Discussion Questions

1. Have you used information technology in your educational program before? Was there any terminology related to use of technology that you found difficult to understand? While taking this course, were there any terms related to the online medium that you did not understand or misunderstood? How did you solve your problem?

2. Some technical terms pass into common usage as knowledge about a field spreads. Think of three such terms that have passed into common usage recently.

1. Only YOU can answer this. See all the instances of "you" in this question?

2. My example below isn't a technical term, but it'll give you the idea so you can think of some technical terms within the field you're studying:

"impact" = definitions 1 and 2 are the original meanings; definitions 3 and 4 are some uses added recently.
http://www.answers.com/topic/impact

IMO, people have become too lazy to use "impact" for when one thing strikes another and "effect" for when one thing influences the outcome of a situation, etc. You can see the word's history in the first entry here:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=impact&searchmode=none

You can use those two sites to help you with other words/terms you decide to investigate:

http://www.answers.com
and
http://www.etymonline.com

Some technical terms pass into common usage as knowledge about a field spreads. Think of three such terms that have passed into common usage recently

1. To answer this question, I would suggest reflecting on your personal experiences with information technology in your educational program. Think about any instances where you have used technology, such as computers, tablets, or online platforms, to aid in your learning. Consider if there were any specific terms or jargon related to technology that were difficult for you to understand. Did you encounter any challenges or misunderstandings when it came to terms related to the online medium, such as digital communication tools or learning management systems?

If you had difficulties understanding a particular term or concept, there are several ways you may have approached solving the problem:

a. Self-study: You might have conducted independent research using search engines or online resources to gain a better understanding of the term or concept. Exploring reputable websites or watching tutorials could provide clarity.

b. Asking peers or instructors: Approaching classmates or teachers who were more knowledgeable about the subject could have helped you grasp the meaning of the term or concept. Collaborative learning and seeking assistance from experts can be valuable in overcoming difficulties.

c. Utilizing online forums or discussion boards: Joining online communities dedicated to educational technology or specific platforms could have allowed you to connect with individuals who had expertise in the area. Engaging in discussions or posting questions can often lead to insightful answers and explanations.

2. When thinking about technical terms that have become commonly used recently, consider current trends and advancements in technology. Here are three examples:

a. "Cloud computing": This term has permeated everyday conversations as more individuals and businesses utilize cloud services for data storage, software applications, and collaborative work.

b. "Artificial intelligence (AI)": AI has gained widespread recognition with the rise of virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. It refers to computer systems that can imitate human intelligence and perform tasks such as voice recognition, natural language processing, and image recognition.

c. "Internet of Things (IoT)": IoT refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and internet connectivity to exchange data. With the increasing prevalence of smart home devices, wearables, and connected cars, IoT has become a familiar term.

To identify more recent technical terms that have become commonly used, you can explore technology news websites, industry publications, or even social media platforms where tech-related discussions take place. Stay informed about technological advancements and keep an eye out for terms that appear frequently in those contexts.