A brief look forward for 2023: help thy neighbor.
This month’s blog before returning for another semester will cover an interesting topic. That would be tech tutoring. There is a need to educate people on the importance of technology. Whether its for cybersecurity awareness, general functionality, usable design and bridging the digital divide. All of these areas have a role which needs filling, and education while important as it is, doesn’t get the due respect it needs.
A couple of things had struck me and shaped this overall idea in the last few months. At the mall, I found a friendly passerby needing assistance with her mobile device and computer. She trusted me to give knowledge, guidance and experience. Doing so, I felt a great sense of reward that was familiar and not unfounded. One of the podcasts I listed to is Windows weekly featuring some of the industry’s most knowledgeable people on the business development side of Microsoft. One of the remarks said there was on the market opportunity of the tech helper. These are people trained on the technology they are selling as part of a store, willing to help and guide the individuals whom. Think of the best buy associates that are more keen on selling, I’d compare these more to the older apple “Genius Bar” and the New York City based Google and Microsoft storefronts. The individual stated that there is a grand opportunity to not only profit but to give back by looking at these opportunities. During the pandemic, these events dried up and a rapid advanced in technology was demanded by the public. As we exit this and I look for a chance to apply my work skills and experience into a bolder and more open field than the previously lauded ‘metaverse’, I look at something I’ve always championed: community.
Our town has a digital literacy program which acts as an all in one opportunity to work with people seeking guidance on everything in the world of the internet. They may need help with their online shopping, banking, and generally navigating the digital world as opposed to the physical one. Having decades of experience, I find myself here as a recent volunteer. I look at how people interact with their phones and devices and how they continue to change and shift in a way that developers Think they want, but are they actually improving our lives and making things easier for those who don’t know how to use these machines?
That’s not to say staying with web security, 3dcg and other work isn’t rewarding. I’m seeking a new challenge, and looking for new opportunities. This organization is lauded by vary notable resources, and for that reason my involvement here makes sense. If I can align this with the ever shifting technology education and involvement landscape, I can make this work. Visiting the library and hubs for people who need positive encouragement educationally would be another step into teaching and instructing. It would not be a major time commitment as well, making this a “go at your own pace” activity.
It may be the start of 2023, but this is also the start of something productive, encouraging, and putting out into the world an honest effort to use this knowledge to make the town a better place once again. I wish everyone a good 2023 and as always, Stay Safe.
