This document discusses the differences between static and dynamic technologies for distance education. It provides a concept map showing where various technologies fall on the static-dynamic continuum, including tools like PowerPoint, emails, and discussion boards on the static side and Google Docs, audio/video conferencing, and wikis on the dynamic side. The document then explains that the author has moved from primarily using static technologies like PowerPoint and Facebook to embracing more dynamic tools through their program at Walden University, such as Google Docs, teleconferencing, and discussion boards. It expresses interest in continuing to learn dynamic technologies that could benefit students in special education.

1. Concept Map: Static versus Dynamic Technologies mod 5
Facebook/twitter Discussion boards googledocs writeboards
wikis Peer-to-peer
Collaboration Collaboration
emails Audio conferencing
/teleconferencing
Technology
communication and Media
Text/IM Static for distance
Dynamic communication Elluminate
education
blogs Discussion boards
content content
powerpoint gaming
Tuiorials/ teacher
mindtools
directed
Visual simulations
Digital libraries
Static verses dynamic…where do I fit in? I find myself in the middle of the continuum moving slowly but surely towards
the dynamic side. Before entering Walden University I was definitely on the static side using power points, texting and
face book (along with others). However, now that I am attending Walden I have found myself moving to the dynamic
side using tools such as; googledocs, teleconferencing, discussion boards, visual stimulations, and evaluating content.
Blogging has been a very new experience for me and I find it very interesting. The dynamic side of the continuum
introduces many new tools to me and I look forward to using them soon. The opportunity or availability of such tools
and hardware/software is ever-so increasing or developing each year-it seems! The ability to connect/educate people
through computers has come a long way from the face2face instruction. Social media, for example, has generated a
whole new platform from education, business, communities, and marketing. Fahy concurs that “where normal software
links people to the inner workings of a computer or network, social software links people to the inner workings of each
others’ thoughts, feelings and opinions” (Fahy,2008, p. 186).
I look forward to learning more of the tools on the dynamic side which can be challenging for the first time user. Since
there are some many options out there, I hope to find some that will benefit my line of work-special education-which
would benefit special needs students.
Fahy, P.J. (2008). Characteristics of interactive online learning media. In Anderson, T. (Ed.), The theory and practice of
online learning. (2nd ed.) (pp. 167-199). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.