Chapter 4: This chapter made me understand more about what “open” and “free” means in the technology world and how it is used in our culture today. Let’s face it, if it wasn’t for this movement we as learners and educators wouldn’t even be talking about technology in the classroom. We still would be using text as our main source of education hoping that the texts our updated. This actually goes beyond the classroom. If there wasn’t program’s that were free and open to everyone I wouldn’t be able to do the research that is needed for my studies because I wouldn’t be able to afford these programs. I recently bought a new laptop and NO computers today come with Microsoft Word. I had to pay $149 just to be able to write a paper for school.
Most of us, not all of us, take advantage of these free programs. I am not sure if it is what we are use to or if it wasn’t free most of wouldn’t be using the Internet at all and we would be studying in libraries? I like how this chapter explains the benefits that come with free online course management systems such as, it allows organizations and institutions to be able to offer courses and programs that are not too costly, allows information available to all in all countries and individuals not just for people who can afford a program, and it allows educators to share their talents which improves the human condition (pg 155).
I have always thought a hacker was someone who broke a code to a program to destroy someone’s work or cause viruses to spread. I never realized what a hacker really was. I found this chapter to be interesting when they talk about how it was hackers who are the ones who helped start this movement and all they wanted was to be able to share information with others. Yes, there may be some hackers out there who are looking to destroy others work, but know I have a whole new meaning for the word hacker.
References:
Bonk, Curtis (2009). The World Is Open. San Francisco. Jossey-Bass.
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Your personal examples work well with the content of chapter 4 that you have explained. It is an interesting circle of information you have created of your technology experiences, a universal technology platform and the information in The World is Open. I agree that cost should not inhibit learners from seeking out their ideal education.
ReplyDelete^^In response to Joy, I agree that cost should not inhibit learners from seeking out their ideal education, but unfortunately it does!! Especially when it comes to higher education. There are so many people that make an okay living that get NO financial help because they 'make too much,' and everyone else gets loans. Books cost SO much generally and then there are supplies as well! It's not easy! Without some sort of help, it seems impossible and it should not be!
ReplyDeleteAngela, I enjoyed reading your paragraph about learning what a hacker was. That was very interesting and Joy is right, you incorporated the chapter into your blog. Nice job!