Technological Advancement

   Over the years, technology has introduce major changes to the way we live. Additionally, Scientists are continually working in order to develop useful products, in which facilitate our lives.

  Technology has made the world a better place to live. It provides better knowledge, faster ways of locomotion and communication.

  The computer is one important feature from technology, which is utilized by many if not by all people in order to enhance their knowledge. For instance; books are no longer the main way to improve the understanding of a specific matter.

Nowadays, ways of locomotion such as car, motorcycle, train, and airplane, has facilitated our lives. Centuries ago, the main way to travel long distances were the ship, or the horse. Today, the airplane is the most useful way to make fast travels, which gives to us more time.

  When we talk about communication, the television, the telephone (advent of the smart phones), and the Internet come into our mind. Their uses are essential to the society, and it has become much easier to communicate by telephone than by mail. Centuries ago, the mail was the main way to communication between people, and it was really slow because it mostly had to be shipped. Therefore, the use of the mail is slowly being replaced by the telephone and Internet. Such advancement will undoubtedly impact the work force (increase in unemployment especially in the post co-operation).

  However, technology has relieved most complication in our daily lives. In doing so, it provides a conducive and better place to live and function. WHATS NEXT?

Effects of Technology

Technology is the present world. It affects people's daily lives. 

Despite how far technology has taken mankind, there are negative and positive effects on our lives. 

Some of the advantages of technology includes, but not limited  to: 

1. Communication- able to talk to friends/relatives
2. Access to wide variety of information
3. Access to online courses 
4. With implementation of technology, we are able to travel to distance places. For instances: space
5. Through social networking we are able to find long lost friends, school mates etc
6. Able to share information 
7. Complete complex task in the limited amount of time possible

Disadvantages:

The ensuing reveals some of the problems with the use of technology.

1. Dependency- people become dependent on technology - without technology people become irrelevant (useless) because we rely on technology
2. Lack of Personal Interaction: We rather send messages via SMS/Facebook etc. phone calls-Skype, mobile device. Gone were the days when we used to "Hang out" with each other.
3. Increase in Cyber bullying
4. Impact of the Work force
5. Public Safety
6. Hacking/Identity Theft

Technology has impacted our lives both negatively and positively, but technology can be a useful medium on our lives, it can also be utilized as a means of defaming, harassing (Cyber bullying) others. In the end, it is how we choose to use Technology.

Limited access to Technology in Schools

If our children are to excel and compete in a fast changing society, we must harness the technology resources they need to function in a technological age.

Yet, some educational institutions have limited access to technology due to: competing priorities- whether to renovate the roof of the institution or purchase computers, obvious the renovation of the roof would be priority. Another, financial constraints- unable to procure sufficient computers for the populace of the school. Next, lack of qualify teachers - inability of teachers to know how to use the computer effectively. Most teachers have been teaching before the introduction of computers/internet; thus it will be difficult for most to move from their archaic way of teaching to modern method of teaching. Another, most of the computers are old; consequently, problems are eminent. For instance: limited or insufficient memory, slow and incompatible software etc.

It is factual that technology is everywhere -every aspect of their live. It has affected the way their learn, live and communicate etc, thus its important to implement or increase access to technology for the ensuing reasons:

1. Students have greater access to rich/multimedia content (availability of resources)
2. Access to online courses
3. Increase motivation and engagement among the students
4. Improved technical skills among the students
5. Students are able to accomplish more complex task
6. Time consumption in accomplishing tasks
7. Collaboration with peers 
8. Students are molded and are prepared for the future

Technology is here whether these schools are prepared. realizing that technology is an advantage, giving students a gift once they have access to it.

I implore to the institutions that are lagging behind or playing catch up, to get on board and acknowledge that technology is an integral part of these students lives which enhances their creativity.

Additionally, teachers must endeavor to harness and utilized the resources that technology offer, which will enable students to succeed and be prepared for the future. 

Return of Electronic Crimes Act

A recent Article that ran in the Grenada Advocate which request the return of the ELECTRONIC CRIMES ACT, which was repealed in 2014. 

A growing number of citizens have approached the Minister with Responsibility for Information, Communication and Technology requesting the re-implementation of such act. which states "Information which he or she knows to be false, but for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will persistently by making use of such electronic system or a electronic device.

I am in total agreement with the appeal, such act should be re-introduced to prevent what is termed "Cyber bullying". Although Physical and Verbal bullying exists in our society; but cyber bullying has grown exponentially since the introduction of the Internet - Social Media.

The saying "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words would never hurt", was a true statement before the introduction of the internet-Social Media.

Cyber Bullying has negative impact on persons. Most noticeably the toll it can take on psychologically and emotionally to the persons involved. It is inexcusable and goes against the teaching of the Good Book. God has given specific guidelines that everyone should be their brothers keeper. John 13: 34-35 "A new command I gave to you; love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another".
This problem is becoming a prominent fixture in our society, Social media has further exacerbated this problem. 

With cyber bullying, it remains with you 24/7 and with the advancement of technology: smartphones, tablets and laptops etc. Cyber bullying are often impossible to get rid of or avoid

Though social media is an excellent medium for promoting ones business, it has become a breeding ground for torment and hate. Persons have acknowledge the severity of this social problem, hence the re-introduction of ELECTRONIC CRIMES ACT is absolutely vital for the protection of their privacy.