Lesson1 (1)

Current and Future Trends of Media and Information

Topic Outline

• Ubiquitous Learning

  • Definition and characteristics

• Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

  • Current trends in media and information

Ubiquitous Learning

• Definition:

  • Everyday learning environment supported by mobile, embedded computers, and wireless networks.

• Characteristics:

  • Permanency: Learning materials are consistently available unless deleted.

  • Accessibility: Information can be accessed from anywhere as needed.

  • Immediacy: Instant information retrieval whenever it is needed.

  • Interactivity: Ability to interact with other learners and instructors.

  • Adaptability: Technology adjusts to students' evolving lives.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

• Description:

  • Free online courses available to anyone interested in enrolling.

  • Formats similar to traditional college courses but available at a massive scale (e.g., 100,000+ students).

• Benefits:

  • Affordable and flexible learning avenues for career development, skills advancement, and lifelong learning.

• Examples of MOOC Providers:

  • edX: Offers MicroMasters® programs, online master's degrees, and professional certificates.

  • Professional Education: Courses delivering the latest executive trends and career-specific skills.

Popular MOOC Subjects on edX

• Programming: Python, Java, HTML, Blockchain.

• Business: Finance, Marketing, International Business, Data Analysis, Management.

EDUCAUSE on MOOCs

• Defined as a model for delivering online learning content with open enrollment.

• Mission: To enhance higher education through information technology.

• Utilizes Creative Commons licenses for course materials.

Formative Assessment Questions

• Define what a MOOC is.

• Discuss the conditions that allowed for the rise of MOOCs.

• Compare MOOCs to traditional college courses.

• Examine the influence of MOOCs on current education trends.

Technology Tools

• Examples: Oculis, LULZBOT Mini, and other wearable technologies.

Wearable Technology

• Definition: Devices worn by users for tracking health and fitness.

• Characteristics:

  • Performs tasks similar to mobile devices.

  • Offers sensory features like biofeedback and real-time data access.

  • Supports communication and user interaction.

Types of Wearable Technology

• Smartwatch: A wrist-worn device with Bluetooth capabilities; examples include Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Apple Watch 6.

• Smartphone: Advanced devices allowing calls, messaging, internet access, and apps, featuring biometric support and real-time multitasking.

Key Smartphone Features

• Internet connectivity, mobile browsers, embedded memory.

• Touchscreen, digital camera with video, GPS, and ability to sync email accounts.

Benefits and Harmful Effects of Smartphones

• Benefits:

  • Keep in touch, internet access, diverse applications.

• Harmful Effects:

  • Eye strain, hearing damage, sleep disturbances, relationship impact.

• Tips to Limiting Smartphone Use:

  • Disable notifications, uninstall distracting apps, keep phones out of reach.

Specific Wearable Devices

• Fitness Tracker: Monitors health parameters throughout the day.

• Heart Rate Monitoring Device: Tracks and calculates heart rate during activities.

• Smart Glasses: Provides information access and media playback capabilities.

Emerging Technologies

• 5G Networks: Significantly faster internet speeds, evolving from 4G.

• Holograms and Avatars: Utilize interference patterns for visual representations.

• 3D Environments: Incorporate graphics in video, games, and other media.

  • 3D Modelling: Creation of 3D computer models.

  • 3D Rendering: Computation processes for visual output in graphics.