Last chapter! This chapter addresses the fact that more and more content is appearing online. I once had a friend say to me, "I don't even know why I bother going to class anymore when my professor even says that everything he teaches and more can be found online." Although slightly disturbing to the educator, the truth of the matter is that while there may be more content readily available on the read/write web, it's not going to replace direct instruction, entirely. However, we as teachers might need to adjust to this content shift. My sister is most likely getting a Kindle for her graduation present this year and is already curious to see if she'll be able to get any of her text books from online, rather than having to purchase the actual books. While I find this disheartening, as I practically have my own library, kids these days are practically minimalists when it comes to technology. They want everything in the palm of their hand at the touch of button, and that's exactly what they're getting.
The second observation of trends addressed was that web content has become a collaboration. I still have trouble grasping this concept, but it's truly awesome in the literal sense of the word. Trends like these do and will have tremendous impacts on our lives and the way we teach our students. We owe it to them to stay relevant and keep up with times, and integrate upcoming and new technology as much as possible, and when funds don't allow it, we have to reach out for them and at the bare minimum teach the concepts of the advancing technology.
As a future educator, I will be a keen observer of the trends and latest technology. I will integrate technology and teach my kids about the trends when time and place are appropriate and allowed.
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