The TED talks from last week’s class proved to be informative and thought provoking.
Lana’s presentation about holographic imagery led me to thinking about current trends in entertainment technology. 3D televisions are currently being sold in many electronic stores. Nintendo recently announced its upcoming “Nintendo 3DS”, a hand-held gaming device that will track users' eye movements to create a three dimensional image. What is the need that is driving these new technologies? Are holograms and three dimensional television our first steps towards new forms of media that will revolutionize communication and technology? Or are these technologies mere distractions that will ultimately fail?
In 1995 Nintendo released its much anticipated “Virtual Boy”, a handheld gaming device that would immerse users in a virtual three dimensional world. This product failed to attract an audience. One video game historian wrote that the Virtual Boy “remains a warning to the folly of ‘cutting edge’ technology, and proves that even the best get it badly wrong sometimes.”
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/History+of+Nintendo/feature.asp?c=11512
In 1975, the electronics company Sony began selling an innovative and groundbreaking product, the Sony Betamax: a machine that could record television programming onto small portable tapes. Despite its cutting edge technology, it failed to attract customers as well as the competing and arguably inferior format of VHS.
The Sony Betamax and the Nintendo Virtual Boy are case studies of how, sometimes, cutting edge technology fails to “live up to the hype.” Technology company Apple is not immune to this problem. In 1993, Apple released a portable, tablet-style computer called the Apple Newton. This product was one of the first “personal digital assistants” that recognized users’ handwriting, and assisted with various “apps” such as the calendar, note-taking, calculator, and sketch pad. Despite being sold for six years, the product failed to attract a large audience, and the Newton division of Apple was disbanded after discontinuing this product.
The failures of these three technologies, Betamax, Virtual Boy, and Apple Newton, provide cautionary tales for educators. Decisions by educators should always be driven by sound research, empirical data, and a strong foundation of pedagogical theory. And yet, in 2010 it seems that many educational decisions are based less on research and pedagogical theory, and more on hype of untested and unproven “ground breaking” technologies. As a case in point, Seton Hill University in Greensburg Pennsylvania recently made headlines around the world when it announced it would be giving each of its students a free Apple iPad. Is this a great decision for Seton Hill students? Only time will tell.
But history has shown us that sometimes, new technologies fail to live up to unrealistically high expectations. The impulse shopper with a credit card can be forgiven for making uninformed purchases based on hype. Educators should always be more diligent in researching and reflecting on the best practices of incorporating technologies into sound pedagogical practices.
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You always have an interesting post and informative perspectives, Roland! Some great examples of failed technologies, and lessons to be learned. I heard about the Seton Hill purchase. As much as I would love an iPad to play with, this seems a bit premature doesn't it? Check out the site I put up in my latest post, for more history.
ReplyDeleteRoland, while I was reading your post, I was thinking that you connect the cutting edge technology with what we discuss, consistently. Then, I read Mike's comment. How coincidental.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure of 3D TV. I am not a big fan of IMax and I wonder how many others are in the same boat.
I have found it interesting to see education on the lag side of the technology implementation curve. The Smartboard was made for a classroom, so it was accepted quickly, though it is what, about 10 years old? I wonder, however, about its future. Observation suggests that mass education showcases the products that have endured, like the PC and the Mac, Microsoft products. In short, stable products (a little like books and learning how to read). I think that's good when money is an issue, which it always is. Seton Hill is gambling, but the iPad all-in-one idea is a good one. I guess we'll see.
I don't recall the Newton, except maybe a commercial. But, wasn't the VHS cheaper and that's why it captured the market?
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ReplyDeleteIs it that technologies have failed or have they just run their course. I'm sure the makers of BETA are now laughing as VHS makes room for PVR.
ReplyDeleteSome sites report that the iPod will soon be replaced with the iWatch. I imagine everything has its day. I am left wondering if there is, in fact, a stable technology that will endure in the educational landscape.
I'm not sure about the iWatch either. Roman, I looked at your reference to it. I just don't see people using that little pen to poke around on that small surface. If the iWatch, why not that Sixth Sense thing Julye posted back in January? Does it have a future?
ReplyDeleteInteresting information. I have never heard of the virtual boy or the apple newton, but it is a great example of how new technologies do not always pan out. I wonder what will become of the new release for apple..."the ipad"?
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