As a “for instance” she knew I was scheduled for hernia surgery this week.
Next thing, a guest post from her arrived to be
tucked away in case I'm not at my scintillating best on Friday.
Wow, talk about a friend in need!
Thank you so much! You're something else, my friend!
Reading my friend Vicki Warner's spin on technology with our youth, got me thinking about the technology of my youth.
Here, I'm standing in front of this technology in 1968.
I loved playing our vinyl records on the turn table, which was to the left of the television and covered when not in use. We had a wall telephone in that serviceable mustard color in our kitchen.
Only when I turned sixteen did I get my own petal-pink phone with a 'fancy' touch tone dial pad.
1. Analyze & learn
I can say it's a whole new world in the life of a nursing student today. From learning to recognize heart and lung sounds on video to participating in a simulation where a Drama student plays the role of a suicidal patient, the possibilities for technology to assist are limitless. This, in itself, is exciting.
However all the technology in the world cannot replace analysis and common sense in the learning process. These opportunities for critical thinking occur in the classroom, the nursing Lab and various clinical hospital sites. As an instructor, I urge students to consider a balance between knowledge and application.
Having clarification and validation of all the clinical knowledge needed as a nurse available at our fingertips though technology will never replace the importance of individualized and culturally competent nursing care that is given to patients through our hands and our hearts. Nor would I ever want it to...
I also stress actively listening to patients. What we want as health care providers, known as evidence-based practice, is not necessarily what the patient wants or will continue with after discharge. And technology cannot speak for us to our patients, thank heavens.
2. To collaborate & speak
I'll admit that it's an advantage to have that tekkie friend in the group (thanks, K.), the one who has a command of the latest available in technology and who can apply it effortlessly. With Skype (or the many equivalents out there in cyber-space), no one ever has to miss a meeting or class if sick or on vacation. With Google Docs, Evernote and other programs that invite collaboration and team-work, the time spent in actual planning and execution does not have to be formidable.
Technology encourages efficiency and the concept that 'the show must go on' in a group effort.
For group work to be meaningful, including an ability to keep the audience's interest, an over-reliance on technology can be distracting, sometimes to the point of causing impatience in the audience. It's disheartening in the worst case scenario of techno-breakdown to find a student who is reliant on reading the material on power points without understanding the concepts enough to talk about them.
It's gotten to the point that criteria for email (and texting) etiquette has been established. Somewhere along the way, technology has worn down the personal touch, including respect, despite differences in philosophy or values, maintaining personal and professional boundaries, staying on task, both with topic and the time-frame established.
I have a personal appreciation and respect for time, mine and yours. Time is one of the most valuable gifts we have and it even has an 'I'. ☺ For the record, I had just as much impatience at prolonged staff meetings that included idle chit-chat as I now do with seemingly pointless disclosures and sharing on social media, neither of which feel much like collaboration to me.
3. To create & play
We saw this man levitating while exploring the Tate Modern Art Gallery. The look of curiosity, intrigue and entertainment on these kids' faces was refreshing, making the scene memorable.
From pubs to fancier restaurants, non-American children were polite and attentive while having a meal with their parents or grandparents. Sadly, I felt right at home when I observed the American families, no conversation taking place, adults absorbed in newspapers or brochures and children playing with their iSomething and selfie-sticks.
I have never played a computer game and am pretty sure I never will. I'm still excited at the idea of a board game, a jigsaw puzzle and always keep a puzzle book going.
When I look at the image below, produced by photographer, Gerd Altmann of Pixabay, I see how a person's creativity can be even further enhanced by technology. The more I check out his gallery, the more grateful I am to Angelia Phillips of flashPress, for virtually introducing us.
Zager and Evans, In the Year 2525
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to share my spin on technology, dear Vicki. I wouldn't trade our virtual (yet, quite real) friendship for all the tekkie gadgets on Amazon!