Over the winter break, my wife and I got talking about traditions. At this time of year, there are many. Somehow or another, the conversation ended up on technology. (I don't know how... really!!)
We were talking about how traditions are a part of our core values. For us, a love of nature is a core value. We have planned a couple of family trips to take advantage of the nature that is accessible throughout our country. We talked about how many people, including us at times, feel like technology can be a threat to our core values. It might be in conflict with our work/life balance, our love of the outdoors, our perceptions of what good relationships are about. But then we began talking about how technology has helped us build on our core values.
As we planned our trip to Utah to go to the National Parks, we used the Internet to research the parks, find a flight, book a hotel, rent a car, and look at maps of the area. We might use a GPS system to help us get around while we are there. We might use a cell phone to help us stay in touch with family while we are away or to help us if we get lost. We will certainly use a camera and video camera to document the amazing trip we hope to experience. We will use our computer to share the pictures with others. My son and I will use an ipod to learn the bird calls of the Western birds we hope to see. My kids might use an ipod or computer to entertain themselves for parts of the long drives. Who knows, I might use my blog or Facebook or Twitter accounts to share updates with friends.
My point is that there are many uses of technology that will actually help BUILD on our traditions. Without some of these technologies, we might not be able to make the trip, or it might not be as enjoyable. In the end, the technology will HELP us enjoy nature even more.
What are your family's core values? How might technology help you build upon them?
We were talking about how traditions are a part of our core values. For us, a love of nature is a core value. We have planned a couple of family trips to take advantage of the nature that is accessible throughout our country. We talked about how many people, including us at times, feel like technology can be a threat to our core values. It might be in conflict with our work/life balance, our love of the outdoors, our perceptions of what good relationships are about. But then we began talking about how technology has helped us build on our core values.
As we planned our trip to Utah to go to the National Parks, we used the Internet to research the parks, find a flight, book a hotel, rent a car, and look at maps of the area. We might use a GPS system to help us get around while we are there. We might use a cell phone to help us stay in touch with family while we are away or to help us if we get lost. We will certainly use a camera and video camera to document the amazing trip we hope to experience. We will use our computer to share the pictures with others. My son and I will use an ipod to learn the bird calls of the Western birds we hope to see. My kids might use an ipod or computer to entertain themselves for parts of the long drives. Who knows, I might use my blog or Facebook or Twitter accounts to share updates with friends.
My point is that there are many uses of technology that will actually help BUILD on our traditions. Without some of these technologies, we might not be able to make the trip, or it might not be as enjoyable. In the end, the technology will HELP us enjoy nature even more.
What are your family's core values? How might technology help you build upon them?
I just finished a tech project for my sister-in-law.
ReplyDeleteHer extended family values music greatly; most family gatherings include multiple guitar players, portable keyboards and even the small children sing along. Recently, while moving her father to an assisted living facility, she discovered a long forgotten audio cassette tape of her father playing guitar with her brother Tim (who died in 1999).
I was able to help create a CD from that tape, with a professional looking cover and song listing. Her father was able to name all 31 songs that were on it!
She was so happy; 30 of her extended family members received that CD as part of their Christmas celebration. Technology helped to preserve family memories.
Thanks for sharing Monica! That is a beautiful story!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, discovered your page on digg.Glad I finally tested it out. Not sure if its my Chrome browser,but sometimes when I visit your site, the fonts are really small? Anyway, love your webpage and will be back.See Ya
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing about this. There's a heap of solid tech info on the internet. You've got a lot of that info here on your site. I'm impressed - I try to keep a couple blogs pretty on-going, but it's a struggle sometimes. You've done a great job with this one. How do you do it?
ReplyDelete