Hello,

I am Karen S. and I have several occupations: Mom, Teacher, and REALTOR (trademark). This class is for my recertification, and for personal development. After my kids are in college, I plan to pursue another degree. Computers will be a part of that whether for research, writing a thesis, or for on-line classes. I looked for on-line classes, so that I could be home with family, and still fulfill the course assignments and “attend” the classes. I found this class by calling TCC to see if there were any available. I hope I can follow the conventions I am learning in this class.

1. When I use the word technology, I generally refer to computers and all that they encompass. However, I realize that the term is far more general. Technology is “man-made” or “invention.” It brings about a new way of living. It may have drawbacks, but in general, technology is a positive thing. How man uses it will determine its true value. For me, technology is the key to world peace. People can communicate directly rather than just government to government. Perhaps the world can come together with personal relationships built over miles, languages, and many other barriers. It is just a matter of time before the interdependence of countries will necessitate their wise use of technology to effectively communicate and exist “synchronously”. (I am not sure I can say that). Governments will be more accountable to the people they govern. Technology is progress toward man’s self-knowledge and actualization. Hope I am not too naive! Technology, like art, can help man find his own truth.
2. Technology has made me its “slave,” as one of my friends so aptly stated today. I couldn’t survive without it most probably. It makes my life pleasant, such as the cool air in my home (not in my car as of August 8 when the compressor went bad on my ac)! For the infrastructure of a city, technology is practically indispensable. It is difficult to imagine life without electricity, automobiles, telephones, not to mention the computer. A modern city would be devastated as has been the case when natural or man-made disasters have occurred. Whatever setbacks occur, man’s tendency has always been to forge ahead, repairing the damage and always seeking new horizons of invention. Technology has given me many new opportunities to learn new things and to pursue new goals.
3. By liberal arts, I mean the study of words. The way words are put together crosses all disciplines. One can have a well-rounded education, and then specialize in the study of languages, literatures, cultures, arts, and so many aspects of life. Without words, we would have only pictorial art. That is beautiful and certainly a part of liberal arts, but liberal arts is nearly all-encompassing. It is the study of man through the study of words. After all, pictures themselves tell stories too! The gap between “science” and “art” is artificial.
4. Art is my life. Everyone’s life is a story. Stories comprise art. My life is affected by everyone’s “art.” Man’s collective conscious is presented in art. Art can be in a beautiful painting or a walk in the park. Art invokes feeling and emotion. Nature is the most beautiful of all art. It cannot be duplicated by man although similar feelings can occur when looking at or experiencing either. Art is not necessarily artificial!
5. Technology is an art within itself. It is man-made and creative. It has a beauty (and personality) all its own. Technology is a gateway to many arts with its far-reaching ability to produce and reproduce images, words, sounds, and so many more aspects of life. Art and technology are interfaced. Technology is a crossroads for all art. Technique is needed to make man’s art beautiful most of the time. Technology will also allow man’s art to become more beautiful and more widespread. It will allow more people to appreciate more art. The intersection of art and technology could be the one hope for man to turn to his higher power, finally realizing that no matter how advanced he becomes, he never controls his own destiny. When man appreciates art, he appreciates what is in a soul. Technology can help us to see into each other’s souls. The eyes are said to be the windows of the soul. (Windows has become the soul of technology. Sorry, I couldn’t resist)! 

Sincerely,
Karen S.

E-mail Karen S | TCC | TCC Disclaimer | developed by Karen S. October 1999 and updated 15 March 2000