More than 30 years ago, when the Internet was still a vague glimmer in most people’s minds, I was on former Gov. James Blanchard’s Hi-Tech Task Force, which was charged with studying and issuing a roadmap for the future of technology communication in Michigan.
I still laugh how complex it was at the time to send a simple email and learn about then obscure terms like bandwidth and pinging. At the time, the commission conducted some demonstrations to show the public what the future held.
Two particular instances stand out. You’ve probably heard of Zoom, which has become a favorite way to conference since the pandemic struck. The commission arranged an interactive meeting — without video, since there wasn’t enough bandwidth back then — between a Traverse City High School student and one in Iceland. The students were using an early form of instant messaging to “talk” with each other.
Another technology demonstration was a real-time transmission over the Internet — before the web was invented — of a speech of Blanchard’s by using a court reporter to provide captioning. Today, these breakthroughs seem mundane, as folks use Web Ex, Google Hangouts, Zoom and Facetime to hold virtual business meetings and catch up with families.
One of the commission’s predictions was the growing popularity of using the Internet for distance learning. In the recent storm of the coronavirus, the promise of delivering education over the web has come to the forefront. With K-12, day care and universities closed, the web is being used as an alternative to face-to-face learning.
Some parents, now home with their young children, have become de facto teachers and are learning just how hard it is to be an educator. They are feverishly looking for teaching tools and are turning to the web for answers.
The first resource that comes to mind is Google’s Arts and Culture Portal, which makes possible the digital exploration of different worlds. Users can learn about history, architecture, art and myriad other topics while still relaxing in their pajamas.
The amazing array includes random tidbits such as how to cook churros, and who invented the stiletto heel, but it is especially deep in history and art exploration. It’s possible to tour dozens of the world’s greatest museums from a seat in front of your television.
A recent report in Publisher’s Weekly said the vast majority of best-selling books now relate to teaching children. Publishers are also pushing back their spring issues to the fall, and Amazon’s two-day delivery for most books has evaporated.
The New York Times, which has many online platforms to get the news out, is offering an online book, “Answers to Your Coronavirus Questions,” for a free download. It includes articles on what to do if you feel sick, and how to talk with your children about the virus. You can check it out at nytimes.com/coronavirus-ebook.
Authors are also jumping on to the web wagon to get their books to the public. One of them is Michigan writer Josh Malerman, author of numerous Stephen King-like horror thrillers, including his debut, “The Bird Box,” which was serialized by Netflix. You can read online installments of his new book “Carpenter’s Farm” by accessing it at joshmalerman.com.
Another untapped world out there are the incredible TED Talks, which are lessons unto themselves. For example, watch Bill Gates 2015 TED Talk on why the world’s not ready for the next viral outbreak.
With a little bit of work, and a free Zoom connection, parents can also introduce their children to collaboration using online processes. Google Docs is also a good substitute.
Teaching storytelling online can be fun, and there are apps galore to help create comic and graphic novel style stories, such as SlideStory and Smilebox. Explore the apps by Googling: “18 free digital storytelling tools for teachers and students.” There you can find a list of free Google and Adobe tools for digital learning; 25 Microsoft teaching tools and a template for using info graphics in storytelling.
You can learn about your family genealogy thanks to the Capital Area District Library, which has arranged to offer ancestry.com for free. With ancestry.com, you can trace your family roots while learning their history.
Web users are slowly learning about the importance of high-speed broadband, as the web has slowed down as much as 25 percent according to technologists.
More than 30 years ago, the Governor’s Commission on the Future of Technology warned of a digital divide, which could derail the promise of the web. In order to get the full value of the Internet, you must have the money to buy the equipment and access. Many do not have the money. Increased accessibility should be the next trail to blaze.
“Answers to Your Coronavirus Questions”
Google Arts and Culture Portal
TED Talks
“Carpenter’s Farm,” by Josh Malerman
Digital Storytelling Tools For Teachers and Students
elearningindustry.com/18-free-digital-storytelling-tools-for-teachers-and-students
CADL/Ancestry.com
cadl.org/research-learn/tools/ancestry
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