Wow! Going through this module was simultaneously a blast from the blast and a look into the future. Just to make a personal connection, right away while watching the lecture, I noticed that Professor Stephens mentioned a learning module that I am familiar with. This was the “Flipped Classroom Module”. I went to college in 2011-2015 for education and it felt brand new to me in 2011. I was still learning about the flipped classroom in 2015 and applied it when I began my teaching career in 2015. This was something that was different for students but they were willing to learn. It was not my favorite style of teaching so when it was no longer required, I switched methods, but it was fun to make this connection.

Another really interesting piece that I pulled from this module was the HoloLens 2. I think that the feelings I have towards to HoloLens is a general feeling of unease and being uncomfortable while also being curious about what it is able to offer to people. I think that I need to get into the mindset that this type of technology is on the horizon and could be incorporated in libraries and technical spaces sooner than I think. Although I haven’t engaged with this type of technology in my real life, I know that Apple has also put out their Apple Vision Pro which I believe attempts to give similar results. I think as of October 30, 2024, the Apple Vision Pro is just a prototype but I know that Apple is working behind the scenes to perfect this technology – potentially even creating something that is more sleek and reasonable to carry around. With that being said, back to the HoloLens. This is a technology that is intelligent and adapts to the user which I think is great but it does pose a question for me. When I see technology like this, I end up thinking of the end scene in Wall-E. Will there be no end and no beginning to the technology? How will users ‘adapt’ to using it? I think those interpretations of technology use leave me feeling unsettled.

On the flip side, I think that if we are using this technology in a responsible way, it is a great tool. When I saw the HoloLens 2, I imagined it in a space such as the library. I am lucky to work in a kids space with children that love exploring new technologies. We have a code club and different tech groups for my programming age (tweens – ages 8-12). I think that this would be really an exciting technology to incorporate – the tweens could play games and to build worlds in it or study with a partner within the library space. As the children grow older (into teenagers), I think it would be a great tool to learn how to utilize for collaborative studying and learning. I did go to the current subreddit and noticed that due to a Microsoft update, there have been errors in usability. I think that those issues will need to be worked out before than can be introduced to environments such as libraries and learning institutions.

Going through this module also has me thinking of many different questions related to technologies. Will libraries have the budgets for them? Will they have the ability to do updates on site or will the technology have to be sent away for updates? Will staff need training? When will staff find the time to be trained? What does the library do if the technology crashes? All of these questions are hypothetical for now, but should be considered seriously if this kind of technology could be introduced.

Overall, I am excited to be on the frontline to the introduction of new technologies but also nervous for the implementation of new technologies. I somewhat experience fear of the unknown until I can learn and I think that is okay and normal. Potentially even expected. Overall, I enjoyed learning about what to expect for emerging technologies, or, technology on the horizon, in order to meet demand for library users.