Which one help us be "more human:" Technology, nature or both?

I have observed that technology is really important in our classroom.  Most of our classmates, for the TESL CALL spot statement, are trying to apply a modern technology to the development of the language.  In my opinion, in the area of language education, technology should not only be used in the development of the language, but also development of the person.  I was working in the UTSA library with my assignment for the TESL CALL spot, and after I finished it, I was trying to send it in, since I could not do it, I asked a fellow, who was working in his computer next to me.  He tried for a while to help me but eventually he gave up.  The man to my left could not help me either.  I asked two more people who worked in the library help me.  I thought "they should know it", but they did not.  After this experience, I realized that this modern technology is difficult for me, but also for others, who are expected to have some knowledge about it.  After my discovery, I modified my assignment for the TESL CALL post.  I would like to invite you to discuss not only how we apply a modern technology for development of language, but also how to apply it to the general issue of human development, and compare it with development of nature in human life.  As we realize, modern technology is so important these days for many human needs.  Some people go too far with technology development, and can become addicted to it.  The fast progress of technology can have a negative effect on human life.  Modern technology is changing the way our brain works.  Somehow, modern technology is changing human feelings, including the principles of human beings.  I think people should try to keep a balance between technology progress and the use of nature's resources.  Some human actions, such as modern technology, violate the laws of nature.  If we lose nature's image, we lose our purpose of life, because we are completely dependent on nature.  Personally, I'm trying to be really close to nature.  This connection with nature has been enriching my life in many different ways.  Nature keeps people "more human."  That could not happen to us with modern technology.  The words of the ancient oriental wisdom say: "live closer to nature my friends, and its eternal laws will protect you."

http://www.albang.edu/etap/faculty/Cara Meskill/publication/mark.pdf


http://www.abdn.ac.uk/philosophy/endsandmeans/vol2no2/roleton.shtml

Smartpen - a good tool for learning languages?

The technology has played an important role in human beings’ life. No matter if you are eating, dressing, living, or learning, you probably use one or more techniques in the processes. For language learning, using the technique becomes common in the classroom. I found out one language learning tool which claimed that you can use the pen-based computer for the pedagogical purpose. Here is the link of the product webpage and introductions on The New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/30/technology/30pen.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&sq=livescribe 2007&st=Search&scp=1
http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/index.html

It just not put the camera on the top of the pen but also can record sounds for simple steps at the same time. Learners can play and watch what they record at any time and speed they want. Teachers can use it to prepare their classes or give additional instructions for some learners. Also, teachers can share the videos in blogs or use it for distance teaching. I just want to know if anyone uses this product before or similar techniques in your teaching? What do you think about the effectiveness of it in learning the foreign languages? If not, will you use it in your class? And what will be the pros and cons by using this technique?

Hello Clickers!

I have used a similar clicker 3-4 years ago for one of my undergraduate courses. It was a general (required) business course with at least 400 students in class. Our professor would start the class with a question for us to “check-in” with our clickers. (And students, of course, manage to make friends in class and assign one hardworking student who never skips class to carry 3-5 clickers to class and help them “check-in” every week...until it's midterm.) In this video, it was not clear if the students had to pay for the clickers or not. I remembered I had to pay around $30 dollars and register my clicker online.

If you were a teacher at this school, how often would you ask your students to use clickers? Would you go entirely “paperless”? What advantages and disadvantages do you see a class may have when using clickers? Specifically, how can this help/limit language learning?

* I am focusing on the clicker itself. However, please feel free to comment and give insights on the other technology (ex: video-chat across the district).