I believe mankind is faced with an invasion of digital technology and we have never been more fortunate to learn from it

1. My Persuasive Multimedia Project: “Education benefits with digital technology.” (press F5 to start the slideshow then Page Down to navigate thru the slides)By Zsanell Go http://www1.pgcps.org/uploadedImages/Schools_and_Centers/Elementary_Schools/Glenridge/child_on_computer.jpg I believe mankind is faced with an invasion of digital technology and we have never been more fortunate to learn from it. http://cloudcomputingleaders.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cloud-computing.jpg

2. Introduction: 5 yrs. old 10 yrs. old When I was a kid I travelled with Reader Rabbit and his friends. I assisted Buster the Car across the bridge, searched for the Monkey’s diamond, and helped Andy the Ant make his giant gourmet sandwich. Each step in this computer game required me to memorize correct grammar and read aloud stories. The flow chart to the right depicts my digital journey and how in time I graduated from Reader Rabbit to progressively gain new technical skills from AIM chat, MySpace, Facebook and YouTube. Technology became universal. I am no longer limited to what is physically close to me. I expanded my intellect through my digital world. http://www.disksoplenty.com/images/products/RRIJourney2U_1.jpg http://tipdeck.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Make-Your-Own-Icon-for-Aim.png 19 yrs. old www.iconspedia.com/icon/youtube-3164.html www.mojavemoon.biz/info.cfm?Page=9 13 yrs. old www.simplyzesty.com/category/facebook

3. What am I trying to say? Digital technology helps students to succeed academically and socially because of its interactivity, entertainment quality, portability and pervasiveness. To illustrate an analogy to my thesis, I chose the character Johnny Mnemonic (actor Keanu Reeves) from the 1980 science fiction film because his super brainpower is the product of “neural implants” where Mnemonic’s brain is literally attached to a computer allowing him to download critical information (Antulov). We reinforce our very own brainpower as we assimilate digital data. http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kpyxoltnGI1qzexpio1_500.jpg

4. Background: The video below effectively summarizes the global impact of digital technology. It emphasizes that because online computing is powerful, inexpensive, far-reaching and lightning-fast, it has improved education, created superior world economics and launched successful political careers despite real risks of viruses and technological piracy. Simply click on the play button and enjoy! (Xplanevisualthinking, 2009) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8

5. Interactivity & Children- Leaders of the Future: I chose this cartoon because it reflects how children get a lesson in technology at very young ages. My cousin is barely 2 years old but she can launch and play games in her very own ipad! According to Steven Hick Ph.D, Professor at Carlton University, “Interactivity is mutual action between the learner, the learning system, and the learning material” (Hick). In the 75 learning studies investigated by Bosco (1986), data showed that pupils gained knowledge faster and possessed better disposition to learn when interactive multimedia is the chosen method. Numerous studies have found that interactivity has a strong positive effect on learning (Bosco, 1986, Fletcher, 1989, 1990, Stanford, 1990). My English 214 course has class blogs helping us organize and share our thoughts on various subjects. http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/wda0800l.jpg

6. E-learning is the new buzzword! Multinational corporations, universities, and government agencies use web-based courses and computer based training (CBT) to train individuals on new products, tools, policies and curricula (Seufert). With CBT’s, companies save significant money on travel, manuals and instructor’s fee. Online courses can instruct more employees than a classroom can hold and provide consistent method of teaching across the board and across the globe! A successful online training curriculum is well-planned and interactive. It is modular or split into segments where the knowledge of the user is tested via multiple choice, true/false, or matching –type review questions at the end of each section (Seufert). http://www.softwaremag.com/default/assets//Image/E-Learning.jpeg

7. Furthermore… • Steven Hick Ph.D says, “Numerous studies over the years have shown that interactive multimedia learning takes less time, is enjoyed more and increases learning. In a review of numerous meta-analysis studies Najjar (1996:30) found that ‘learning was higher when information was presented via computer-based multimedia systems than traditional classroom lectures’ ” (Hick). It is clear that interactive digital technology is a significant tool of today’s education.

8. However… Some say that online courses isolate children and limit face-to-face human interaction. This is not true because today we have the ability to communicate and have a “face-to-face” interaction through webcams, Iphone, and video conferencing devices. This type of online interaction is not necessarily physical (like being “in person” for example) however it is still an effective way to see the person you are having a electronic conversation with. For example, we can video chat with family, friends, professors or co-workers via Skype as shown in the screenshots of online dialogues between two or more people. Now, with video chatting, “…people can talk to each other as if they are in the same room through their televisions” (Admin). This enhances social abilities. “John Grohol, CEO and founder of Psych Central, who has been writing about mental health and psychology issues online since 1992, feels a big benefit of this accelerated level of Internet involvement is that it strengthens interpersonal connections” (Margolis). Besides, by breaking the geographical isolation barrier, we can even be in touch with people around the globe! http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/17/2010/05/500x_multi-video-skype-th.jpg http://estrip.org/content/users/paul/0807/VideoChat0830.png

9. Experience Digital Entertainment Quality! Technology has an effective entertainment quality which allows the participant to engage in what they are doing. Exciting images like the one on the left attract children to navigate through the menu and in the process they discover letters and words. According to Steven Hick Ph.D, “Interactive learning with live-action video, audio, graphics, feedback, expert advice, and questions and answers keep learners interested and reinforces skills. Because it is exciting, challenging, and fun to use, it encourages learners to return to the program again and again. Through continual practice, learning is absorbed and integrated into daily performance” (Hick). http://www.fileguru.com/images/b/smartkid_-_entertaining_letters_education_kids-111338.jpeg

10. http://www.examiner.com/mmorpg-in-santa-ana/mmorpg-addiction Nay Sayers: Risk of Addiction! Critics claim that technological entertainment has caused an addiction in young children and students. “One shallowest and simplest cause for teenagers to indulge in online games is simply the entertainment and leisure the games provide” (“Teenager's Addiction to Online Game”). Most online interactive learning systems take the form of games- for this reason children become addicted to its “… vivid graphics, along with the exciting gaming experience, become a perfect getaway from the teenagers’ pressured reality lives” (“Teenager's Addiction to Online Game”). http://www.beefjack.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gameaddiction.jpg

11. Yay Sayers: Prevention & Rehab- We have control over this! My pictographic equation simply means if one limits internet time (ringing alarm clock ), monitors web content (surveillance camera) + gets out and becomes active (outdoor fun), one can strike a balance (balance scale) in the kids’ digital lives. With the help of parents and guardians kids need not turn into game zombies! Teenagers need to be rationed the proper ‘dose’ of digital time. Parents/guardians can monitor and limit computer time of teenagers and redirect their attention to something else like family dinner, family board games, sports, homework, volunteer work and other outdoor activities etc (“Berkeley Parents Network: Teens & Screen Time Rules”). http://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/rholaday/pictures/CartoonKids(1).gif http://lorexstore.lorextechnology.com/images/products/1591_large.jpg http://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/rholaday/pictures/CartoonKids(1).gif http://askjameshannan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/clock.gif

12. Portability: Put me in your pocket! At present, software applications like maps, email, music library, browsers, online courses and games can be readily ported from desktop to laptop, tablet and smart phones. What can better render the portability of digital technology than a picture of the Iphone’s multiple “faces” (functions) beyond its use as a regular cell phone. It is remarkable how mobile apps allow everybody to find, exchange and synchronize information anywhere, anyplace, anytime. Are you ready to get in sync? http://tctechcrunch.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/libox-trio.png?w=640 http://www.iphonedeveloperlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-5-features.jpg

13. Can we really lose focus with techno-portability? Hello! Earth to John Doe. Are you listening, dear? No honey, I have zero attention span for you right now. To some degree, Kundan Pandey is correct in his article, How has Technology Changed Education. He states, “Being ever-connected to the online world has resulted in lack of focus and concentration in academics and to some extent, even in sports and extra curricular activities. It is certainly not possible to read a difficult subject and at the same time, chat with a friend, and remain logged in on facebook. These are very obvious distractions that have eroded the sense of mental focus, peace and concentration ability from students' life” (“How has Technology Changed Education”). http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html

14. More claims against portability: Stress and lowered productivity? • According to Group Health’ article, De-stressing by Disconnecting, “The study, published by the Journal of Marriage and Family, noted that ongoing use of mobile communications technology (cell phones and pagers specifically) was linked to heightened psychological distress…” (Groupie). • “E-mail, too, has been studied and shown to actually decrease productivity in the workplace.  Some employees feel under pressure to check and respond quickly with some checking their inbox up to 40 times an hour” (Groupie).

15. The Answer: It’s good to UNPLUG once in a while! http://www.amo-eyecare-sea.com/www/images/cartooncell phones off and taking a break from the computer for a period /yoga.jpg http://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/juggling-woman.jpg http://www.worldculturepictorial.com/images/content/the-simpsons_family.jpg

16. Pervasiveness of Technology Thanks to WI-FI technology, we have internet galore! I used the basic Venn diagram to demonstrate that many overlapping sources of wireless online information empower learners to get educated from almost anywhere. According to Steven Hick Ph.D, “Multimedia courseware on CD-ROM can be used at work on the desktop or at a learning centre, at home, while travelling, or to enhance facilitated management development programs. Multimedia courseware can also be used on networks, Intranets or the Internet” (Hick).

17. Risks of Pervasiveness: Unfortunately, the threats are real and can hurt you.  • The sad emoticon and gloomy dark shades on this slide reveals that I concede that as a result of the internet’s prevalence, the security risks have become grave problems on the internet and social networks that can compromise the safety of users . The radial diagram above depicts the serious technological threats that converge on the user. One never knows. The next victim may be YOU!

18. Get the 411 on Internet Safety to address the risks!

19. So what now? The icon above best describes how we can behave as internet learners- in moderation. According to the wise Plato: “The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom” ("Moderation Quotes Page 3 – BrainyQuote”). http://onlinemoderationservices.com/img/services-banner.jpg

20. In conclusion… Let’s face it. Life as we know it will never be without technology. Digital skills are important to global, social and economic participation. With due diligence and discipline, we know how to mitigate the challenges on the internet. Let us leverage its power to pave the way for deeper learning. Technology has its ups and downs but from here on out, I believe in its ‘ups’.

21. Works Cited Admin. "The Benefits of Video Chat." Global Communications. Global Communications, 2011. Web. 04 Aug. 2011. <http://www.globaltelecom.org/the-benefits-of-video-chat.htm>. Antulov, Dragan. "All-Reviews.com Movie/Video Review: Johnny Mnemonic." All-Reviews.com: Movie, Music, Videogame Reviews and More! All-Reviews.com, 2001. Web. 08 Aug. 2011. <http://www.all-reviews.com/videos-4/johnny-mnemonic.htm>. "Berkeley Parents Network: Teens & Screen Time Rules." Berkeley Parents Network:. Berkeley Parents Network, Nov. 2010. Web. 08 Aug. 2011. <http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/teens/screentime.html>. Groupie. "De-stressing by Disconnecting." Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire. Group Health, 27 Jan. 2009. Web. 05 Aug. 2011. <http://www.group-health.com/blog/post/De-stressing-by-Disconnecting.aspx>. Did You Know 4.0. Dir. Xplanevisualthinking. YouTube.com, 2009. Video. Hick Ph.D, Steven. "BENEFITS OF INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA COURSEWARE."BENEFITS OF INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA COURSEWARE. TRICAN MULTIMEDIA SOLUTIONS INC., 1997. Web. 4 Aug. 2011. <http://http-server.carleton.ca/~shick/mypage/benifit.html>. "How Has Technology Changed Education." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. Buzzle.com, 2000-2010. Web. 05 Aug. 2011. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-has-technology-changed-education.html>. Margolis, Daniel. "The Social Impact of ‘Everywhere’ Technology - Certification Magazine."Certification Magazine - Certification Magazine. Mediatec Publishing Inc., 2009. Web. 05 Aug. 2011. <http://www.certmag.com/read.php?in=3840>. "Moderation Quotes Page 3 - BrainyQuote." Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. BrainyQuote, 2001-2011. Web. 06 Aug. 2011. <http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/moderation_3.html>. Sato, Rebecca. "Neural Implants: What Would Darwin Think?" The Daily Galaxy - Great Discoveries Channel -Your Daily Dose of Awe: Science, Space, Tech. The Daily Galaxy, 19 May 2009. Web. 08 Aug. 2011. <http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2009/05/will-a-neural-i.html>. Seufert, Dr. Sabin. "E-Learning Business Models Strategies, Success Factors and Best Practice Examples." Book "Rethinking Management Education" Institute for Media and Communication Management. Web. 08 Aug. 2011. <http://elearning-reviews.com/seufert/docs/elearning-busniess-models-book.pdf>. "Social Networking Sites | Protect Children Online - Microsoft Protect." Microsoft Safety & Security Center. Microsoft. Web. 08 Aug. 2011. <http://www.microsoft.com/security/family-safety/kids-social.aspx>. "Teenager's Addiction to Online Game." IHome Quota Checking - Redirect. Web. 04 Aug. 2011. <http://ihome.cuhk.edu.hk/~s1155003849/addiction-to-online-game.htm>.