Emerging telecommunication technologies

Abstract

The authors address the emerging telecommunications technologies that have been introduced into the marketplace and that are being used by businesses to gain a competitive edge by reducing costs and improving operating efficiency. It is noted that these technologies can be used by educators as well to strategically access information, to gain a competitive edge, to enhance teaching effectiveness, and to increase the technological literacy of today's students. The effect these technologies may have on the educational process is examined. Each technology is described with a basic explanation, the current status, and a discussion of educational applications. The goal of the present work is to enhance educator's awareness of this technology and to improve their ability to plan for its use in the classroom.<>