Changing Technology

Watching video clips on the laptop.

Using an iphone for facetiming, texting, and surfing the net.

Educational apps are available for the phones, tablets, and computers. Here are some samples.

Last time I wrote about my son Felipe going to Sokcho, South Korea and how the student exchange began, as well as the creation of the Sokcho International School.
Today I want to reflect on the change in technology since he went there in July 2000.
It is important to note that in some areas of South Korea, the advancements in technology are less evident than in other areas. It was interesting to travel there in 2002 and witness with my own eyes some of the contrasts.
It almost seemed like third world living mixed up with state of the art affluence. Technology has been responsible for much of this advancement.
When Felipe went to Sokcho, computers were still fairly new and many people didn't have their own computers. The main use of the computer was to write emails. While we were there, we would visit internet cafes to send messages home.
I still remember getting the weekly email updates from Felipe about his new job and life in a foreign country. This was an important way of connecting because phone calls were very expensive and mail took way too long to arrive.
Now we are able to video chat, send music and videos, use social media, surf the internet, use mobile devices and much more. The vehicles are equipped with the latest technology as well. Much of this technology is manuafactured in Korea.
Classrooms and schools are becoming more and more high tech. Even 6 years ago when I visited, each classroom in my daughter-in-law's school had a computer and television mounted in it. In SIS (Sokcho International School) the students have ipads and they are using e-textbooks for instruction. Almost every student has a mobile phone as well, even the littlest ones.
With all these advancements in technology, we need to remember that our goal is to help our students learn and continue to be lifelong learners. I would love to hear from others about how technology has helped their teaching.