We all remember the line from wedding crashers, "You know how they say we only use 10% of our brains? I think we only use 10% of our hearts."
Well I was sitting in class today, and somehow this concept came to mind- mainly it was during a presentation given by a representative from Harris Interactive and also due to watching the girl sitting close to me in class work on her computer (I'm often easily distracted).
I've come to realize, mainly through observation, that although a great number of people today use computers and technology, that the overall knowledge tends to peak at a certain point. I'm not sure if it has to do with a general disinterest in computers/technology, a lack of knowledge on the subject, or a type of "fear" that just keeps people away from learning about it.
On campus I have been working as an undergraduate research associate on the Syracuse Information Systems Evaluation (SISE) projects- one project that I have assisted with is the IT Workforce project, where we explore perceptions of IT and IT-related careers in society. One interesting topic was the Geek vs. Nerd stereotype research- the quotes from the surveys were hilarious. However, not all of the research had a humorous edge- one research angle came from discussing how IT professionals are regarded in the US vs. other countries- we found that in India, IT professionals are regarded almost as highly as doctors and lawyers. A strong differentiation from the United States, where IT professionals are frequently stereotyped as being antisocial and working in an otherwise undesired field. Although these are two distinctly separate countries (and cultures), I believe that it proves that the US needs to change perceptions on technical related professions.
I disagree. Not only are graduates from the iSchool at Syracuse University the highest paid graduates of the University, but more importantly, we have the chance to make a strong impact in a society that runs in an online environment.
So, let's try to use more of our brains, hearts... and our computers :-)
Monday, November 05, 2007
10% of our Brains, 10% of our Hearts, 10% of our Computers?
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3 comments:
I don't think people fear knowing more about technology. I think people just don't have the curiosity - which goes for any field really. People can read but avoid reading James Joyce. People know to apply pressure to a wound but don't look to learn how to place stitches. Overall, people tend to prefer a surface knowledge of everything and delve into one realm or maybe two....
Second - I think our culture and India's are totally different. In India - intelligence of all levels is celebrated like we celebrate our athletes and super models. Only until our social groups start rewarding intelligence will we start to value those jobs and careers that are filled with intelligent people.
I think reading this lame as piece made me 10% more gay
*ass
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