Technology: the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful things or solve problems. Thank you Merriam-Webster. So, how did this definition evolve into meaning: anything to do with computers? I'm not sure at which point the paradigm changed on that, but I can tell you that technology is not JUST the use of a computer, cell phone, or tablet.
As an Instructional Technology Coordinator I have a variety of conversations surrounding technology. Most of them involve computer technology. And thanks to brilliant minds of our time, technology has taken on a different meaning (or maybe the misinterpreted proxy variables have led to the diluting of the definition). Either way, we have led ourselves to believe that technology is like magic. It feels like magic sometimes. If you don't understand the details and logistics of wireless, networking, fiber, hard drives, clouds, bluetooth, virtual etc., then it truly feels like magic. So it's easy to see why people think it actually is.
To jump straight to my bottom line, technology isn't tech-magically. Every facet of it involves a process that was built by a person. There's programming, hardware, sweat and tears, and lots of cable involved in the technology that makes it to your fingertips everyday. You don't actually need to know those details to operate it, though. That is the essence of the double-edged sword that exists with people in my position. We want you to use it and love it without worrying about the details, but this creates the idea that it should just work. Why can't we snap our fingers and make it work? Can't you click a button and fix this? Is there not an app or website that will accomplish my obscure, specific goals? I feel the pain on both sides of this coin. But I do not want to be guilty of perpetuating the idea that technology is magic.
We are educators. We don't have time 'fo dat'. I get it. So make the technology work for me. I need a program that meets all of the needs I am outlining to you in this 5 minute run-down in passing in the hallway. What do you mean that doesn't exist? You must be stupid OR you are holding back. But someone, somewhere has to spend lots of man hours and sweat to make that work or to create that crazy app or software. So instead of expecting tech-magic, consider rather that man is the magic, the ultimate work of technology that is humankind is the magic. Computer technology is nothing without human technology, idea technology. The beauty of humanity and this overwhelmingly wonderful age of information is that anyone can learn whatever they choose. Want an app for that crazy idea? Build one. Want a website that meets all of your needs? Get on You Tube, or Google how to build it. That's the beauty of keeping technology in its place....it can never trump us, our ideas, our human magic. So put your computer down, and step away from the metaphorical digital ledge, and know that technology is as flawed as its maker. Technology is incapable. Technology isn't your end-all magic tool....humanity is.
No comments:
Post a Comment