Are You Grateful for the Gift of Technology?

 

As the different countries closed their doors to the outside world, they kept the people inside their homes. Some people may not see the enhanced community quarantine as a significant step in preventing the further spread of the virus, COVID19. But, in reality, it has helped keep the people safe and be with their families. Some have jokingly posted online that COVID 19 has given us a gift — a gift of time. Because some workaholics rarely go home and be with their family because of their need to be always at work, ensuring that everything is working the way it should. With the employees being sent home and required to work, these people have spent more time with their loved ones.

We talk about technology, our mobile phones, computers, internet access, etc. For the past twenty years, we have enjoyed the developed technology because it has made our lives easier. We were happily using the computers back in the late ’80s because somehow, it has unloaded the burden in offices when it comes to storing data. It has initiated more miniature paper works which means offices no longer need extra rooms to store their documents.

The Internet is one of the most fabulous creations. That provides people with instant access to an endless supply of knowledge and entertainment. Whether they are for work or just for fun, being connected is something that everyone would want to be.

 In these times, we turn to our computers and smartphones to keep ourselves busy.

Some schools use the Internet not just as a source of information but also as their “virtual classrooms” through mobile apps or software programs. When classes were suspended in March, the Department of Education would disagree on mass promotion. Despite the enhanced community quarantine, the Internet answered the impending problem. Students were required to still continue doing their projects. There may be no physical submission of the said projects, but photos should be taken of their projects to their teachers online. Pretty clever, right? It is just unfortunate that some students, particularly those who study in public schools, may not have access to the Internet in their own homes. And this was the struggle they had. To go to an internet café may not always be possible. Primarily because some may be closed or the parents would not allow their children to be exposed, of course. Thus, this is a call to the government to provide internet access to everyone, particularly those living in remote areas, so that additional learning tools can be created in helping schoolchildren.

Although this was not welcomed by some. However, teachers found ways to help their students, particularly those who need to catch up on their grades. Online quizzes and video conferencing are possible for some. Do we see a virtual graduation ceremony? Well, it has not been suggested, but, probably if this would be missed at this time, to reschedule it on a safer date would be possible.

Offices were also suspended as the enhanced community quarantine was implemented. Work from home was suggested as a preventive measure in spreading the virus. Lucky for those who can still work and get paid because they do not need to worry about how they can feed their family. It may not be good news to others when “no work no pay” is the situation that they are in. However, the government assured that they would extend help to these workers so that they don’t need to get worried.

The virtual world is a gift to all of us because while we continue to spend more time at home because of the COVID19 threat, with just a flick of a button, we can order food online. Although there may be some limitations because most people think the same thing, it still allows us to have what we want and be delivered to our doorstep.

Some businesses continue to operate online. Online sellers you see on Facebook and Instagram still continue doing their businesses. Their means of sending the purchased goods are via couriers, which means their business is not as affected. The only limitation may be that the usual number of days before receiving the goods may be longer.

Children and adults alike may feel bored at home if there is nothing else to do. With intelligent TVs very popular these days, just switching it from Netflix to YouTube would occupy most of your time. So practically, everyone gets to enjoy watching their favorite movies and shows even when using their smartphones. Aside from watching movies, you can also play online games. Even if your friend lives far away from you, you can play together online just by logging in to the same game.

We may not have seen our loved ones for so many years. But with the social media platforms available today have allowed us to get connected virtually. You no longer need to wait for a letter to arrive to know what has happened to your loved one from afar, nor do you need to save money to make an overseas call. There are free mobile apps that we can use to call our loved ones any time of the day.

There is endless information on the Internet that is helpful to all of us each day. It does not help up in our research, but it keeps us updated with the latest news even before it hits the tv programs. We are in an age where information is genuinely valued. We hunger for being in the know all the time. The most remarkable creation of our times is a beneficial tool in progressively making a better world for all of us.

———————————-

You may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome for questions and more information.

Email:  [email protected]

FB Page: Butz Bartolome

Website: https://www.butzbartolome.com