Communication 1.1.1 Definitions of Communication

How have your individual communication skills changed as with the innovations in technology?

I agree with Professor Sherry Turkle's theory that increased access to communication tools has hindered our ability to communicate with one another in face-to-face environments causing us to be more "disconnected" when sharing a physical space. Personally, it has only been in the last 3 years that I have checked e-mails on my cell phone. About 7-8 years ago, many e-mail platforms were not really mobile responsive and it was difficult to view and navigate so I just removed that setting. Now, that is easier to do so, I have special tones for different types of incoming messages. I still don't cross the line of checking my phone at the dinner table, which I personally feel is ill-mannered.


How have advancements in technology altered classroom communication? Will these change further?

I believe that the Internet is the great equalizer for quality education. Technological advances render us more connected globally. With a laptop and an LCD projector, a teacher in a brick and mortar classroom can take his students on a virtual field trip to Calcutta, India to visit a social studies class in a local school. Or, invite those students and their teacher to their classroom in the US. Barriers to teacher-to-teacher and student-to-student collaboration are being removed. This new level of communication make Internet Safety and Responsible Digital Citizenry even more important topics to be taught by Virtual Teachers to their students. I would imagine that future changes would make it even easier to connect globally. This webbing is a "good thing" when monitored.