Do we rely on technology too much?
Jun
17
Written by:
6/17/2009 6:19 AM
“Turn left.”
“Huh?”
“Turn right.”
“But I thought you said – “
“Turn left, then turn right.”
“Now look here….”
It is ok, dear Reader: I have not quite overworked myself to the point where I have started conversing with my satnav! However, I have had a couple of -- let’s call them ‘interactions’ – recently which has started me thinking about the wisdom of relying on this technology or, by implication, any other.
Satellite navigation systems are wonderful, but they can lull you into a false sense of security. An example of why this is a pitfall of which to be wary occurred recently. I was running a training day for teachers away from home, which entailed staying in a hotel overnight. My client booked the hotel on my behalf, so all I had to do was turn up.
Being somewhat paranoid about getting to venues early enough to set up, relax, and breathe the air, I took not only my satnav but also a print-out from Google Earth. According to the latter, I was a one minute drive away from the venue.
So, I thought I would walk to the venue after breakfast, just to see where it was and to check if there were any roadworks I ought to be aware of, that sort of thing. Imagine my surprise when, following the Google directions to the letter, I ended up around the back of the hotel I was staying in!
I went up to my room, and double-checked the postcode. Yes, that was correct. So I took out the satnav and put the details in. It, too, thought I was just around the corner.
It turns out that the location was over 2 miles away. Fortunately, I’d arisen so early that it posed no problem at all. I can’t help wondering, however, whether the company in which the training was being held – a very large multinational pharmaceuticals company – had somehow convinced someone high up (literally!) to instruct the satellite GPS system to give out incorrect information in case of some kind of attack! Perhaps this is a silly notion but, in the words of Fats Waller, one never knows, do one?
The second incident occurred the following day. Travelling home from the training day, I thought I’d stop for a coffee and to freshen up. I instructed the satnav to find the nearest restaurant that sold American-style food, and was delighted when it told me there was one just over 3 miles away. Except that it wasn’t. There was not only no sign of it, there was not even any indication that it had ever existed. And as my wife shrewdly observed: had I not had the satnav in the first place, I wouldn’t have dreamed of looking for a restaurant off the beaten track: I’d have driven straight home, and arrived an hour earlier than, in the end, I did.
I think it is interesting to think of (new) behaviour and conversations that take place because of the existence of technology. When, on syllabuses, mention is made of the effects of technology on society, the requirement is always about discussing macro issues, such as the environment or unemployment. At least equally interesting, to me at any rate, is the effect of technology on everyday conversations and interactions, the micro level of modern living.
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9 comment(s) so far...
Do we rely on technology too much?
Your experience reminds me of an episode of the Office. It is when Micheal follows the navigation system all the way into a pond. He was too afraid to not follow what it said. I am a direction freak. I must have the directions where I am going or I panic.
By Aurora Hartley on
6/19/2009 6:49 AM
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Do we rely on technology too much?
I believe we are coming to a day and age where we rely on technology more than ourselves.
By Mrs. Oviedo on
6/20/2009 5:23 PM
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Do we rely on technology too much?
I don't think you have to wonder too long or think too hard on whether or not we rely too much on technology. Wait for the electricity to go out or your batteries to run out of juice, and we ALL come to realize just how much we rely on technology. The situation you described above is why I still teach my students to read an old-fashioned paper map.
By SKM on
6/22/2009 8:27 AM
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Do we rely on technology too much?
This is why we need teachers to learn about technology. Not only how to use it, but how it works, and how it does not work. One of the things that annoys me is that most people are at extremes when it comes technology and education. We have those who want to just use technology all the time and we have those old school people who do not want to use it at all. Moderation is key. Teach students how technology can make certain tasks like homework, classwork, projects, daily life, etc easier but first provide them the background knowledge and skills that will allow them to think critically with or without the technology as well.
By Paul Alex on
6/22/2009 4:48 PM
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Do we rely on technology too much?
@Aurora I am exactly the same! I always print out the route before I leave, take a map book, and make sure I have the phone number of the venue I'm going to!
By Terry on
6/22/2009 6:28 PM
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Do we rely on technology too much?
yeah!!
We depend on technology too much!!We seek everytime the support of technology,be it related to comfort ,or work!!
We must not depend on technology!!It will be more easy ans will benefit us in future!
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philip
Job Description
By philip1111 on
7/2/2009 6:15 PM
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Do we rely on technology too much?
@ Mrs Oviedo Yes I agree. It is a little worrying isn't it?
By Terry on
6/22/2009 6:29 PM
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Do we rely on technology too much?
@SKM Good idea. For the same reason, I think kids should be taught basic math instead of relying on calculators. It seems to me that unless you understand the principles of what you are doing, you will always be at the mercy of technology and/or other people.
By Terry on
6/22/2009 6:31 PM
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BlogComment
@Paul Yes, absolutely agree: see my comment about math skills, for example. Thanks!
By Terry Freedman on
6/22/2009 6:40 PM
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