What Are the Latest New and Cool Electronic Gadgets?
I knew my teaching career had crossed over into new territory when a student asked if he could go outdoors to recharge his solar powered calculator. As with most technology, that seems very tame and outdated today. What with iPads, iPods, Kindles, iPhones, and worldwide wireless access to so many devices, I wonder why people even bother to speak to each other face to face. Can you remember when Dick Tracy’s two-way wrist radio was the most ridiculous gimmick in popular fiction?
When was the last time that you went a day without using your iPod, cell phone, computer, or television? You can't remember a time like that? Yeah, that's what we thought. Okay, not just us-- that's what the American Library Association thought when they launched Teen Tech Week.
Um, if you're already using electronic devices, why would you need a week to remind you to do that? You don't. You might enjoy seeing how the library can work with you to make your online experience richer.
This week, March 6-12, is Teen Tech Week. Many teens don’t know about the non-print resources available to them at their libraries and on their libraries websites. This week is aimed at getting that information out to the teens. Here is what the ALA (American Library Association) says about Teen Tech Week:
"Hi, Welcome to the library. How can I help you today?" says the cheerful worker.
"I'm so glad you're here, I need to buy a set of headphones." The next part of the conversation becomes like a STAT call in a medical emergency. Something about a class, a deadline, and frustration from the busy lady.
"I'm sorry; we don't offer headsets for purchase. Do you have any personal electronic devices in your purse?"
"No. Oh wait, I think I might. Yes, I do." As the customer digs through her purse she says, "I know it's in here somewhere...."
Did you know that 89% of libraries offer technology training?
The Mid-Continent Public Library is one of those 89%. At almost every location, there are classes on Internet and Online Resources (both of which are plentiful at all locations).
To search for any type of event that Mid-Continent offers, visit our Events Page.
The front counter was busy, so I asked Mr. Library Patron if I could show him how to check out his selections at the self-checkout. "I don’t want to fool around with that computer stuff!," he grumbled. Although he did not look much older than me, I thought about how much he was missing out by not wanting to learn more about computers.
