Fals, 2013). This is having a significant effect on children today.
People are not only dependent on technology they are also addicted to
it, (Holsale, 2013). Studies have shown that when cell phones are taken
away people heard or felt fathom vibrations, continuously reached for
phones that werent there and became fidgety and restless, (Holsale, 2013).
These are similar to withdrawal symptoms from doing drugs, (Holsale, 2013).
look up information online without ever having to set foot in a library or open
a book and have tremendous opportunities to learn and connect using
technology, (DeLoatch, 2015). However, technology has also added
complications to our lives. Constantly being plugged in has added more
stress. It is difficult to separate home and work now because of smart
phones and lap tops. It is also something that we are constantly checking.
Our phones have become an iatrical part of our lives. As we continue to
adapt to an ever changing world, we will need to find better ways to unplug
with technology and reconnect with each other.
Works Cited
Bever, L. (2014, November 20). "Text neck" is becoming and 'epidemic' and could
wreck your spine. The Washington Post.
DeLoatch, P. (2015, May 2). The Four Negative Sides of Technology. Retrieved from
Edudemic connecting education and technology:
http://www.edudemic.com/the-4-negative-side-effects-of-technology/
Evans, T. (2012, 04 01). Obseity vs. Technology. Retrieved 06 02, 2015
Fals, A. (2013, 08 09). Childhood Obesity & Technology- What's the connection?
Retrieved 05 20, 2015, from State of Health The Florida Hospital Blog:
http://www.floridahospital.com/blog/childhood-obesity-technology-whatsconnection
Holsale, S. (2013, June 8). 25 Negative Effects of Technology. Retrieved 2014, from
Roo Girl: http://roogirl.com/25-negative-effects-of-technology/
Hudson, D. (2013, June 4). 4 Negative Side Effects Technology is Having on
Children. Retrieved from Relevant Children's Ministry:
http:www//relevantchildrensministry.com/2013/06/4-negative-side-effectstechnology-is.html