As part of my latest course in my MEd program, we where asked by Prof @fjdesjardins to post the answers to the following 4 questions on our course discussion board. I found it interesting enough that I thought I’d stick it here too. Feel free to comment on any of the questions in relation to how you adopt and use tech.
• How do you find out about and decide to use new technologies?
I tend to be ‘plugged in’ to a lot of different channels with regards to technology. Through Twitter, blog feeds and other connections I get a constant stream of new websites, gadgets and ideas to think about and try if I so desire. I think that I’ve always done that, and I’m always on the lookout for the ‘next new thing’. Not for any particular reason, but just the way it is. I’m the same way with things like outdoor gear too. Just like trying and experimenting with new things.
• What are the reasons why you adopt or reject some new technologies more than others?
It’s sure not a step-by-step evaluative process. I tend to adopt/reject often. My adoption is mostly focused around practical things. Do I like what it can do? Does it do something I wasn’t able to do before, or didn’t know that I could do? Often the technologies that solve a problem that I didn’t really know I had are the ones that I stick with. Dropbox.com comes to mind. As a solution, it’s brilliant. But it was a problem I solved other ways until I happened upon this. But I do like to try things. I have a string of website accounts and and hardware items that I’ve used and either upgraded or stopped using. I need to try them to see if they are useful.
• What is the process by which you start using a new technology?
I usually start with seeing what others think about it. Reviews, tweets, discussions about it and then decide to give it a whirl. Depending on the price, I may purchase one to play with, or wait and see what others think about it and decide if it’s worth trying out.
• How does it affect how you approach certain activities?
As McLuhan said, “We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.” I think this is true to a very large extent. How I approach many activities is shaped by the things that I’ve adopted as technologies. I’m quite sure that my brain works in certain ways because I know that I can use these tools to accomplish tasks. I can give one very specific example. In the past, when I went somewhere I’d often look at a map and find out how to get there. With the advent of online maps (Google etc..) I’d go online, and get a map overview, maybe print it out before leaving the house. Now with mobile tech (iPhone/iPad) I often don’t even check the address I’m going to, as I know it’s in a email somewhere on the phone, and I can use the maps/GPS on the phone to find the address and guide me there. I’m not saying its a good or bad thing, but that I’ve noticed a change in my personal behaviour with respect to that. So in that sense, the tool is shaping me.
