From the pacemaker to the iPhone, technology has changed drastically improved in the last 50 years. Through the use of technologically advanced machines, one can even stay technically–in the most literal sense–“alive”. Modern medical advancements such as life support and cancer screenings help doctors save lives every day. Video calls facilitate face to face conversations with people on the other side of the world. Without such modern advancements, where would society be?
Modern communication allows for people to connect with those they otherwise would rarely see. Take, for example, Providence Net Team member Christian, whose family is Texas. Christian expresses that having loved ones in Texas and living in Minnesota can be difficult. A day in Minnesota for Christian varies drastically from the day his loved ones have in Texas; it’s easy to feel as distant as they geographically are. Christian explains, “Social media helps me catch up on what I miss;if I miss them I can just look at a picture or a quick update on Facebook.” From Facebook updates, to video calling, nowadays, one can stay connected with anyone they need to with a click of a button.
PA science teacher Mr. Dan Hickel experienced similar benefits from technology while spending multiple years learning and teaching in Hawaii. Hickle can sympathize with the difficulty of maintaining relationships over a long distance. During his years in the Pacific time zone, Hickel would plan “FaceTime dates” to simply sit down and catch up on life with loved ones in Minnesota. Modern airfare also eased the difficulty in spending so much time apart; if he needed to be home, he could hop on a plane.
These conveniences not only apply to relationships, but to career advancement as well. Professional growth available through the many advents of new technology for companies and individuals alike is immense. The efficiency of online applications alone can benefit the entire job search process and help a person seeking gainful employment find a job sooner than many would have dreamed a short decade ago. An interview can take place via Skype or Facetime, taking a matter of seconds to connect nationwide, or even across the globe.
As far as technological advancements in the classroom, schools incorporate a variety of machines to enhance their learning strategies. At Providence Academy, students have access to Chromebooks and computer labs whenever necessary. Teachers have access to their own computers and chromebooks as well as projectors within their classrooms. Mrs Killion, the FACS teacher at PA, uses an elmo–a video projector–to show her students the different techniques for everything from stirring to stitching.
From conveniences to vital care, technology can improve the quality of life, even save lives when used properly. Some say if we wish to envision a world where we did not have technology today it would be a world where we were trying to invent it.