How technology empowers people in the global community
Over the past decade, technology has continued to make its way into households, and with virtually every person owning a smartphone or tablet, they find themselves connected to the external world at all times of the day. Technological innovation is quickly accelerating and has allowed us to communicate faster, collaborate better, and be more efficient in our day-to-day lives.
Every day, we find new vectors for which we can harness the potential of technology for the betterment of human society. For instance, technology is actively being used to remove barriers for people with disabilities. As more products consider inclusivity and accessibility, from haptic navigation assistance for the visually impaired to motorized wheelchairs, more and more people are able to access the wealth of knowledge, communication, and resources in our society.
A little over two years ago, our world was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every aspect of our lives was radically altered for the foreseeable future and the decisions being made by a select few would have the power to make or break the livelihoods of millions across the world. Against all odds, companies rapidly adapted to the new reality and figured out how employees can work and collaborate through products like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom. Advancements like these have allowed team members across the globe to seamlessly connect and execute projects together. In addition, easy access to technology has caused a lifestyle shift as various companies such as Amazon and DoorDash provide delivery services for physical goods such as meals, groceries, and other products.
Perhaps the most impactful result of Covid to my immediate community was the shift from in-person school to online/virtual learning. This situation challenged the education system across the world and forced educators to shift to an online mode of teaching overnight. During a time that would have otherwise left us isolated, technology allowed for an easily attainable, socially distanced education.
However, these developments come at a cost. As students with access to devices and high-speed internet thrived under remote schooling, thousands of low-income students were left behind, many struggling to even attend online classes. Governments and tech companies helped provide IT equipment for students and teachers through government grants, but there were still significant shortages of equipment, particularly for economically disadvantaged students. As such, many students in impoverished areas, particularly within the Seattle Public Schools district, lacked the necessary equipment or internet connection to attend online classes. While technology is readily available for most, it is important to remain cognizant of those people that need connectivity as much as anyone else in order to get an education or find a job to feed their families.
