Living in the Age of Information

A technologist named Marc Prensky has a theory which he states that the current generation of school kids are "digital natives" and the rest of us are "digital immigrants." I work with a person who calls himself a "digital alien." I wish I were a digital native, but I'm not. But, if I'd listened closely along the way, I would be a lot more native than immigrant.

In 1989, Sally Ketchum, my English teacher and writing guru suggested that we were entering a profound era that she called "The Age of Information." She made valid comparisons to past "ages," but none of us in the Class of 1990 were quick enough to pick up on the message she was sending.

Ketchum influenced me greatly. Martha McGuire also influenced me. She was another English teacher at Elk Rapids High School. McGuire helped me refine my English grammar skills. I learned "how" to put those "skills" into place working with Ketchum, though. Several classes with Ketchum provided me the skills necessary to succeed as a writer in college.

Seminar in the Essay provided my introduction to "red hot tips." This sophomore class basically marketed her advanced English class for seniors: Research and Composition. This class was targeted to college–bound seniors. Red hot tips eventually became Super Student Happy Kid. I loaned a copy to one of my own senior English students a few years back (10 years ago, whoa!) and he never gave it back.

Ketchum talked frequently of "The Age of Information." She told us we were a part of it and we better "LOOK OUT!" because information would become rampant. The future will provide unbelievable amounts of information, she told us.

After graduating from ERHS and studying at Central Michigan University, I entered a photojournalism class with Mr. Eliot Parker. He looked like the typical harried professor: wild hair, lab coat, a bit unorthodox. I guess I would describe him as unique.

One requirement in the fall of 1990 in JRN 220 was to send Mr. Parker an "electronic mail message. He informed us that there were spots throughout campus where we could access our "e–mail accounts" and send him an "electronic message." He talked about the Information Superhighway and how it would drastically change the world.

We thought, "Yea, right."

Pay attention along the road. You never know what you've missed, until you miss it. Then it's too late!