Chapters 1 & 8

I am and have always been an internet lover. I am forever utilizing social networking sites, twitter, etc. I see it as innovative, creative, fun and interesting! So I thought that reading these chapters would be a review of things I had previously known already. I was wrong! Bonk's explanation into the 'web of learning' is excellent! For example, he states on pg.34 that "the web of learning is effectively a monster with thousands of heads and tentacles, each possessing its own knowledge......" That statement helped me to realize that the web of learning is MASSIVE! I never thought of it as a medusa-like monster, but it is. Once one enters into the web of learning, there stands an incredible amount of choice. It is like we are controlling something we can explore, discover and sometimes alter. The opportunities are endless and reach out to each aspect of the world.

Second, on pg. 251 Bonk states that "the past decade has brought a series of overlapping trends and technologies that feed off each other and escalate changes occurring in business, government and education." I mean, the PRESIDENT is sending tweets on his Blackberry, as am I. Children in schools are texting each other millions of texts each day, and social networking sites are the new wave bar/coffee house. It never dawned on me how much everything is escalated by these changes. For example, Blackberries are just as common as anything else these days. This is due in part to Twitter, facebook, wireless internet, etc. When new things arise, even existing things are affected. Blackberries were like the 'celebrity phone' when they first came out and now, with a rebate you can get one for almost pocket change! Amazing! People want easier access to internet AND phone, so something like a P.D.A. is now logical, helpful, useful and easily affordable. But unfortunately (or fortunately-whatever you feel), my Blackberry will be outdated in a matter of years; which is going to mean that the cell phone companies are again changing to more, better technology. Education being affected is immense. Teachers can set up Twitter, Myspace and Facebook accounts JUST for classroom purposes. I could have NEVER imagined in 6th grade that one day another 6th grader could go home, click a button and get all assignments, grades and whatever else in an instant! Similar to the 'flat classroom,' I am anxious to have my own classroom where I can utilize the most current technology to benefit myself, my students and their teachers.