Describe a time when you started using a new technological device
  • what device you started using?

  • why you started using this device?

  • how easy or difficult it was to use?

  • and explain how helpful this device was to you

When I was in high school, I had an old Nokia mobile that came with a normal keypad and it was not a smartphone. I loved that phone because no matter how many times I dropped it, it managed to stay unscathed, but I decided to get a smartphone for myself before I started going to college. Thus, began my search for an economical yet trendy smartphone. 

After going through numerous options, I bought a Samsung Galaxy phone which was well within my budget and it had some amazing features like a front camera, 16 GB of storage and a commendable battery backup. I was able to use the internet, play movies and video call some of my friends who lived in different cities.

Initially, it was a bit difficult for me to get accustomed to the new device as it was a new experience for me with the touch screen and other Android features. In addition, I had to be prudent because of fear of breaking it as I did not want my father to yell at me for damaging a brand-new phone. Anyway, I got used to it eventually, to a point that my phone and I were inseparable for quite some time.

After using it for years during college, I realised it helped me with multiple things. I downloaded my favourite music, e-books of many novels and my college textbooks and used it for researching about assignment topics at the last moment. I am glad I made the decision to buy one as I cannot imagine my college life without my phone.

 

Vocabulary:

  1. Unscathed- not damaged
  2. Commendable - notable
  3. Accustomed - be used to
  4. Prudent - acting with care


Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

1. What is the best age for children to start computer lessons?

3 to 5 years is the best age for initial computer use. Children now have the ability to expertly manipulate the mouse, provided they've had the time to practice, and can use a variety of software.

2. Do you think that schools should use more technology to help children learn?

Yes, definitely they need to do so as it prepares students for their future careers, helps to support different learning styles and enhances the learning experience.

3. Do you agree or disagree that computers will replace teachers one day?

Technology cannot replace a teacher. Technology is merely an augmentation to a teacher. It can help the process of learning, but it certainly cannot replace the role of the teacher. Technology can make it easy to get educated by sitting at home but that education too is provided by a teacher.

4. How much has technology improved how we communicate with each other?

Technology has really opened up more ways for us to communicate with others. Whether it’s personal or professional communication, we now have many options to choose from. And, the great thing about all of these options is that we can choose what’s best for our needs without being tied down to just one method.

5. Do you agree that there are still many more major technological innovations to be made?

Ofcourse there are still more tech innovations yet to be made. At present we have explored just few drops from the unknown unexplored ocean. Change in local government policies to support research activities, upgrade in education syllabus and style of education can help a lot to create enthusiasm and zeal in the field of innovations that are yet to be made.

6. Could you suggest some reasons why some people are deciding to reduce their use of technology?

Technology, of course, has many innumerable benefits. But this dependence on phones and computers has impacted humans negatively, too. First and foremost, it has led users to be completely engrossed in their devices. Even if we are not addicted, technology can have an impact on our mental, physical, and emotional health and wellbeing. From causing stiff necks to heightened anxiety, technology has seeped through all aspects of our lives. And, if not used moderately, technology can really harm us, despite all its benefits — ultimately, by making us too dependent on it.