Two Words: Luis C.K.

I have seen the original stand-up version of Luis C.K.'s shtick about technology and how it is lost on the most ungrateful generation. It is positively hilarious because it is so true. So many people now take it for granted that we have all of this amazing access to absolutely anything we want at our fingertips, and the second it takes a little too long or something goes a little bit wrong everyone is up in arms. I somewhat agree with Luis C.K. that our generation is completely spoiled and "non-contributing" and that there are many of us who take for granted the technology that we have. But can we think about it another way?

Are we completely dependent on technology? Are we TECHNO ADDICTS? Apparently, according to Luis C.K., we can't even live without Wi-Fi on an airplane that we only knew existed 30 seconds ago. We're hooked on the ability to have absolutely everything with the touch of a button. Isn't that amazing?

Before I started teaching, I had a generous respect for technology and the scientists who make it happen for us. I am one of those people who never reads the instruction manual--I just "play" with electronic devices until I figure them out. They are intuitive. They are in tune with the way our brains think. They are a reflection of who we are.

After I started teaching, my respect for technology grew even more. It is amazing to me that because of the development of technology students with autism who have never had a voice are able to communicate fluently and with ease. Not only that, but technology serves as an external motivator for my students whose intrinsic motivation is lacking. Moreover, technology enhances the learning experience for students in a class--wasn't that what our Educational Challenge was all about?

I mean sure, technology can get a little ridiculous, what with people's obsession with updating their Facebook status every five minutes and people texting me "Happy Birthday" rather than calling me to hear my NEW 24 YEAR OLD voice! (I literally got TWO phone calls on my birthday, from my Dad and my best friend in Portland. My MOM even texted me).

So what does this say about technology? Is it positive or negative? It has its negatives--my 3 year old nephew is learning to write by using a touch screen Android phone as opposed to holding a paper and pen. But at the same time, this wave is HUGE and I think we should all just ride it! It's SO much more positive than negative--communication, media, news, culture--everything is shared through technology. Not to mention medical advancements and its contributions to the development of special education. Yes, we are living in Digital Mind world. But isn't that better than living in a world where so much can be unknown and unavailable?