Ellen Wagner Reflection

I was really surprised that the US is number 17 in the world for broadband services, since Internet was invented by the Americans.  How could we have fallen so behind?  I guess it's difficult to switch people to the new connection mode when the existing infrustructure, i.e. land lines, are already in place and functioning well.

So that brings the question:  Mobile learning...are we ready?  Given the lack of broadband reach, Mobile learning is still limited to those whom have access.  How is the Internet making education more accessible?  

 

As one classmate pointed out, there is also the issue of energy required to run the computers and the Internet.  There are plenty of talks about making cheap laptops so every child can have one; but is there any talk about making the Internet FREE worldwide?  While people are working on finding solar solutions to provide basic energy needs, such as lights at night, who is working on providing the energy needed to run all these broadband services? 

Also, as technology advances, some countries will catch up faster than others.  That means accessibility will vary.  This basically means that some Web 2.0 applications are not accessible to everyone.  How about people who are physically challenged and/or are low in technology skills, such as seniors and visually/hearing impaired?

Internet and related technology do bring lots of hope and opportunities to us.  It, to a certain degree, also promises "equality."  The question now is,  is the world ready to be fair and equal?