Technology

Come Together, Get Connected, Right Now!

When first asked to write an article about technology, my first reaction was: Oh my - not my field. But, truth be told, some zillion years ago (or so), I was fascinated by Tofflers' Third Wave . . . And I still like to entertain thoughts about trends in (and implications of) technology that are prompted by (I hate to say this) "popular sociology. " Further, I interact with my computer more than I do with people (think about it). So, for the record, I'll chance a few small observations. . .

1. It's here, whether we like it or not. 'No stopping the industrial revolution (the "second wave"). And 'no stopping this one (the "third wave"), either. The question is: how to ride that wave to best advantage?
2. It makes a difference. Well, lots of differences, really. Look at the glaring changes in our access to information . . . And ponder the subtler changes in how we define "community" . . . (Can you belong to a "community" whose members you've never seen?) It's also an equalizer . . . recall that New Yorker cartoon everybody cited a few years ago - "on the Web nobody knows you're a dog"?
3. It's going to get easier. Really? That may seem counter-intuitive. But consider e-mail. For me -- some three or four years ago - reading and sending e-mail was a frustrating process that required my careful attention to a multi-step procedure written on a crib sheet taped to my computer. Relatively speaking, the e-mail program I use now involves an intuitive (mindless?) icon-led procedure that offers many more features with almost no frustration. (Well, except when I try to attach or download a "file" . . .)
4. If you're not connected, you're not connected. WEB- and e-mail-based communication are increasingly important for adult literacy practitioners in Texas. This year, a major goal of the Texas Adult Literacy Clearinghouse is to develop a "bang-up" Web site. Some communications previously done by mail - including the AEPDC Calendar of Professional Development Activities - will occur only "on-line" from now on. So what? If you're not connected, get connected. How? Find a computer with Web access (if you can't buy one for yourself or find one at work to use, know that most local libraries have one available for the public). Get an e-mail address (there are lots of companies that offer them for free . . .if you can't figure it out, ask someone). Join a relevant listserv discussion group. Explore the WEB. Connect!

Announcing . . .

Are you an Adult Education Literacy Teacher? Do you want to join TCALL's e-mail discussion group for Adult Education Literacy Teachers in Texas?

You can join by sending e-mail to: LISTSERV@LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU

And in the BODY of the message put . . .
SUBSCRIBE ABETEACH FIRSTNAME LASTNAME

Questions? Comments? Please contact Peggy Sue Durbin at (979) 845-6615 or e-mail her at pdurbin@tamu.edu