Deanna Beaver
Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay. Take mobile phones, for instance. There have been many learning curves over the years. Mobile phones have evolved from simple flip phones to hand-held computers. I remember when my dad had a mobile phone hooked to his truck’s horn. I was often embarrassed when he would get a call at 4-H drop-off or school pick-up—horn blaring my arrival. He was supposed to be able to hear the phone ring while on a tractor in the fields. I wonder how many times he stopped what he was doing to answer the phone.
I distinctly remember taking a required computer program coding class during my first year of teaching. What? I did not major in computer science. Okay, I’m a lifelong learner and always up for a challenge. But seriously, couldn’t they hire someone to write programs? Of course, that would eventually come down the pike. Technology kept evolving, from floppy disks to CDs to apps. Now, kindergarten students are learning to code.
Now, I have an iPhone. Yes, I’m one of those nerds who bought a book explaining how to use the illustrious iPhone. Once again, technology doesn’t come naturally to me. I can figure things out by playing around. That takes time. It seems that today, society has us all on the trajectory of technology experts if we are to function in the world.
It’s easy for us to complain about the changes in technology tools when the next best thing comes on the market. Yes, I remember when there were no answering machines. It’s very daunting to think of all of the modern conveniences we enjoy that run on some source of technology.
Remember, my New Year’s slogan was to be grateful and joyful. I decided to find some positive reasons to be thankful for smartphone technology.
- I get to communicate my thoughts and ponderings with you guys regularly.
- I get to participate in social media, which allows me to connect with relatives, childhood friends, college mates, colleagues, students, parents, and others I have met randomly.
- I have the opportunity to see my grandchildren daily, even when we are not in the exact location.
- I get to visit and look at my daughter in another state as much as I would if she were in my house.
- If I’m on a reputable site, I can research any question that crosses my mind in a split second and get reliable answers.
- I can conduct a business meeting virtually.
- I can read to my grandchildren when I’m not with them.
- I can watch a video to help me with DIY projects or fold up the blasted baby stroller that can humble you quickly.
- I can listen to various music on my phone.
- I can listen to Audible books on long drives.
- I have recipes at my fingertips when shopping at the grocery store—I still like to pick out my food.
- I can converse through messages instead of talking to someone—interpretation varies.
- I am a professional photographer in the making.
- I can find like-minded peeps on the internet to support and feel supported.
- I can conduct business in seconds- no snail mail delivery.
- I can find my way to Timbuktu if I program it with my GPS.
But…
What happens when you have no coverage in a specific area? What happened to over 290 million people across the United States when their service provider had an outage? Were you affected?
Well, some of us still remember what it was like without the convenience of technology, or do we? Just saying…
Inquiring minds would like to know how technology has affected your life, positively or negatively. Please leave a comment below.
I like your question on if we can remember a remember what is was like without Technology. In my Aerospace industry, we use computers aided design (CAD) in drafting and testing the shape and inter workings of our airplanes. One CAD designer now can do the work of 10-15 engineers drafting on paper. If we couldn’t design on the computer, I don’t know if we would be able to design complex airplanes the old-fashion way. However, I would like to think that technology outages are localized and temporary, so we won’t have to worry about learning both the old and new.
Caleb,thank you for your prespective. It was enlightening to hear how technology is affecting you personally at work. I understand cost effectiveness as being business savvy. However, it’s sad that technology may replace many engineers. I hope that technology will always need some human involvement to work efficiently.
Ooh I love this gratitude list of technology perks. There is so much we take for granted. I echo staying connected with family via FaceTime and Zoom! We love our virtual story times with DeeDee. And, when my grandma lived in NYC, what a blessing it was to stay in touch with video calls! When the kids finally met her in person, they both instantly were comfortable and excited to be with her because they recognized her smile and voice.
I remember my parents forcing me to say hi to elderly family members over the phone as a kid. I never knew what to say, and I think a lot of the time they couldn’t hear me. Now as I watch Haley interact with family on FaceTime… all she has to do is do a little dance or make a funny face and she is fostering laughter and connection with her family. She has it easy!
Allyson, there’s something about being able to see the person on the other side of the phone or computer.When I see fellow writers on Zoom, I can recognize them at conferences. Sometimes I may introduce myself and say, “We’re friends on Face Book.” The laughing response is like a secret code that others understand. It’s amazing to think that your children will have Face Time and Zoom as a baseline to build on other types of communication.
I admire your choice to find ways to be thankful. If we adapt our thinking about other aspects of life and choose gratitude, we’ll follow 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which tells us to give thanks in all things. I always enjoy your entertaining and thought-provoking posts, Deanna.
Jeannie, I do follow 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Giving thanks for technology can certainly depend on if it’s working or not. We are human.Thank you for interacting and being an encouraging friend.
Thank you, Deanna! I love that technology allows me to read your blog and keep up with you, my sweet friend. If only my iPhone would stop glitching. For instance, when I write a sentence, it changes the first letter of my sentence to lowercase as I’m hitting send just to keep this writer humble. And as of late, when my phone is on silent mode, it decides to make a loud popping sound each time I select a letter on the keyboard in order to wake my husband, who needs to get up early. Cheeky behavior, don’t ya think? Is it time for a new phone or should I just live with the fact that technology is and will always be a work in progress?
Cindy, thank you for interacting and sharing your frustrations. My voice over comes on erratically. For no reason, Siri will say, “Voice Over On!” I can to say, ” Hey Siri, turn Voice Over off.” I may or may not say that command loudly. Just saying!
Cindy, I agree that technology is a work in progress. I identify with that! I’m constantly changing each time I learn something new.
The good, the bad, the ugly–we can’t live without it. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful, I shouldn’t complain!
Jennifer, I will confess that I’ve done my share of complaining. However, that doesn’t seem to get me anywhere. It’s a good thing we have patience. Or do we?
I love technology when I get t it to work like a want it too!! It’s fun to discover something new and cool on my phone or computer that is useful!! Makes me feel so smart!!!
Thanks Deanna!!
Robyn, I’m right there with you! The only problem is when I learn something new but don’t use it often enough and end up forgetting how to do that particular thing again. I’m sure I’m the only one that does that. Geek Squad is my friend since I don’t have Ryan at school to trouble shoot for me. I keep Stephanie on speed dial as well. LOL
Robyn, I can’t believe I didn’t respond to you last month. I agree with you that it’s fun to learn new things. The problem I have somtimes, is remembering what I learned. It’s the little things that we celebrate. Thanks for your interaction.
Robyn, technology is always changing. I agree that I feel more intelligent when I have figured out a technology challenge. Thank you!
I will always remember saying to my husband many years ago that I ‘hate’ technology! His response was so funny, he said, “I hate having to help you with your technology!” Ha! We always worked it out and now I am grateful for it to be able to keep in touch with dear friends like you Deanna!
Patty, I totally agree. Thank you for your constant support and interaction. I can just imagine us in the hallway chatting.
Those were such good times weren’t they!
Patty, Yes! I do miss the camarderie of our friends at school that we spent so much time with every day.