Wednesday, April 2, 2008
bloggin on empty, in which sam student is introduced
Sometimes its easiest to just follow a routine, a set of directions, a script...you get the idea...rather than think or act with a mind for originality or innovation. This is where I find myself right now. I'm wondering how in the world I can blog about technology again. I mean I've been blogging for my own enjoyment for about three years now, and I've blogged about many topics more than 11 times. This technology thing has become the proverbial dead horse. I've approached just about every way I know how creatively, philosophically, pragmatically, deeply, shallowly, humorously, seriously... But today the task remains, even after an entire paragraph of text, in front of me to blog about technology. So I'm going to put into practice today a genre of writing that my Basic Writing students are particularly fond of: the definition paper. In my Basic Writing class, I teach structure, structure, structure and the definition essay can meet this criteria a little more easily than other more challenging genres. So, without further ado:
According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, technology is "the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area." Technology affects my life in many ways. As a matter of fact, it's hard to think of an aspect of my life that technology doesn't affect. From eating to sleeping to studying to writing, technology's impact is all around me, but I'd have to say that I largely take it for granted. As a matter of I only really notice technology when either something is broken or when something amazes me. For example, in chapel the other day the Student Life people got up to show a funny video about dodgeball, and the video wouldn't run right. Everyone was bummed out because usually Student Life videos are hilarious. I remember thinking how if they had just thought up a funny skit, everything would have been fine. I guess unless the microphones weren't working! An example of a time that I noticed technology because it amazed me is when I went to see The Matrix. I know that this movie may not be as impressive when it comes to special effects as something like Sparta, but I guess my point here is that dazzling special effects make me notice technology. Also, I notice technology when a cell phone rings in class. Some of those ring tones are hilarious, especially in awkward situations. One time, my professor's cell went off to the tune of "TNT" by ACDC. We all busted up. In conclusion, technology, defined as "the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area," is all around us, and we usually don't even notice it.
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3 comments:
Technology is definitely more noticeable when it blows up in my face. For the past month I have not had PBS working on my television. It's not a problem for people with cable, but if you're like me and sticking with the basic channels because you have decided against buying cable...well, then you're out of luck. And PBS is one of my favorite channels on regular t.v.
On an interesting note, since my daughter's cartoons aren't on in the morning she's been watching the news while eating breakfast. She came in to the bathroom this morning when I was in the shower to inform me of an alligator that was loose in some other state she couldn't remember. She's definitely keeping more informed than when watching "Arthur."
I wonder if the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is one of the most quoted books...
One of my mantras (especially since starting at my current place of employment) is "technology is great, until is doesn't work." I find it quite funny that some are so reliant on technology that they will waste 20 minutes of class time trying to get a 5 minute video clip to work.
Glad you're doing what you need to to get through this. You're right, some days it's easier than others.
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