I have seen and used technology through quite an evolution! I’m not sure if I should call myself a technical maverick or a techno dinosaur! My first experience in using computer-based technology was on a holiday job where I learned to use a telex machine. A year later I was lucky to be able to try one of the first word processors to come into New Zealand. A few years after that, (marriage and a couple of kids later..) we purchased a computer where input was still very much in code form – well before the visual displays we have today.

As the use of technology has exploded into our worlds, the levels of creative use have gone through the roof!  When you consider the software that is available, photo editors, video editors, webcams, presentation software, and publishing programs we have at our fingertips – the list and potential for use is endless!  Technology has allowed us to become amazingly talented in how we present information and ideas to the rest of the world!  Websites, online chat, webinars, live feeds, blogs, memes, Facebook, YouTube, online dictionaries.  Again who could ever have thought we would be so creative in our use through this technical evolution?  I have an inkling that Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg and their teams of incredibly motivated people knew exactly the potential technology would offer us. The world they have opened up is full of potential.

Educationally technology has become an outstanding source of information and knowledge between countries, communities, schools, teachers, and students in classrooms.  I would have loved to be part of a system where we could collaborate and collectively engage with students from another country to complete a project, create a collaborative wiki site and talk to students about what their lives and countries are like.  I mean WOW!!  From a girl who was not in the age of even considering the ‘OE’ after college, going into a traditional formal work environment, and not stepping outside the square in the fear of being fired – these opportunities excite me beyond belief.

Words allow us to blog, video allows us to vlog! Photos become an expression of our personality and show others about our lives and how we interact with the world around us. Selfies, video chats, videoing ourselves and friends as we socialise. We post on social media, we have personal pages to reflect our business interests. And then there’s Instagram. Instagram has inspired and lured the youth of the 22nd century away from Facebook, which is now considered an oldie’s online social platform. Did you know that the average age for a Facebook user is now over 40?  Yikes!

Pinterest takes us to the heights of creative excitement as we scroll for hours through everyone’s pictures and suggestions. We can send e-cards to those who are millions of miles away, skype or video chat with family so we don’t feel so distanced from them.  And don’t get me started on Virtual Reality and Google Earth!  OMG! What a technological wonderland!

 

 

 

It’s appropriate though, that we take time to stop and reflect on technology and its use as a positive influence of how we see each other and the world around us. But the positive experiences I have had are not the same for some people. It’s important to consider the effects that social media can have and has had, on people who struggle to leave their home, perhaps through fear, insecurities or may have become addicted to being socially active online. Yes, they are still in contact with their friends, yes they are still ‘chatting’ to people, but all within the confines of their home. Do you know anyone like this? If you do, perhaps it time to visit them in person, have a meal or go for a walk outside, to help them reintegrate into the world outside.  

Technology is a great tool for helping people.  We have a reach further than we ever have.  If friends don’t respond to phone calls, email if they don’t respond to email, or phone or letters, organise an Uber and go visit! You can be creative and innovative in your approach and how you help and assist others.  Perhaps you can even start a social face to face group where we all meet at a local cafe or bar and talk creativity and how you can use it as a positive influence to help each other? Again, due to the ease of use, online book clubs, online craft chats or video conferences are a great place to connect and create a whole new set of contacts.

What do you do with your technology that increases, encourages creativity or displays your creative self to the world?  You can share your ideas through the comments below.

 

Sue…