I truly wish that we cared more about the relevance of the gadgets that we complain about instead of how it affects what we are teaching. We don’t. Ignorance of the potential for the distraction created by the smart phone is only focused on what we see from our own perspective. I learned something different this weekend.
On Saturday, I decided to go to Atlantic City to get shoes. I like the Reebok Outlet there so that’s why I went down. I also needed to check into a hotel for an upcoming conference. I pulled out my phone and got the train schedule because I hate parking. I found the train, bought a round trip ticket right on the phone and headed out. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts because I was in a hurry and ordered my usual diet meal through the app and paid for it. I went in and out of the store in 20 seconds.
When I got to the train, they read my ticket on my phone and I had an enjoyable ride down to AC. I bought my shoes and got my AAA discount because my card was linked to the app on my phone. I left the store and switched into my new shoes and walked to the boardwalk. On my way, I found a good deal on a hotel room as part of my Groupon and bought it. Since I didn’t need the hotel visit now, I went to the train station and on my way picked up a coffee courtesy of the app on my phone.
On Sunday, I got up late. It was daylight saving time. Thank God for my phone. It changed the time for me. I just wish that I had set the alarm.
I just had time for a shower and my vitamins. Had to get to church. On my out I remembered my phone. I took it out and put in an order for breakfast and paid for it. I got a quick pickup.
When I got to church I realized that I forgot my check book. I took out my phone and opened up the church giving app and did my tithe. (I couldn’t help thinking that people were judging me as I sat there in church on my phone.) So, I popped in a “fiver” to the basket to keep up appearances.
After church, I drove over to the mall and had a coffee and did a little shopping and went home. I used my app again.
This little device has allowed the world to provide me services and kept me loyal to their brand and I am happy with it. More and more I understand their purpose for this and I will continue to use it as long as it pleases me. It has become a powerful influence on my life as well as a convenience for me. It is, for today’s world, the new commerce.
This commerce can work two ways. You can also sell with this device. You can create a product, define it’s value, advertise it on social media, and earn your own living. You would think that we would be teaching this to the students of today. Do you know how many courses there are in the public schools (at least my own) that are required for the students in this area? ZERO!! That’s right…not one single class requirement.
Until we get with it…until people begin to wrestle with the “why”, we will be doomed to be a state of people who need to have the government take care of them because the education system has failed them…and for that you can blame the government…or your(my)selves.