first tech reflection

Predictions are that by 2049 a $1,000 computer will exceed the computational capabilities of the human race. But will they be able to identify and solve our problems? If current CO2 outputs remain at their current levels, it is estimated that as many as 1 billion people will be displaced due to dramatic atmospheric changes by 2050. These changes will increase droughts in arid areas, and flooding in humid environments. They will increase oceanic acidification and cause current sea levels to rise at a rate that could put New York City under water. So many island communities will be displaced that it will make hurricane Katrina look like an episode of Baywatch.

These are signs of the times – burning hot and running fast. Everything is moving at increasing speeds: technological innovation, population growth, philosophical exploration, understanding of the nature of the universe, depletion of natural resources, natural disasters, etc. As a human race, we will need whatever means possible to equip our students to a rapidly changing, and increasingly unpredictable environment. Technologies will and must keep up with the times if we are to address the myriad challenges ahead of humanity, and teachers need to recognize this simple fact. We need to be creative in our application of technologies and pass this knowledge onto our students.

For those “against technologies”, they must learn to recognize the unlimited ways that they can help us solve problems. I mean, the wheel is technology and it has helped in more ways than I can say. For those of us who believe “technology will solve everything” we need to understand the proximity and nature of the problems in the world, and consider how best to practically apply our know-how.

I see many benefits and pitfalls of a digital dossier, and believe that having one is simply unavoidable (and considering that a student could create some account for me – forget about keeping out of the loop). The "Inter-webs" is proving to be an increasingly user-friendly form of long distance communication, and I am a frequent user. But considering the amount of weirdos and angry parents out there, I see the need to be tentative in posting provocative pictures and controversial opinions that I freely jest with my friends about. After all, they could be seen as serious threats to some wacko, fundamental/terrorist’s way of life.