Connectedness

In deciding what shape the world is in based on the advances in technology and the interconnectedness of such functions, it is important to know a baseline definition of technology.  Technology, is for all intensive purposes " the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful things or to solve problems" (Merriam-Webster, 2016).  Science by nature is everything.  If we look at the world in similar shapes, such as flat or spiky the definition becomes narrow in its understanding.  Technology as per Florida (2005) or Freidman (2013), as well as Bostrom (2015), is meant to recognize technology as being digital for its audiences.  

Regardless which camp you are firmly grounded in both theories, Florida (2005) and Freidman (2013), have plausible and valid arguments. First, let us look at the theory of Friedman (2013).  Friedman (2013) states that the world is flat.  Meaning that the world is flat or leveled in a global sense because technology has allowed global connection, thus permitting easy trade, exchange and economic growth for all involved (Friedman, 2013).   The primary belief is that a person can be innovative without the need to move to another country to do so (Friedman, 2013).  On the other hand, Florida (2005) argues that the world is spiky.  For instance, the world has a global economy, however not every region is actively a part of this global growth (Florida, 2005).   The world's major players are sporadically scattered across the globe, bringing increased productivity in certain areas of the world (spikes), while others are less active and innovative creating lull areas geographically (Florida, 2005).  

Friedmans theory is correct to a point (2013).  The argument only applies to first world countries.  These are countries that have the financial capabilities to create innovations that would promote global economic health (Friedman, 2013).  The countries involved can be interconnected and increase their gross domestic products (GDP) and exports because they have the capability to be innovative and have economic growth because they are connected through technology (Friedman, 2013).  On the other hand, Florida, argues that only regions with highly creative, innovative and industrial people have this advantage, which is creating a map of the mountains or spikes and valleys (2003).   Despite of the innovative people migrate to metropolitan areas because of the allure that surrounds this type of community.  There are advantages to living in a highly populated region; these benefits are what draw others to the location. Creating a cluster of creative and innovative people, which allows for industry to advance (Florida, 2003).  

After thinking how my industry is affected by this, I have to lean more on the side of Florida, but move forward on the edge of Friedmans theory. I work for a company that is centrally located in Silicon Valley.   Apple is an innovative global company.  It has been hailed as an industry innovator.  The division in which I work for has three major global hubs, one in Cupertino, CA, one in Houston, TX, and one in Dublin, Ireland.  However, members of my division, some 6,000 employees are spread out throughout the world.  Many of these employees works remotely as do I.  I do not live in an industry rich region. However, I do live in a metropolitan area.  In this respect, Friedman's (2015) theory is entirely active.  Many individuals from around the globe are connected, by technology,  to help advance innovative thought throughout the world.  However, in the same respect, if you look at the areas in which I serve, they are mostly first world countries with an industrial history.  Of the clients that I work with, there are none in what is considered to be second or third world countries, this creates the ideal of Florida's spiky world (2003).   In other divisions, there are outreach projects to help to bring indigenous peoples digital technology, however, the need to provide necessary sustenance such as food, water and shelter prevails.  Meaning that the need of digital connectedness takes a back seat to the need to just survive.  This is the basic understanding of what Florida (2003), continues to explain that industry and innovation correlate with first world and urban societies. 

However, with the connectedness of the globe and the advances of industry, perhaps the concept of both theories is merging into a new understanding of the world.  Perhaps both ideas are relevant which would make the world, neither flat or spiky but in a sense web-like.  But like the concept of the food chain merged into understanding that one animal not only affects another, but is influenced by the other, so too is the connectedness of our global society (National Geographic Society, 2016).  If one person is connected to another, it is not a linear plane, but a multi-dimensional understanding of how we are affected and the effect of one another. 

References

Bostrom, N. (2015, March). What happens when our computers get smarter than we are?Retrieved from http://www.ted.com

Florida, R. (2005, October). The world is spiky. The Atlantic Monthly, 48-51.

Friedman, T. L. (2013, September 18). The world is flat. Retrieved from http://www.wikisummaries.org/The_World_Is_Flat

Merrriam-Webster (2016). Technology. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology

National Geographic Society (2016).  Food web. Retrieved from http://education.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/food-web/

Hi ...

In 2014, Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, confessed to graduates at Dartmouth during a commencement speech that:

"In general, I do not like giving speeches. Giving a speech requires standing in front of large groups of people while they look at you, and it also requires talking. I can do the regular part OK. However, the you looking and the me talking... I am not a fan. I get this overwhelming feeling of fear. Terror. Dry mouth, heart beats super fast, everything gets a little bit SLOW motion. Like I might pass out. Or die. Or poop my pants or something (Dartmouth, 2014)."

Her view of speeches is similar to my opinion of writing. Truth be told I do not mind writing, I just have issues with others reading what I have written.  I could write all day if I were the only one reading it. Knowing others may read the words I wrote; the words that Shonda said at Dartmouth, echo in my mind; “Dry mouth. Heart beats so, so fast. Everything in SLOW motion. Pass out, die, poop” (2014). I am working on my writing anxiety, but it is slowly evolving.

I have worked in the education field for almost 15 years. For the past seven years, I focused my career on the emerging development of educational technology. I earned my Master’s degree at Columbia University in New York. During my work at Columbia, I was able to assist in the development in one of the 21st century learning theories and skills that several years ago were emerging. This was an exciting time education. Concurrently, I was working for Apple Education, which began the expansion or more so the creation of the mobile learning community. I became a Mobile Learning Technologist, which I still am today. I am considered to be an Apple Educator (which is slightly different from an Apple Distinguished Educator, but about the same). Professionally, I am in a moment of reflection and regrouping. I have spent the last five years as an Educational Technologist.

We have two seasons here in South Florida, hot and hotter. This makes it difficult for me to enjoy my favorite pastime thoroughly is running. I started running four years ago after meeting two amazing people who inspired me to do what I thought was once the impossible. I have set a “40 x 40 challenge” for myself. This challenge means I am training to earn 40 meaningful medals before I am 40 years old. Since Aug 2011, I have received 36 of those 40 medals and have completed over 48 races in all. I have the wonderful privilege of being coached by the most inspirational person in my life, my 9- year-old daughter, Lexi. Lexi is a pure gift; I met her when she was three days old and was blessed to bring her home when she was two months old. There has since never been a dull moment. We enjoy many outdoor activities besides running, including the beach, swimming, cycling and recently have begun training for our first mother-daughter (family) triathlon.

Reference:

Dartmouth College (2014, June 8). Shonda Rhimes ?91, Commencement Address [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.dartmouth.edu/~commence/news/speeches/2014/rhimes-address.html (Links to an external site.)