In 8th grade, I got a
Walkman for Christmas. I carried it around (being careful not to move too
vigorously lest the CD skip) and jammed out. This was incredible, I thought, I
can listen to music anywhere. When I
was in 10th grade, I got my very first mp 3 player This was amazing, I
thought, I no longer have to carry around a pack of CDs! I did notice a trend-
as I got older my gifts became less numerous and they were a lot smaller in
size. My parents were paying a lot more money for fewer products- but they were
just so cool!
It is easy to have mixed feelings
about the effects of technology because like anything else, there are pros and
cons. It is indisputable however; that technology is the way of the future and
that it can accomplish some pretty amazing things.
Our Families and Their Futures
Our youth and young adults have
grown up in arguably the most innovative and technologically driven decades in
our nation’s history. 70% of the jobs that will be available to our youth when
they graduate high school do not even exist yet. These jobs will likely be in
Computer Information and Technology (IT), since IT jobs are expected to grow
22% through 2020- the year our eighth graders graduate high school.
It is to our advantage that we
make the effort to ensure that our youth are prepared for their future. They
need exposure to technology in and outside of school.
It may be difficult to keep up
with all of the advances and changes; but we as adults must learn with our
kids. How else can we make sure that their experiences and time with computers,
the internet, and other devices is constructive?
Don’t forget about grandma and grandpa-
they need to be connected too. There is a technology generation gap; where our
youth are eager adopters of technology but their grandparents are bewildered by
their “obsession” with these gadgets.
But our grandparents may be
feeling left behind. If they want to look something up, the internet is the
place to go. If they want to speak to their grandchildren, it might be easier
to text them. If they want to look for jobs, nearly all applications are
online.
Fortunately, there is a growing
movement toward helping our grandparents get connected. Training them to
harness the powers of technology improves their social engagement, health and
well-being, and opportunities for creativity, learning, and activism.
What We Can Accomplish
The South Franklin Community
Center has partnered with Google to start its own technological initiative in
southwest Provo. With a donation from Google, we now have the ability to
provide the opportunity to use a computer and the internet. We have an open
computer lab Monday-Thursday from 5:00 to 6:30.* Our youth and adults are
already learning; they have set up email accounts, practiced their typing
skills, and learned how to research information online.
As families grow together
toward mastering technology they can accomplish incredible things.
Making a difference has gone digital. Online campaigns and donations
are the way of our future. Millennials (our youngest generation) are already
making an impact online- one young adult used cat memes to raise over $60k for
animals with disabilities.
We can create positive impact in our community;
especially with the power of the internet. We encourage you to start adventure today
by finding volunteer opportunities or donating online. A good
place to start is the South Franklin Community Center website!
We wish you a joyful giving
season and skill in figuring out your new electronic devices. You can do it!
- (The computer lab will be closed from December 16th to January 5th).
- Sources: Older Adults Technology
Services. National Public Radio. ComputerWorld. A Platform for Good.
