I first got my laptop in 2009 for my first semester of college as a Graphic Design major. I began exploring its endless possibilities. I had the ability to communicate by email, instant message and video chat. I was able to research and gather information all in one place. It allowed me to make connections in the art world but most importantly my Mac allowed me to create my graphic designs. In the YouTube video previously mentioned, six of the students talk specifically about their experiences with computers. They use their computers to produce music, explore their hobbies, learn languages, and to create and explore. One student mentioned using her computer to learn japanese (1:45). I often use my computer to translate words from one language to the next. In addition, before submitting essays I have my computer read my essay to me as a final step. How incredible is that?
I bought my first smartphone three years ago. I've been through a few smartphones since then and I now have a Samsung Note with an attached stylus pen. Having this smartphone allows me to communicate with people wherever I am. It also allows me to take pictures, write notes, research, and surf the internet when I am away from home. If I am ever questioning something, it is as easy as saying, "OK Google, why is the sky blue?" and my phone will have an answer for me. If I need to send a last minute email, I can do so within seconds. In one of my classes, I needed to create a notebook full of examples of typography. My phone was incredibly useful for this. I could simply snap a picture of type (wherever I was) to later be used as an example for my notebook. In the YouTube video, three students mentioned how their phones have been a beneficial form of technology in their lives. One of the female students also uses her cellphone for photography (3:11).
My digital camera is my third ranked most influential technology in my life. It has been very useful in my graphic design and artistic life. For design work, students must use high quality original photography. My camera allowed me to take pictures for my designs. For one of my photography classes I needed to tell the story of who I am through a series of self portraits. My camera and a tripod allowed me to do this. The process taught me a lot about what makes me me. In addition, I often use my camera to photograph my painting portfolio which gets uploaded to my painting website. Similarly, one of the students in the YouTube video felt that his video camera was beneficial to him when doing music, video and sound production (0:12).
Technology allows people to expand their knowledge and indulge in their passions. For myself, my laptop, smart phone and digital camera have been the most influential technologies in my life thus far. They have allowed me to learn in many ways as well as dive deep into my passion for the arts. A male student in the Youtube video states that technology is "...paving the way for us to move forward as a species and a civilization" (2:45). Technology allows us to keep moving forward. I find many similarities between myself and the students depicted in the YouTube video, we all seem to agree that technology allows us to expand our knowledge and explore our interests. It makes me wonder if my top three technologies will be the same three in ten years when technology advances at such a fast rate.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAkWtSxKYaI
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