Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Emergence of Flash Drives


Flash drives have become popular in the last few years because of their small size and low cost. The flash drives of today offer portable storage that is safe and secure in the hands of the owner. Some problems with flash drives are connectivity and that they are easily lost. The size of the flash drives makes it easy to slip it into a pocket but it also allows it to be easily lost. This is often remedied by putting them on a key chain or in a case. Connectivity can be an issue when the flash drives become corrupted or encounter connection errors and are not recognized by the computer.

The need that a flash drive meets is one of storing work for employees, students, and anyone else that needs to easily take files with them on the go. A flash drive is beneficial when only needing to carry some files along on a trip versus having to take an external hard drive or multiple compact discs. One thing that would make this technology even better would be to make them easier to track or harder to loose. Anyone can lose a flash drive and have it picked up and the information deleted by another person.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/405700/your-world-on-a-flash-drive/

Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.

5 comments:

  1. Melissa,
    I agree with the inexpensive effectiveness of file storage for students. Students work in class or in the computer lab and they can transfer those files to their home computers. The major issue I have teaching video production is the speed of the flash drives. The slow speed will not allow students to transfer video fast enough to edit. My students are required to purchase Thunderbolt or FireWire drives, which cost a lot more, but they do hold more data and are faster. For security, are you familiar with password protected flash drives? The price is higher, but it may be worth the protection.
    Best,
    Marc

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    Replies
    1. Marc,
      What are the password protected password flash drives and where can you buy the Thunderbolt or FireWire drives?
      Brigit

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  2. Hi Melissa,
    Flash drives are a good choice. I have had two that I keep around my neck at work. My lesson plans, pictures, newsletters, assignments, and more are stored on each one. Have you had problems with loosing your data stored on the flash drives?
    Brigit

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  3. Hello Melissa!
    Flash drive is a great choice. My second grade student are asked to purchase a flash drive for their technology class. They keep their assignments on their flash drive. One problem that I've notice is that some parents have a problem purchasing the flash drives. The reason is funding so my principal has developed a system that will help collection funds for technology in the classrooms. It's amazing how a one dollar entrance dance can help support technology funding for students.

    Yolandria

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  4. Melissa:
    I agree that we are not far off from turning our watches into our communications devices. I see it in the movies, but hey, what was once Star Trek is almost all real.

    ReplyDelete