Education: December, 2003 December, 2003 Table of Contents

by Shan Ingram

Well, we are closing in on the end of another year. A lot of things have happened in 2003 — it has been a good year for me, and I hope it has been for you as well. I always become reflective at times like this, and the older I get, the more I think about the way things used to be. Recently, I have been thinking a lot about how things were before we had computers.

First of all, I wouldn't be doing my newsletter article with the aid of a computer word processing package with spell and grammar check. I probably would still be scratching it out by hand on a tablet. Some poor secretary — I mean administrative assistant — would be anguishing over my illegible handwriting, scratch outs, insertions, circled text and arrows. Then she would give me a typed copy to work from, (If we needed extra copies, we used carbon paper.) and it would take a day or two of revisions to get it completed. We would probably even have to manually count words to make sure that the text would fit in the available space. So, is the end result better? I don't know. I do remember that words and thoughts were chosen more carefully and that there was more interaction between those doing the task before we had computers.

I think the biggest thing that computers have done is change the way we interact with people and accomplish tasks. Before computers, we had numerous personal interactions with our fellow humans. Now, we do all sorts of impersonal acts. If you don't believe me, call the phone or electric company and try to talk to a real live person. You will probably be greeted by a computer. Just a few short years ago, you could walk in to any number of businesses and be greeted personally by a representative who would listen to you, take down information, help you solve a problem, take your money and interact with you. Now, many of these businesses don't even have a local office or any local employees. You must interact with their computer online or via telephone. If worse comes to worst, you can send them a letter, but don't count on a response!

What about how we make purchases? Do you buy things online? Many people do. Why do you think retailers are having problems keeping their stores open? Would the current move toward consolidation and big business be possible or accomplished as easily without the aid of computers? Prices might be higher, but we might enjoy each other more.

Computers have also changed the way we entertain ourselves. Before computers, we had no video games, DVDs, online games etc. People went to the movies, kids played outside with their friends or pets and didn't have 100-plus channels of television to choose from. We didn't have personal cell phones and when we encountered someone, we took time to visit with them personally. We didn't have to listen to people conducting business via cell phone when trying to enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Computers have replaced people and have lessened jobs in many circumstances. They have also created jobs in other areas, but my bias is they have made us a less personal and caring people. They have also contributed to us becoming fat and lazy.

Now, I guess I'd better bring all of this rambling to a close. I am not anti-technology. I know that computers have benefited me, and the world, a great deal. They make tasks easier and give us more information quicker — I just wish there was a way that we could keep the personal interaction side of living intact while enjoying the benefits of computers. Next time you encounter a computer, think about it. Would you rather encounter a person? If you like personal interactions, plan to go to a producer-oriented meeting soon. Take time to visit with your friends, neighbors and acquaintances. If you have an idea for an educational event that we are not addressing, let me know and maybe we can help address your needs.