Spirituality of ETEC
Nov 8th, 2009 by Michele Brannon-Hamilton
I found myself reading and reflecting on each word in this module almost as if I were looking for an answer to something. I was particularly fascinated with this concept from the DLG 11 website: “Ubiquitous computing: names the third wave in computing, just now beginning [or] the age of calm technology, when technology recedes into the background of our lives” (DLG 11). What an intriguing thought.
Today, everything is about computers so is it really possible that they will recede into the background? I can’t even imagine a world like that. On the other end of the spectrum was the thought provoking photo of Adam and Eve implying technology would destroy us all. I thought the Adam and Eve apple photo was one of the best photos I’ve ever seen. PC should use it in their commercials against Mac!
On a more personal level, I feel very strongly that the computer can be used for spirituality. I am a writer who feels very connected to my laptop when I create my stories. I didn’t always feel this way though. Originally, I felt I could only write by feeling the pen and scribbling on the paper but after a bit of practice I realized I could create just as well and much faster using the computer – and using is the key word. The computer is just a tool to channel the stories I hear in my mind onto the page. Yet indirectly, I feel a spiritual connection to my computer because it helps me write.
Technology also connects us to spirituality by showing us that possibilities are endless. Look at what we have today that we couldn’t have imagined years ago. If this type of technology and its ability to connect people is possible, then anything is possible including the hereafter.
Furthermore, web 2.0 is a symbol of connectivity. We can connect to other human beings, collaborate to create new ideas and share our knowledge in ways never conceived of before. With a click of a mouse we can share our knowledge, our fears, our pain, our beliefs and our hope. Therefore, are we not creating a shared consciousness?
Overall, I was hesitant to believe in a connection between technology and spirituality; yet, I chose to put my doubts aside and embrace the ideas of this unit with blind faith. For what could be more spiritual than taking a journey into the unknown with nothing to guide me but the faith that something beyond my comprehension exists . . .
References
DLG 11 The Spirituality of Educational Technology. Retrieved from http://sites.google.com/site/511spiritualfoundations/key-terms-and-concepts