Back in 2015, Mark Anderson posed a series of questions about our relationship with, and use of, technology.
These were my responses.
- WHAT’S YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF TECHNOLOGY?
Reading the different contributions to #techandme so far, it’s clear that people have interpreted the term ‘technology’ in a variety of ways. When I read the question, I thought of my earliest memory of computers – so it would be playing Pong on the television connected to our Sinclair ZX 81 when I was a teenager in the 70s. I was really into computer games and have spent many hours on them over the years – Space Invaders and Galaxian in pubs during my time at university, and in the arcades in Southport in my PGCE year. I still have a PSP and a Wii at home but have resisted the temptation to buy something like an Xbox as I know how much of my life could be subsumed by it! I’m very competitive, particularly with myself, and can dedicate many hours to improving my all time highest score…
- WHAT BIT OF TECHNOLOGY FRUSTRATES YOU MOST?
The aspect of technology that frustrates me is the apparent lack of logic when something I’ve done many times before doesn’t work, for some reason. I’m fine with technology as long as it does what I expect it to do. When it doesn’t, turning it off and on again is my only answer (though it’s surprising how often that works!)
- WHAT DEVICES DO YOU USE MOST REGULARLY?
I bought a slim, light laptop which fits into my handbag and I take it pretty much everywhere. This is the device I use to check emails, read blogs and tweet. I love it.
Unlike most other people, I realise, I only actually use my phone for making calls and sending texts!
- FINISH THIS SENTENCE. TECHNOLOGY IS….
…scarily addictive.
- WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS?
I am of a different era to many of those I connect with on Twitter, and think many people my age and older find technology overwhelming and potentially intimidating. I find it a brilliant way of connecting with people and building relationships, for example at the moment I’m running an online course on Preparing for Headship with a serving head. It’s amazing what a sense of community builds up – there’s warmth and humour and mutual support, even though we may never have met face to face. I’d just want to encourage those who aren’t such natural and confident users of technology to have an open mind and be prepared to try something new.
- FINISH THIS SENTENCE. TECHNOLOGY ISN’T….
Always the answer.
Photo image: John Berry – my laptop in my kitchen.
This post was originally published on @staffrm in 2015
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