I often wonder what we are really teaching this generation. We live in a world that is on a technological fast track so speedy Jimmy Johns would make it employee of the month...every month.
I recently read this article in The Oakland Press about a school district asking for funds to further support schools, renovations, programs, etc. That's awesome! I am all about giving students every opportunity to explore their interests and have a solid curriculum provided to them. The part I don't agree with is them asking for additional funds to provide students with iPads. I don't even own an iPad and I am pushing 30 years old! And this is where survival or dependency comes into play.
Now close your eyes, figuratively :), and imagine a world with the possibility to transport a generation back in time. Would this generation be able to survive without smartphones, iPads, or, for heaven's sake, the internet?!?! Some of you are probably sitting there saying, "But you are using
the internet to post this blog." I paid my dues by growing up without
all this fancy stuff. I will use it and love it. :)
Now I know this isn't the case for everyone, but when I was in school, I went to the library and used encyclopedias/ reference books, asked questions, and actually learned about the topic on which I was writing a research paper. Hence, I did actual research for my research paper. Hmmm... imagine that. I believe the lesser access to all this technology has made me quite resourceful, and I didn't, and still don't, depend on the internet to teach me what I want to know.
Case and point: When theaters were playing Titanic 3D recently, people were actually tweeting their surprise that the Titanic and the catastrophe that it ended with was real. While they were OMGing, I was mentally smacking their heads together, wondering what other historical events they were not aware of.
Lord, help us, if this is what we have to look forward to.
I have always felt that invention is the mother of necessity. Dependency on some technological advancements is also creating a dependency on medications, weight loss programs, and other technological "break-throughs" for problems that could easily be cured by going outside, playing with others, and developing actual social and communication skills. When the one you speak to the most is named "Siri" and you don't know how to use a phone book, you have a problem. If the Hunger Games ever became a reality, those who went to summer camp will survive the longest. :)
ReplyDeleteVery true! It is so much more than a 6 year old having an iPhone...which by the way, pisses me off :)
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