Step 1: Pick a Topic

Question

Choose an area of life that has been positively affected by advancements in technology. You can pick one from the following or another, different area of your choice:

Banking
Medicine
Online learning
College and career readiness
Life-long learning/daily living
Step 2: Explore the Topic
Using an online search tool and/or reviewing Lesson 4, research how technology has impacted your chosen topic. Begin your search by asking essential questions about your topic:

What was this area like 10 years ago? 15 years ago?
How do the changes since then positively impact people’s lives?
How do advancements in technology affect this area the most?
Add at least two questions of your own as well to help guide your online research. Be sure to document your discoveries as you explore the topic.

Step 3: Make the Comparison Chart
You can create your comparison chart in a word processing or spreadsheet document. The format is very flexible—it is up to you—so feel free to create your chart as a graphic or slideshow if you prefer!

At a minimum, your chart could include a table with headers and columns, like this one:

Table 1 Sample comparison chart
Then (2012) Now (2022)
Chosen Topic
But, if you would like, exercise your creative muscles and think of a more imaginative way to create your chart!

Step 4: Add Content to the Chart
Complete the comparison chart with information about the topic from the past (at least 10 years in the past). Next, add information about the topic from the present. The information on the “Now” side should highlight how technology has made positive improvements to this area of life.

Your comparison chart should include:

At least one description of the topic from the past
At least one description of the topic from the present (emphasizing the impact of technology)
Images to support your descriptions (optional)
Your completed chart should incorporate your responses to the questions in Step 2.

Step 5: What to Submit
Save your comparison chart as a PDF for JPEG (to preserve formatting). Submit your document to the dropbox.

Table 2 Grading Rubric
Content Format & Mechanics Explore
Full Credit
The student demonstrated a thorough understanding of the research topic. It is evident that the student did an excellent job of using information from the unit and/or additional research.

The content in the comparison chart is thorough, well-researched, and accurate.

The student’s comparison chart is well organized and has an easy-to-understand format.

It includes all of the necessary criteria and contains no more than three grammar and spelling mistakes.

The student has used a variety of resources to perform their research.

The resources investigated were credible.

Partial Credit
The student demonstrated an understanding of the research topic. It is evident that the student did a good job of using information from the unit and/or additional research.

The content in the comparison chart is accurate but is missing some important details.

The student’s comparison chart is somewhat organized and understandable.

It includes most of the necessary criteria and contains more than three grammar and spelling mistakes.

The student has used a few resources to perform their research.

The resources they investigated were credible but could have been more relevant.

Little Credit
The student demonstrated little understanding of the research topic. Few resources were used to research the topic.

The content is lacking substantial detail.

The student’s comparison chart is poorly organized and difficult to understand. Components of the chart are either missing or incomplete.

The chart has multiple grammar and spelling mistakes.

The student has not identified resources to use to perform their research or has not used credible resources.

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Answer 1

Step 1: Topic Selection

I will choose Online Learning as the area of life positively affected by advancements in technology.

Step 2: Exploring the Topic

Essential Questions:

1. What was online learning like 10 years ago? 15 years ago?
2. How do the changes since then positively impact people’s lives?
3. How do advancements in technology affect this area the most?
4. What role has the COVID-19 pandemic played in accelerating online learning technologies?
5. How do online learning platforms cater to different learning styles compared to traditional classrooms?

Discoveries:

• Online Learning 10-15 Years Ago:

  • In the early 2000s, online learning was in its infancy and primarily offered as supplementary resources to traditional education. Online courses were often asynchronous, with limited interactivity and engagement.
  • Platforms like Blackboard and early MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) were available but often lacked user-friendly interfaces and robust content.

• Positive Impacts of Changes:

  • Accessibility: Online learning has made education more accessible, allowing students from remote areas or with disabilities to access quality educational resources.
  • Flexibility: Learners can study at their own pace and schedule, accommodating various lifestyles.
  • Diverse Resources: The inclusion of multimedia resources—videos, podcasts, interactive simulations—enhances learning experiences.

• Impact of Advancements in Technology:

  • Learning Platforms: Technologies like Zoom, Google Classroom, and Canvas have transformed online education, providing tools for real-time engagement and collaboration.
  • Artificial Intelligence: AI-driven personalized learning models help tailor educational experiences to individual needs.

• COVID-19's Role:

  • The pandemic led to the widespread adoption of online learning systems globally, prompting institutions to invest in technology and expand course offerings online.

• Catering to Learning Styles:

  • Online learning platforms provide various formats (video lectures, interactive quizzes, discussion forums) to cater to diverse learning styles, which is often harder to achieve in traditional classrooms.

Step 3: Comparison Chart

Here is the structured comparison chart based on the research findings:

| Then (2012) | Now (2022) | |---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Online learning was primarily supplementary with limited resources and engagement. Most courses lacked interaction and were predominantly text-based. | Online learning offers interactive, engaging platforms with live classes, forums, and a mix of media (videos, quizzes) that cater to various learning styles. | | Limited access; often required specific hardware and software, making it less accessible for some demographics. | High accessibility through mobile devices and widespread internet availability, making education achievable for more people globally. | | User experience was not a priority; platforms were often difficult to navigate and integrate with other tools. | Intuitive interfaces and seamless integrations with tools like Zoom and learning management systems (LMS) enhance user experience. | | Few organizations offered accredited online degrees, limiting options for students. | Many reputable universities now offer accredited online degrees, expanding education options and credibility. | | The technology behind online platforms was rudimentary and often unreliable, causing frustrations. | Advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics now enhance engagement, personalize learning, and improve reliability. |

Step 4: Add Content to the Chart

Descriptions from Research:

• Past (2012): Online learning was mainly text-based with minimal interaction, often perceived as a secondary option to traditional education.
• Present (2022): Online learning is a comprehensive, flexible, and well-structured option for education, integrating various technologies to enhance the learning experience.

Images (Optional):

• Then: Screenshots of early online learning platforms.
• Now: Screenshots of popular learning management systems.

Step 5: Submission

I would save the completed comparison chart as a PDF or JPEG and submit it to the designated dropbox as per the guidelines.

This thorough exploration and structured comparison illustrate how technology has positively impacted online learning over the past decade.