In this modern world, the word “technology” conjures up visions of computers and the Internet. This is especially true for Generation Y. Last weekend, I was visiting a college class and the professor asked the students to define technology.
The students were at a loss for words. A few responded, referencing computers, the Internet, and iPods. I was surprised that the professor had to remind the students of the original definition of technology.
In case you aren’t familiar with the original definition of technology, The entry in the New Oxford American Dictionary reads as follows:
technology |tekˈnäləjē|
noun ( pl. -gies)
the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
I found it intriguing no one was familiar with the original definition of technology. Today,the word “technology,” in popular language, has come to mean computer technology. This change is an important paradigm shift. It represents our dependence, trust, and reliance on computer technology.
At times, I wonder if we are placing too much confidence in computer technology, and not focusing enough on other applications of scientific knowledge. I say this not to criticize computer but rather to pose a questions to which I do not have an answer.
Now, I’m anxious to hear your opinions. What does technology mean to you?
Submitting your college application online is already becoming passé. The latest trend, pioneered by Zinch, is college admission social networking. Zinch aims to make the college admission a two-way street—for the first time allowing colleges to search for students, instead of vice-versa.
Since launching in 2007, Zinch has become a popular tool in the college admission process: over 700 universities (and counting) have signed up to use the site. Zinch offers students a chance to be recruited by college and universities, instead of begging to be admitted.
Cruising (the web) at 35,000 feet
I’m writing this at 35,000 feet somewhere above Kansas in seat 11D of US Airways flight 962 en route to Philadelphia. But, since US Airways won’t have in-flight Wi-FI until “early 2010,” I won’t be able to post this until I land. However, other airlines have taken the initiative to install in-flight Wi-Fi systems from three in-flight Wi-Fi providers: Aircell, Row 44, and LiveTV.
Aircell offers a ground-based system that covers the Continental US and provides service branded as Gogo Inflight. Row 44 and LiveTV both offer global satellite-based coverage. I haven’t had the opportunity to in-flight Wi-Fi out yet, but here’s an overview of which airlines offer what service so far.
Like many Mac users, I jumped at the chance to download the Chrome beta as soon as Google released it yesterday. I’ve had the developer release of Chrome on my Macbook for a few months, but I rarely used it since it lacked some key features, mainly the ability to print. So, I’ve been stuck using Firefox. But in the last 24 hours, I’ve become a devoted Chrome user.
Chrome is a speedy browser for Mac. It out performs both Firefox and Safari in JavaScript rendering and startup time. In addition to being faster, I also prefer Chrome to Firefox because of the ability to search from the URL bar and the inclusion of drop-down menus while tabbing. The switch to Chrome makes Firefox feel clunky.
However, some Chrome users who are accustomed to the Windows version may be disappointed with the Mac beta because it is missing a few features. The Mac beta version is missing extension support, bookmark syncing, the bookmark manager, and the cookie manager. Personally, I haven’t noticed their absence at all, though some of the extensions would be handy. I won’t have to wait long: a non-beta release is expected within a month. In the meantime, I’m pleased with Chrome; it’ll be my default browser for a while.
