I bought a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline ASR 9 trail running shoes this week at a local running shoe store.
I love running shoes.
And I love running shoe stores.
In addition to picking up a pair of sneaks from owners who really dig running, I get to see all the latest gadgets I didn't know I needed: heart rate monitors, Garmin GPS devices, compression socks, compression pants, power bars, power drinks, power gels as well as the latest clothing--including plaid running skirts for men--I'm not kidding!
But despite the hype of all the gadgets, gus and gels, when I lace up and head out for a 20-miler, by mile 17, I am always reminded and HUMBLED by the running gods that when it comes to distance training, even the best gus, gadgets and plaid skirts are no substitute for great training. No amount of logos, no amount of power gu, and not even the brightest and tightest polka dot compression tights will let you cheat the training gods when the goal is 26.2.
In other words...
Technology is no substitute for good training.
The same week I bought my Brooks, my wife and I learned that many of my son's high school classes no longer use textbooks--including his foreign language class.
I was appalled.
I know I am going to receive hate mail and be accused of being closed minded to the benefits of technology.
I apologize in advance.
As an instructor who has taught Principles of Accounting for three years I know that attempting to pass an accounting class without a textbook is akin to changing a flat tire without a jack--it can't be done--or at least done well.
I expressed my reservations and skepticism of the lack of a textbook to his teacher. She assured me that the use of the smart board, lesson inserts and a workbook (which accompanies the textbook NOT being used) would be an adequate substitute for the textbook. With this reliance on technology, is it a wonder the remedial reading and writing classes in community colleges are always full?
Technology is no substitute for good teaching.
The entertainment industry constantly makes the mistake of using technology as a substitute for content. How often have you walked out of a sci-fi flick with dazzling CGI special effects but felt emotionally flat because the acting and script were non-existent.
The best movies use great technology as a COMPLEMENT to a great story--not as a SUBSTITUTE.
So here is my summary when it comes to gadgets, gimmicks, gus and gels and other "smart" technology:
Technology should be a COMPLEMENT, not a SUBSTITUTE for great training.
Technology should be a COMPLEMENT, not a SUBSTITUTE for great teaching.
How about one more...
Technology should be a COMPLEMENT, not a SUBSTITUTE for great parenting.
Again, sorry if I offended all you techies out there.
Feel free to write me a letter.
Just don't send it to my smart phone.
AMJ
