LLU Live #24: The Limits of Technology

I have to confess: I really like technology. For most of my life, I’ve had access to some form of computing device. When I was about 8, my father bought us a Commodore 16 computer, which we hooked up to the TV set. Even before then, I sometimes had access to borrow video gaming consoles (see photo of me playing Pong with my uncle).

Here’s me playing Pong with my uncle when I was slightly younger.

I’ve had computers or gadgets ever since. Never really the latest and greatest, and usually shared with other family members, but always access computers and technology. The older I get I marvel at the wonders that modern technology are: they allow me to videochat on my smartphone or computer with people on the other side of the globe (very handy when you don’t live in your native country; also when teaching languages…); send pictures to others and write blog posts that people I may never have met can read. I have access to an amazing library of videos, films, and music, and can read every newspaper of every town I ever lived in. No need to go on, you know what I’m talking about because you found this blog post.

But the older I get the more I feel that I have to be mindful about all of these wonders. When people prefer looking at their iPhones to looking at me, you have to wonder. When time gets sucked up by e-mail and social media, you have to pause. When teachers are replaced by algorithms, you have to ask yourself: “Because we can do it, should we?”

As with many things in life, a good balance has to be found. It is not easy, especially when technological innovation cycles are ever shorter and new gadgets and applications are ever more useful and exciting. Finding that balance is a process. Let’s talk about it during this LLU Live session, share our insights, tips, and challenges.

Click here for more information and how to join us.