Convergence refers to the merging together of technologies from different sectors such as telecommunications, information technology, and media. This merging has led to innovative new products and services through the combination of heterogeneous technologies. There are different types of convergence including technological, communications, and media convergence. An example of convergence is the smartphone, which combines the functions of a mobile phone, camera, MP3 player, and other technologies into a single device. In the classroom, convergence can be demonstrated through the use of a laptop connected to a television to project multimedia lessons and activities for students. While convergence provides benefits like increased convenience and efficiency, it also poses challenges around regulation, intellectual property, and its potential effects on culture and society.

1. Jonathan Chalon - 315100585 – EDTK 2030 – E-Tutor: D.D.M. Stuart

2. What is Convergence?
Convergence refers to the fusing or coming together to
gradually form something similar. “Convergence is a process
by which telecommunications, information technology and the
media, sectors that originally operated largely independent
of one another, are growing together.” (Papadakis, 2007).
Since the 1980s, there have been numerous innovative
convergences of heterogeneous technologies to create new
products and services, and even new technologies. (Lee,
Olsen and Trimi 2010). There are various types of
convergence taking place in the ITC world. Synergies
amalgamations and harmonising of the various types and
varieties of convergence is cause change to world we know.

3. Types of Convergence
There are various types of convergence that occur. Some types are:
Technological convergence is the tendency for different technological systems to
evolve towards performing similar tasks.
Communications convergence includes electronic media, telecommunications media
and broadcast media to provide distinct services.
Media convergence is the concept in which old and new media intersect. It includes
shifts within the industrial social and cultural paradigms that encourages the
consumer to seek out new information.

4. EXAMPLES OF CONVERGENCE
The smart phone has converged several technologies such as the mobile phone, camera, mp3 player, and
several other technological, communication and broadcast media into one device.
The CameraMP3 Player
The Mobile Phone

5. Forms of Media in the classroom
Two Forms of media I can use in the classroom are:
Laptop and Television
I would use a laptop connected through an HDMI cord to project a multimedia video and web quest
tasks on a TV screen so the students can learn about the skeletal system. The laptop allows for
videos done by the students to be captured and shared. Sample lesson plan is attached:
Subject: Health science
Topic: The Skeletal System
Grade: Four Ages: 8 - 9
Date:10.01.26
No. of students: 25
Objectives: Students should be able to:
a) Identify the bones in the body
b) Describe the importance of the skeletal system
c) Create models of the human skeletal system

6. Methodology:
Students will be placed in groups and the lesson will be done as Webquest. The lesson tasks will be
presented on large screen TV using a laptop.
Introduction: Students will view a video on the skeletal system that identifies the bones and discusses the
functions of the skeleton system.
Students will dance and sing to the Mr. Bones song in the video as they identify the various bones and their
functions.
Students will draw an outline of the skeletal system and label the bones and skeleton.
Students will answer questions about the skeletal system on a quiz.
Students will complete a word find puzzle.
Students will create various models of the skeleton system in their groups.
Students will present their models which will be video recorded and shared an various platforms.
Conclusion: Students will play Simon says …. Nod your cranium…. Simon says wiggle your phangles…
Evaluation: A rubric evaluating the various tasks in the Webquest will be used. Students will participate in
bones race to create a skeleton model and label it correctly.
Integration Activity: Students will write a short story about the topic Mr. Bones and post it on the school
page.

7. CONCLUSION
There are many benefits to convergence as users are equipped with devices that
solve problems, make live easier, increase value to services, create convenience and
efficiency and gives greater choices to the user. “Work sequences whose results
depend on very many previously isolated single elements can be optimized. Smart
homes and new transport technology in automobiles are good illustrations” (Stobbe,
Just 2006:7). Nevertheless, there are drawbacks such as “policy and regulatory
challenges, protecting consumer interests, intellectual property rights, setting of
manufacturing standards, facilitating cyber-trade, controlling emerging cyber-crime,
reduction of traditional jobs.” (Togzhan, 2007) As consumers become engulfed in
their evolving devices this convergence is reshaping culture, social convention and
norms which could have an adverse effect on the society.

8. REFERENCES:
S.M. Lee, D.L. Olson, and S. Trimi, “Strategic Innovation in the Convergence Era,” Int. J. Manag.
Enterprise Development, vol. 9, no. 1, 2010, pp. 1-12.
The University of the West Indies Open Campus. EDTK 2030: Unit 1.
Stobbe, T. Just (2006), IT, telecoms & New Media: The dawn of technological convergence, in
"Economics – Deutsche Bank Research", Vol. 56, pp. 4-5
I.Togzhan (2007). How can we ensure that the drawbacks of
convergence do not outweigh its benefits? Retrieved October 1,
2016.