A Work in Progress

Too Much Technology?

After a day like today, I’m not sure there is such a thing as too much technology.

Somewhat of a CNN-buff, I’ve watched the rather frightening events in Egypt unfold today -- live.  How did this uprising get started – how did it gain momentum? It seems that Facebook and other social media outlets played a huge part in spreading the word in real time.  Even when Egypt basically “shut down” the Internet, enough streams were able to get out, that audio and video continued to leak out to the rest of the world.  It wasn’t too long ago when news events from the other side of the world took days to get to the public, with plenty of opportunity for censorship before it hit the airwaves.

I spent much of my day setting up an online shopping cart for a client where her videos on children’s nutrition will be available for download.  She will be able to reach a global audience easily; no inventory, packaging, shipping. Customers can order, pay and have the video in their hands in a matter of minutes.

While I write this (and actually the realization that led me to write this blog entry), half of my screen is running live video of my nephew’s Division III basketball game. And, although it’s not an important enough match-up to be on national TV, it’s important to me. 

Earlier today, I downloaded an application so I can access local weather radar on my phone. I already open my smartphone before I hop out of bed each morning, and scan through the national news. And, yes, when I can’t sleep, I’ve been known to check my email at 4 in the morning.  Gee, maybe that’s one of the reasons I can’t sleep well!?

I’ve had quick conversations with both sons through g-chat today.  Just a quick “how’s it going?” – but that connection sure made me feel a bit closer to them.

I used to enjoy listening to stories from my grandparents-in-law. I marveled at the “history” they had witnessed – I’m just realizing that my (future) grandchildren will have the same experience.  They’ll ask, “Tell us what it was like when you only had 4 television channels and could only talk on a phone or work on a computer when it was plugged into the wall.”  Oh geez – maybe there won’t even be television, telephones or computers by then!

Oh… .and by the way.  Marietta College (my nephew’s team) won by 2 points with a buzzer-beater.  I’m so glad I was “there.”

 

Technology is just.... Cool!

Over the course of my lifetime, I've certainly witnessed a huge explosion in technology.  While earning my engineering degree, we would "compile" computer programs using punch-cards.  None of this personal computer, on-screen stuff.  I would listen in fascination to my husband's grandparents as they recounted life before television and interstate roads, air conditioning and washing machines.  Later in my life, I suspect I will be recounting similar stories to grandchildren amazed at how we survived without computer technology. For now, I continue to be amazed at today's technology and the ways in which it enriches everyday life.

My two sons have always been fairly close.  As they grew up, they bonded over being childhood friends and playmates, and through the tragedy of losing their dad. Their mutual love of computer technology and video games became an ongoing passion.  Both excellent students, they managed to find spare time for music, friends and the latest Nintendo or online game craze.

As my older son, C, headed off to college a few years ago, it was hard not to notice that my sons had grown a bit apart.  With one of them dealing with the challenges of college, and the other with feet still firmly planted in high school, they didn't have quite as much in common.  I knew they "talked" regularly online -- especially while playing some of the online games they both enjoyed. But, there was some distance in their relationship for the first time in my memory.

We've all read about how computers and video games can harm our young people.  I've always been a firm believer that computers and video games, in appropriate doses, do not cause harm and can actually be beneficial.  They encourage youngsters to read, learn to follow directions, and develop memory and problem-solving skills.  This past weekend, I discovered yet another benefit from this high tech age.

My older son, C, was home last week for several days to see his brother, A, before they both start their fall college studies.  For A, this will be his freshman year.  I noticed a bit more comeraderie between them during the last week, and was somewhat discouraged when it was time for C to head back east -- it seemed they had redeveloped some closeness during the visit, only to be separated again for the next several months.

A has recently been indoctrinated into the wonders of Rock Band (Nintendo Wii) and I was treated to several nights of their joyful noise while C was home. This evening, A was busily working around the Wii, and finished with a satisfied sigh, "There." He grabbed his Rock Band guitar and over his laptop I could hear C on voice (through Skype) as he linked up with A using his own Rock Band game and laptop.  Incredible.  I've enjoyed another evening of listening to them laugh and play together.  First, it's a good thing neither of them are planning to make a living as a rock musician. Second, their play is music to my ears.