Technology Is Still missing In a World of Infrastructure

Image: metamorworks

    This Thanksgiving holiday, I ordered my groceries for pick up from Safeway. However, the parking lots were less busy than they usually are during this time of the year. I was fortunate enough to own a laptop and a cellphone to skip the lines at the stores by ordering ahead of time. I may not be into all of what technology has today, but to know that many out there may not own a laptop or a smartphone is very discouraging.

    "Now, this number grows when you realize that the people who do have infrastructure access can't afford things like laptops or phones. And the number grows even greater when you realize that those who can afford, a portion of them can only afford the models that are of low quality because that's what they can afford under their financial restrictions." (Linglala, 2022) Is anyone purchasing these items that cost as much as their rent comprehending that you can buy one similar for half the price? Unaffordability will only continue to spread digital divides and alienations globally as those less fortunate will continue to climb the forever-extending ladder.

    Furthermore, "The rapid uptake of new technologies is occurring among most groups of Americans, regardless of income, education, race or ethnicity, location, age, or gender, suggesting that digital inclusion is a realizable goal. Groups that have traditionally been digital "have-nots" are now making dramatic gains." (Wolske, 2020) Although the new inclusions ideas of the rapid uptake of technology show that improvements are underway, the internet and Wi-Fi at my house could be faster but loses connection out of nowhere. The internet company says that we are near a dead zone location, and there is nothing they can do about it—the lack of accessibility for those living in a world of infrastructure will not help even with new technology.

Citation

Linglala, A. (2022, April 5). The Digital Divide | Arjun Linglala | TEDxChelmsfordHS - YouTube [Video file]. TEDx Talks. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZe4AoZ2Pv8

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A Person-Centered Guide to Demystifying Technology: Working. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.7

I Limit How Technology Impacts My Daily Life

 

This week's reading and video were fascinating; the author compared his daily life without technology and electricity from sunup to sundown. I still remember cooking and doing laundry without all these fancy new techs and talking on our landline with a ten-foot cord, hoping it was long enough so I could get some privacy. However, I started hearing the dial-up because someone wanted to check their myspace.

"While I have and continue to live with a wide range of daily-use electronic devices for lighting, heating and air conditioning, cooking and cleaning, and the other staples of modern life, I come from a long family line who also keep a hold on the mechanical side of life in a range of ways." (Wolske, 2020) Many other Americans who welcomed technology in some way continue the traditions of maintaining their home inside out. Of course, modern life has been a lot easier, but how will kids learn the fundamentals of doing chores and working hard, or care for themselves if one day they are without power for almost a month?

Nevertheless, in all honesty, we all love what technology has come to today. "I rely on my smartphone for just about everything. I believe technology is beneficial, it saves time, it is reliable, and I feel safe traveling all over the world alone because of it." (TEDx Talks, 2018) Technology has become extraordinarily universal; I can write an essay on my phone. I can also track my friends and family if they are lost and view alerts on my phone to ensure my house is safe. As much as I would enjoy controlling the lights in my house and opening my front door from my phone, I will not sign up for it. I want to my sure my data are safe with me.   

Citations

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A person-centered guide to demystifying technology: Working together to observe, question, design, prototype, and implement/reject technology in support of people's valued beings and doings. Windsor & Downs Press. Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.7 

Rose Barker, TEDx Talks. (2018, April 5). Internet of Things: Are Smart Devices Helping or Harming? | Rose Barker | TEDxSalem [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipdTLJcIkWI

 

 

Technology and Accessibility Is Not the Same For Everyone

This week's reading and video reminded me how fortunate I am to have the knowledge and accessibility to the things that we, able Americans, take for granted. Only some people know about Wi-Fi or how to use a smartphone because only a few can access one. Some of us can take the stairs, escalator, or even the elevator, depending on how we feel. But someone in a wheelchair or leg walker may not have these options.

I thought back to my trip through an airport, pushing my daughter in her stroller, and everyone got on the escalator. I took the elevator, and it was the only one; I waited a very long time. As much as I wanted to take the escalator, I knew the elevator was a better option because it was safer for me, my daughter, and others. "Capabilities are the real and actual possibilities from which individuals can choose so as to achieve those things they value being and value doing. Functioning are the aspirations that makeup people's well-being." (Wolske, 2020, pg. 42)

Although the advancement of technology and accessibility has made our daily life more accessible, the elevator at that airport, with thousands of people traveling daily, would be more feasible with a second elevator. Or how about reinventing the escalator steps to be twice as big to accommodate those who do not need an elevator but cannot take the stairs?

We can make progressive changes by incorporating universal design in all of the technology, "build upon and explore, explore how you in each and every one of your roles can include Universal Design in one part of your life; if you do that, you will help to create more commonality more diversity and more inclusion for all people including persons with disabilities." (Doupe, 2018) With the diversity of our society and worldwide, universal design can be the most extensive modification for technological advancement for everyone.   

 

Citation

(2018). Diversity, Inclusion and Universal Design | Teddi Doupe | TEDxUAlberta. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI-rsKbIvfc&t=880s.

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A person-centered guide to demystifying technology: Working together to observe, question, design, prototype, and implement/reject technology in support of people's valued beings and doings. Windsor & Downs Press. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.7

How to find the balance and managing my time effectively

Attending school this year at Seattle Central has been rewarding yet challenging. When you become an adult, or should I say when you become "mature," you think you have everything under control. I thought I kept everything together because I am always organized and good at managing my time and prioritizing. Completing this program will be a significant step for me, so learning and understanding the materials presented is very important. 

However, the tricky part is being a mommy twenty-four-seven and juggling a full-time job on top of homework and studying. I had it in my head that I had done this before, and I could keep it all under control because I knew what I was expecting and how I would manage to take on so much.

"When people apply the principle of balance in their planning, they are able to find time and energy for all important activities and responsibilities in and outside of school." (Stone 2014, Ch. 11). In this reading, there are many things that I am lacking. I must practice self-discipline and balance, which is crucial to my ongoing educational success.

To better help me find my balance, I decided to implement "the triangle Illuminati, and on this triangle, you have three points, and the points are either getting good grades, having a social life, or getting good sleep." (Yip 2020) I want this balance and a productive lifestyle on top of everything I am currently juggling. I will have to plan effectively and manage my time wisely so that I no longer feel burnt out by the end and beginning of the week. As well as helping me free up more time for "Mommy & Me" memories with my daughter.

 

Citation

YouTube. (2020). Finding Balance at Medical School | Getting Your Life Sorted. YouTube. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6gQj_Bl2-U&t=5s.

Stone, M. (n.d.). 11. Effective Planning: How Do You Own It? Own Your Education!: A Student’s Guide to Greater Success in School (and Life) [Book]. Www.oreilly.com; Pearson. From https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/own-your-education/9780133573466/ch06.html