Just as Jeff Han and Phil Davidson demonstrated how a multi-touch driven computer screen will change the way we work and play. A completely seamless, touch-driven screen action. Watch the video and be wowed by it. It's all intuitive technology driven only with common sense. Watch the video before reading further.
Now, the question is this. Do we have that desire to see on having complete control in the direction of our future to ensure that seamless communication become accessible to everyone someday into the future for the campus community of Gallaudet University? How much resource, time, and committment would we be willing to invest to see this become a possibility sooner rather than later? How much of this technology do we want to invest that will enable us to completely shatter the communication gap? If you look at technology today and compare to what we had 5 to 10 years ago, we've come along way. How many years ago was it when we had those big, bulky computer screens that gave way to thin, large computer screens of today? And how soon will we see it become that ultra-thin but extra large computer screen that becomes a wall? If you had seen the video link you'd understand the word "seamless" and how it would apply to us.
"There is no reason in this day and age that we should be conforming to a physical device..."
Indeed. Why should we conform when we can immerse and be interactive?
You need to think expansively on how technology will help deaf and hard of hearing in the very near future. What would the ability to communicate with anybody be like by then? In five years a lot has changed. What will the next 5 to 10 years be like for us? Do we want to be left behind or take the bull by the horns and help advance technology by ourselves? What would you prefer Gallaudet Univesity be known as when it comes to technology on campus? Do we want Gallaudet University to mimick and be something like a little Harvard University or M.I.T.? - (click on the link and you'll see what I mean or go here to an alternative site to get the pdf info on Media Lab). Or perhaps a little bit of both? What about in classrooms? What will the interaction be like 10 or 15 years from now? Or god forbid 25 years from now? How will students, professors, staff, and campus police with various communication skills and fluency interact?
Are we to be the pro-active bunch and see things happen or instead blindly follow somebody else and wait until something better comes along when it comes to taking advantage of technology? How will ASL survive? Evolve? Propogate? Believe it or not, technology is the key. It has always been that. The demise of ASL was never in danger.
Technology seen in classrooms ought to reflect equally well the technology we would see on campus when it comes to communication and interaction. It ought to be seamless. Intuitive. Of common sense. Completely accessible and very transparent. A "no-brainer" (pardon the pun) campus, if you will, the moment you step in at the front gate.
Now, many of you know I will be at the Vlogging/Blogging conference concerning the future of Gallaudet University. I will be participating on Panel 3: "The Futuristic Classroom" from 1:15-2:45 pm on February 3rd at Gallaudet University. I presented this blog as a way for you to start thinking about the future. And if you plan to come, I'm sure you'll be interested on what Panel 3 will have to say.
When it comes to technology on campus of Gallaudet University and in classrooms we either have to lead, follow or get out of the way. What would you prefer us to do?
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