I believe it is cliche to say that technology is constantly changing and that we need to be constantly evolving in order to keep up with it in our daily lives. But, I was reminded of this truth while reading The Dissertation Journey (Roberts, 2010). In Chapter 8, “Using the Internet and Technology to Conduct Research,” Roberts (2010) gives advice on how to utilize technology to help with the dissertation writing process. Even though this book is only eight years old, some of the advice offered in it is already outdated. For example, the book lists technology such as “flatbed scanners,” “pen scanners,” and “PDAs – personal digital assistants” to help with capturing and organizing digital data for writing a dissertation. Those of us who were around in the late 90’s know that cell phones and portable laptop devices have caused “PDAs” to become extinct. This is difficult to believe considering that “PalmPilots” seemed to be so expensive, exclusive, and exotic when they were first introduced.
It is hard to tell, while we are living in the moment of the technological changes that are taking place, just what devices will become popular and which will be forgotten. When I was a child, I remember when both VHS and Betamax video players were released. I remember there was a debate as to which technology would win exclusive favor over the other. I also remember that my father was sure that Betamax would be the winner. Unfortunately, he placed his bet on the wrong horse in that race. I sometimes feel that no one today, besides me, even remembers the name “Betamax.” I often say that the adage about learning in reverse is so accurate, but it is not until we take a step back, look at where we have been, and reflect on how far we have come that we realize just how quickly technology changes and how much we change as a result of it. It is both fascinating and scary.