Medical Breakthrough for treating blindess

I was absolutely amazed at an article I came across when browsing CBS Health Watch the other day. After a little research I found out that this idea was nothing new. Still, I wonder if this could have an effect not only on adults, but children and therefore the classroom as well. According to CBS New York, a new microchip has been developed that could help change the way blindness is approached. This microchip unlike others, relies on the eye to transmit the images. It processes light and sends signals to the brain, taking the place of the retina that is implanted behind the eye. So far, this chip has helped three patients who haven't seen anything in years, see images in black and white. Scientists soon hope to develop the chip to treat various types of blindness and allow patients to see in color!

Aside from the obvious benefits, I believe this breakthrough, if pursued further could give children who are blind an entirely new outlook in the classroom. Best case scenario I believe, children would not need the use of assistive technology in the classroom like they would previously if they were blind. This could also allow children to be placed in the "traditional" style classroom which people have been so fond of. While of course, this style of classroom will not work for all students. Reading this article on CBS Health Watch, reminds me that I take my eye sight for granted. It's not something that I've ever been without. I can't even imagine what it would be like after years of not being able to see to be given something so miraculous as sight.

Thinking about it further, maybe this 'gift' of sight wouldn't be so miraculous for everyone. Aside from various side effects which I am unaware of but I'm sure will and would be present, I wonder if this would at all be comparative to the debates of cochlear implants? I wonder if the opinions would be different for someone who is born blind, and for someone who loses their eye sight later in life. So many questions, I hope to see more conversation and movement of this topic in the future!

Technology in a k-12 classroom

I agree with this video in a sense that yes it would be wonderful to be able to use technology to inspire and engage students in learning. But where is the line drawn? Is there such thing as having too much technology used in the classroom and not enough of the basic skills? As I observe in the classroom, I'm seeing less and less focus on tools like handwriting that students my age were so focused on in elementary school. I wonder if at a point in the future, students will no longer need to use things like books and paper to practice the basics, or if in the future the basics like writing will turn into typing as the norm.