Dr. Nitz V. Habulan
A reflection by George Atento
Whether we accept it or not, we have come to the point in our lives wherein, technology has permeated our existence by so much. It is as evident to most of us as that the sun is bright. However, for some, there is still much hesitation for technology. I would like to view this attitude like towers of ignorance, nonchalance or even technophobia – but it has been breached. The “enemy” for so many people who are technophobic – has arrived and infiltrated their ranks. Call this piece a call for surrender, a holy and humble yielding. Call it resignation to the will of destiny. Call it adaptability. But somehow, we must do it. We must yield because there are no more choices before us. Technology is here to stay. It has arrived and it has conquered. In fact, it is even at the brink of overthrowing people, displacing jobs, substituting existence, and even emotions. The movies have touched on these things for the greater part of the last century, and somehow their propositions have played between the realms of sci-fi and absurdity. But today, it’s quite a different story. These things have become a reality. And as the article of Dr. Habulan expounded most effectively, technology has become like a tsunami, raging across boundaries in a warp mode.
It has long been believed that at least technology cannot replace jobs that are centered on humans, like counseling and education. Again, these assumptions are blown to the wind. Although strictly speaking, we cannot remove the presence of a human instructor on every classroom, technology has multiplied the efficiency of the classroom instruction, by giving way to virtual classrooms and e-learning. Hence, in course taking, what normally takes a year for a student – bright or otherwise – to finish will take an aggressive and responsible student just a fraction of that time. Now we hear of young people who have multiple advanced courses and post-graduate degrees! I am wont to remember the scene in The Matrix wherein Neo, the protagonist learned all the kung fu styles in just a fraction of a day, through computer download.
Again, even in counseling, we are invaded with do-it-yourself psychological tests that tackle personality, emotions, love, intelligence, stress and even spirituality. At the end of each test, an email of propositions will be given to one confused and able (technologically, that is) soul – suggestions that may spell the difference on their lives. Technology has prevailed once more. So much so that psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors alike are even adjudged as mediocre without the knowledge of these Computer Aided Tests. Indeed, the net floods us with do-it-yourself tests that normally should take you to Oxford or Stanford University. But now, it is – as Dra. Habulan says – just a mouse-click away.
In the Philippines, however, most of our learning institutions have not moved towards the trend of technology the selection points out. It is sad – to the point of mourning – that even the better and able schools have not yet moved towards the trend worldwide. The public school system of course will not dare dream about it yet, because at present the ratio of computer to child in public high school is still a pitiful 1 to 300. I even read in an article that in the public elementary schools, the ratio is something like 1500 or so to 1! We are at the point of no return – towards globalization. And I dare not use the word “emerging” nor even “budding”, because it has passed that period of safety years ago. And here we are, a country categorized as “developing”, still considering technology as a far-fetched dream in most of our schools. How could this be? If we cannot embrace technology that has become the only tool for development, how can we be considered developing? I opine that if we will not do anything about this grim reality, we might end up as another Africa, in the next century. The indicators are there, and they are glaring red for everyone to see. But our government focuses on other things – mad politicking, graft, corruption, jueteng scandals and election frauds and protests. In the first place, a fully computerized election would have kept us from experiencing these things.
As in any thing that pushes alteration in humanity’s way of living, technology has its grim realities too that we have to address, let alone consider. Technology is pushing a massive and speedy change in our way of lives, and the fear of being overrun by machines, as modern fiction posits it, is lurking on the minds of some concerned people. The moralists insist on the loose morals some techno-based gadgets and stuffs are bringing about. The parents complain of not being able to talk to their children anymore, because they are busy surfing the net or texting their friends. The psychologists speak of the same breaking down of communication among members of families that may lead to family failure and confused children later on. The intellectuals are disturbed by youths being unable to be personal in their communication, or being too dependent on their gadgets. The teachers, on the other hand, complain of grammatical weakness on the part of students. But, all said, these things are historical realities that we must accept and face.
When cars were first invented, some people said that cars would increase the incidence of heart problems because they will take away the walking in people. When television was invented, the puritans classified it as a tool of the devil. Looking back, perhaps they were right. But one thing is for sure - we cannot simply ignore the reality that these things are here to stay. It is either we adapt or we become stuck with our old beliefs and old ways. Technology is the tool of humanity. Because of it, we have cured diseases that were fatal last century. Because of it, we have reached the far reaches of the universe. Because of it, we have expanded our knowledge and capabilities.
It is queer but “technology” comes from two Greek words that mean study of art. In fact, the tools that were used by our ancient fathers – their farming tools of 12,000 years ago are all considered part of technology. These “technological breakthroughs” made them control their food supply and freed people from nomadic existence. In turn, this heralded the evolution of cities and towns. Early farming tools date from about 6000 BC – for example, the axe was used for clearing; flint sickles were used for harvesting cereal crops; a flat rock and rounded stone were used for grinding flour; and perforated clay slabs were probably used to ventilate bread ovens. And again, these tools are considered technology during those times.
Again, since we cannot do away with technology, nor – in education – merely choose among the many gadgets and devices that will fit us, we have to adapt, and use these things in order to better our lives. Such is the true objective of technology. While we are anxious of its repercussions and ill use, we must set out our path towards the good things technology can do in our lives. Humanity is marching as a whole – nay, it is running, even riding a vehicle – and we cannot march on our own. We cannot ignore the success of humanity and remain in our primitive ways like the Amish Mennonites. Nor can we, as St. Thomas Aquinas would say, reject the findings of earlier science, lest we want to reprove everything from the very beginning. As he said, it took one scientist 30 years to study the nature of a bee. Hence, proceeding in the same may, we might end up beginning to doubt everything – attempting to prove that the earth is round, that the sun is the center of the solar system, and that two molecules of Hydrogen and one molecule of Oxygen yield a water molecule. Point is, we must march with the scientific and technological breakthroughs of humanity as a whole. We cannot retrace the steps we had. We must go forward and not back. Since, therefore, we cannot help but accept technology, we must learn to adapt.
I still believe that if we look down deep inside our hearts, and truly know our strengths, weaknesses and our goals, we will be able to bridge the difference. The bedrock of our lives consists of the values and aspirations of our inner selves, and what our goals and objectives are. These things define our existence and meaning. These things make us humans and define our true essence. Hence, back to the soul level, devoid of techno gadgets we are very much humans, spiritual and moral at that. And we should stay that way. There is no technology for the person who has lost the values of his spirit
Come to think of it, all the problems and concerns raised up on technology are adaptive ones. They are more into questions on core values and philosophy. Instead of breaking down relationships, I am confident that technology brings people closer now. In fact, we can communicate with our friends from various parts of the planet with much ease and little use of monetary resources. Instead of loosening our morals, technology should convince us, as it has convinced many atheists – that the mathematical order and certainty in the vastness of the almost infinite universe points to a great purpose and a great architect – God Who in His Great Wisdom and Love designed everything that there is. Instead of breaking down families through lack of communication, technology should bring them closer together through cellphones’ SMS and MMS, email, chat, webcam, and all the gadgetries of improved computerized communication systems. Instead of being poor in communication skills, the more we should become better through the many software available teaching us to improve our grammar and sentence construction. In fact, now, you do not need to hire a proofreader to check your simple grammar, nor even a language instructor to learn a new language. Through available softwares, I am able to study Spanish, French, Italian, and German all at the same time. The other things are challenges that we have to answer. They are tough but if our spirit is intact, then we will not have a problem. Devoid of gadgetries, we are humans, and through our intellect and will, we choose to be where we want to be. And in the end, we hope to end up in God Who is the Only Thirst of our souls. To Him be the glory forever. Laus Deo.
George Atento
San Pedro, Laguna
2005
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment