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Personal - MapQuest
In February 1996, MapQuest launched their online map for users to preview their route before embarking on their journey. During this time, the maps and routes had to be printed, but this was an upgrade to reading the "old fashioned" maps. I remember the days when my mom had to print these out before we would go on trips to the beach or COSI. Thankfully now we have maps within our phones that we can display whenever needed. -
Educational - USB
The USB was created in order to share files and information from one device to another. While there were other forms of this device used before 1998, the version created in August was the one that was widely available. I see this as an educational advancement because students, instructors, and others within the school could work on projects on more than one device without fear of losing any of their work. -
Personal - iTunes Store
This allowed users to listen to and download music, podcasts, music videos, and audiobooks. With this advancement, people could take their listens on the go and have access to more than one album, book, or artist. -
Educational - Kindle
The creation of the Kindle transformed the consumption of books and other reading material. This is an advancement in educational technology because students and instructors can access their coursework digitally, making reading and note taking easier for some. eBooks are often times much cheaper, and of course, much lighter to carry around than the physical books. -
Both - MagicSchool AI
AI is something that admittedly scares me. Many times it is used for evil instead of good; as a teacher I have had multiple students take advantage of AI, using the technology to do their work for them. MagicSchool is a great tool that I have found helps in my classroom. I have used it to create worksheets for students in addition to giving student feedback when I am not able to conference with each of them.