My Digital WorldThe digital revolution might still be young, but it has brought about the biggest change in our lifestyles in the last two hundred years. Where did it all begin? How does it work? Over the past few years, technology has gradually become a valuable part of people’s lives. Using digital tools was a great progression for everybody. People had used cassette players and then CD players, video and then DVD. Ten years ago there was no Facebook or Twitter. Fifteen years ago broadband access to the internet in our home was an unimaginable luxury. Just twenty years ago people still had to buy books, music and feature films from a high street shop. Nowadays people use a laptop computer in their work and study, even in their everyday life. We can use a computer and a Wi-Fi connection as well. Teachers and lecturers can use a data projector or an interactive whiteboard. The board work became clearer and easier to follow, helping the students to make better notes. It is really useful if the students haven’t understood a concept or need a reminder. What is an example of a digital device? Digital devices mean some common items which are working from electronic technology. A digital device is an electronic one that can store and display a digital file. A digital device uses discrete values, such as sounds, images, and other measurements of continuous systems. These are things like a Mobile phone, Kindle, Wii, X-Box, Camera, Computer. We have all the listenings and videos we want to listen or to watch, as well as access to a range of pictures on the computer. It’s very easy to travel to any part of the world, to see our friends living abroad and to speak to them thanks to computer skype programme. The new digital world makes professional development so much easier. Blogs are fantastic ways to learn about teaching methods and the ideas of people who we would never get a chance to meet. We can share our ideas with other people on any problem. Distance learning became possible to everyone. The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Students can find teachers in any subject whether they’re at home sitting in a comfortable armchair and watching a computer screen, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone. With digital friends, you can find out far more than in a physical one-to-one situation before making a commitment. However, keeping the digital friends as just digital friends is not good. Some people’s longest relationship started with an internet contact which, after they'd both decided they could get on well, progressed to a real world meeting and it's still ongoing after over 10 years.
Exercise 2. Answer the questions: 1. What digital devices do you know? 2. What wasn’t there ten years ago? 3.What wasn’t there fifteen years ago? 4. What wasn’t there twenty years ago? 5. What do people use in their work and study nowadays? 6. What can teachers and lecturers use? 7. What is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning?
Exercise 3. Read and translate the text:
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