Everyone knows that our world cannot exist without computers.
Ever tried to make a purchase at a convenience store when their
computers are down, ever waited for someone to make change when
their register computer is down, or have you ever tried to find
a book in a library when the system is down? If you have ever
experienced one of these inconveniences, you know that our world
hinges on whether or not our computers are working.
Remember when you told your teacher that the dog ate your
homework? Did she believe you? Probably not. Now the excuse is
my computer crashed, my printer wouldn't print, or we were out
of ink. Even kids rely on computers to do their schoolwork. The
days of pen and pencils are almost over. In fact most students
know more about computers than their teachers or parents. They
don't even remember a time without computers.
As computers become more and more intuitive and powerful, we
must proceed with them. If you are still among the population
that resents the encroachment of the computer, think about this
scenario. If Eve in the Garden of Eden had access to the
Internet, she could have looked up information about snakes. She
would have found out that they have forked tongues and an evil
reputation. Instead of listening to the snake's lies, she would
have thrashed him with a tree branch. Think how much better our
world would be now.
The best present any graduate can get this June is a desktop
computer or a laptop. In my day, girls were given matching
luggage to take their clothes to school. Yes, I know I am dating
myself, but I do have a point. Today buy your child a computer
and let them take their clothes is a paper sack. They don't
care; an old gym bag will do. I know; schools have computer
labs, but they are always full. Wouldn't you rather your son or
particularly your daughter not be out of the dorm or apartment
working on projects or papers? Also, when your newly graduated
senior has moved away to school, e-mail will become your best
friend. Even if you hate computers, you will learn to love them
because they will become your link to your child. The nest will
never be empty as long as you have e-mail.
Computers are links to the outside world. The world has never
been more accessible or smaller. You have to keep up or you will
be left behind and who wants to be the last straggler on the
planet? Not me!
About the author:
After years as an educator and more degrees than she can count,
Frances Coleman now writes professionally. She is a prolific
reader with an advanced degree in research techniques. See her
review of notebook
computers.
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