I came across a link that someone posted on facebook today, clicked to check it out, and was totally amazed by what I saw.
BYU created a gigapixel panorama image at the football game this weekend, but what is so cool about this is that you can zoom in and clearly see everyone in attendance at the game. I was able to find myself very quickly and was surprised at how clear the image is even once you zoom in. It's a little weird, but also amazing. I would love to know how an image like this is created.
What this got me thinking about, was how amazingly BYU has integrating itself into the technical world. Prof. Burton was just discussing today in class BYUs app that you can use for a wide variety of school resources. BYU has really made it a point to be on top of all the latest technology and to be keeping up. I think we are really lucky to be going to a school that is so aware of what is going on and that is making a conscious effort to be a part of up and coming ideas and innovations.
It is true that BYU has many tech-forward things going on, including the amazing animation studio here, app development, and robust teaching media and computer facilities. Let me tell you, many schools are far worse off. At the same time, BYU is better at spending on tech than on creating the "cyberinfrastructure" (a fancy term that describes not just the technology, but the culture and concepts that make the use of technology purposeful and productive). Too often institutions simply buy a lot of tech and think they are on the cutting edge. But you can have technology and yet not be enfranchised in digital civilization. Think about your grandma buying an iPhone and only turning it on to make voice calls and then turning it off again. Or worse, think of professors buying iPads and only using them to take notes or check their email. Most of being forward thinking with technology has little to do with the technology itself. If people are not open to change, and to valuing change, then tech is just expensive ornamentation.
ReplyDeleteI love and agree with Dr. Burton's comment. I think people sometimes get too caught up in having the "next big thing" and they feel like the way to be technologically savvy is to simply own the latest device, but they might not know how to use it to its greatest extent. If we aren't educated about the things we own or want to use, they are pointless.
ReplyDeleteI think Learning Suite is really great. Definitely some cool things going on with that aspect here at BYU. There are some innovative things on there that help facilitate better learning (such as being able to see the grade you got on the assignment you turned in a few days ago, and all in one place). It is giving the student more control. I also like the ability to see how you did on an assignment compared to other students in the course. There is a lot of transparency and I like it. It also motivates you to do better.
ReplyDelete