This document discusses the rapid growth of technology over time. It provides examples of early technologies from the 1930s to the 1990s like walkie talkies, pagers, video game consoles, cellular phones, email and camcorders. It then discusses how technology has evolved in classrooms from kindergarten to high school to college. It notes how commonly computers and cell phones are used today, including heavy use of social media, texting and calls. The document ends with a call for educators to leverage technology positively in the classroom without allowing distractions to interfere with student success.

1. Faster than Light -The Growth of Technology

2. Snapshot 93% of Americans use the Internet 73% of all families have broadband at home 75% have access at work or school 50% go online from a library or public business center 51% go online daily 90% share a computer with other family members 73% use the computer in a public space at home

4. 1949 – first pager/beeper

5. 1968 – the first video game console was created

6. 1973 – first cellular phone

8. Kindergarten technology In kindergarten, most of us did not use computers often, but there was usually a school computer lab for the older students. Overhead projectors were used to show images. We used a television set and VCR to watch films in class.

9. High school technology IN High School, computers were only used to type out papers and other homework assignments, and for research purposes. Some teachers, not all, used PowerPoint presentations when lecturing. Overhead projectors were still used to show images, and other documents. VCRs and DVD players were used to show educational films.

10. College technology In College, PowerPoint's were used much more frequently. Document cameras are used in a few lecture halls, and overhead projectors in smaller classrooms. Online websites, such as WebCT, Laulima, and Ningwere used for online discussions, and to access classroom resources online. Image from http://tippie.uiowa.edu/stsg/images/wolfvision.jpg

11. Today..…

12. Today..…

13. Today, computers are used for social networks more than school work and productive research. Blogs Friendster, MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc… E-mails, instant messaging, and text messaging

14. Cell phones In 1985 less than 5% of adults in America owned a cell phone In 1999 less than 35% of adults in American owned a cell phone Today more than 50% of children over the age of 9have cell phones. Today, over 90% of adults in America have a cell

15. Cell phones People with cell phones use them at least three and a half hours a day Text messaging is huge 58% who use text messaging do so during work hours 52% of people text while at the movies 28% text at the dinner table 26% check for messages within ten minutes of waking up

16. How can we use technology in a positive way in education and not allow it to distract us or interfere with the achievement and success of our students?

17. Use Technology In Our Classroom We can use webcams to have students interact with and learn more about the cultures and histories of other students from across the globe. A site where students can discuss course materials and interact with each other.

18. A vision of the classroom of the future Desks will have built in touch screens, and students will be able to follow along on PowerPoint slides and take notes that they can save and access at the end of class. Books will be in eBook form, and students will also be able to access them from their desks.

19. With the growth of technology happening so rapidly it is important we educators use it positively and not allow the negatives of a technological world interfere with the advancement of the children entrusted to our care.

20. Words of wisdom “And in order to succeed in later life, you need creative skills because look at how fast the world is changing.” Robert Sternberg