Aging, Technology, and the LIS Professional

Today, while I was in class, I was sitting there watching my professor fumble and struggle with the projection system, when a thought occurred to me: "Wait a second.  He (my professor) is an older person struggling with the use of new technology, just like we've talked about in Project ALFA.  Why has no one sought to teach him how to effectively use this technology?"

You see, we, as students take for granted that because a professor has their doctorate, it means that they know all and don't need to be taught.  But today, in my professor, I saw my grandfather struggling to understand his new computer.  As my professor became confused when his YouTube link didn't work, and as he struggled to navigate Firefox, I thought of all of the other professors that are about his age (60+), that would probably benefit from a course teaching them how to manage this new technology.

This entire semester, I've been groaning and complaining because all this professor does is stand there and lecture, there are no powerpoint slides or anything to look at.  Perhaps he doesn't know how to use Powerpoint?  I never even thought of that.

For me, it would be awkward to go up to my professor and suggest a technology course at his local library, or what have you; but in the future, I will now, when I think of the aging, will not just picture retired persons, but persons who have careers, as well, and need to acquire this information about technology in order to excel in their careers.  Although, I think that even the younger professionals could probably benefit from a refresher course.  Maybe Wayne State's SLIS should think about a having professional development day where everything from how to use a projector to how to make a powerpoint is covered.

Thoughts on the TEK Robotic Mobilization Device from a Wheelchair User

Credit goes to Christina Golm for posting this link on the ALFA facebook page:

http://www.wimp.com/newdevice/

But after seeing this video, there was no way I could NOT write a blog post about it.  This robotic mobilization device seems revolutionary.  Of course, it probably costs thousands of dollars, and isn't covered under most, or any, insurance policies, but the independence it could give to wheelchair users!  I immediately thought of myself, or another person in a wheelchair in a library.  This device would make it so as the disabled patron could get that book on the very top shelf without asking for assistance.  And not only could they GET the book on the top shelf, they can now actually see the books available on the top shelf.  For me, as a librarian, this means that I could shelve books with more ease, work with patrons at an eye-to-eye level; the ability to be able to stand up gives the current wheelchair user so much more freedom.  Plus, it gives the user the freedom to sit down if need be.  If a library patron wants to go from looking at books to spending time on the computer, that would not be a problem!  You can sit and stand with ease.

Now, I certainly don't need this device as much as a paraplegic person would, as I can stand with assistance, but I would love to see this product become more available to the general public soon!  It would not only be of great benefit in libraries, but as the video shows, it would also be of benefit in bathrooms, cooking in the kitchen, in grocery stores.  For a paraplegic mom who has children, it would be helpful in a nursery, with picking a baby or young child up out of a crib, or changing diapers.

Basically, this device is just really cool, and I cannot tell you how enthusiastic I am about what it can do! :)