My abrupt turn down technology avenue was a complete error, something I’ve come to call ‘my best mistake.’

I came to Syracuse University with no knowledge of, or inclination to learn, the basics of technology. Then, I was admitted to the School of Information Studies and all of that changed.

In my first semester, I learned the lingo, the history and, most importantly, the capabilities of technology. The more I learned, the more I wanted to share the wonders of technology with the world. And so, for five semesters, I have written this technology column.

My intent has been to take what seems intimidating in the tech world and make it digestible. The rose-colored glasses I put on every time I hear about the latest tech development or social media movement are glasses I’d like to share with the world or, for the time being, this campus.

Sometimes I have failed, as you’ve let me know in your emails and comments. I thank you for those because the failure to competently convey information about technology in both a comprehensible and entertaining fashion has pushed me to be better.

For my final column, I want to talk about what the future of technology looks like. Hopefully, it will inspire you to continue reading about the wonders of tech. Maybe it will push you to study it. At the very least, I’d like to leave you as excited as I am about what the evolution of technology means for the world.

Free Flow of Information

My mom told me about the prehistoric times when she had to research her papers straight out of the books in the library. Those were the days that information was held by few people and disseminated at will. Today, and more so in the future, information is becoming a thing of and for the people. Your words, art and research can be found by almost anyone at almost any time. An informed society will lead to an enlightened society and will eventually give us all a shot at coexistence.

Enhanced Education

There may be a large segment of the population that sees tablets and laptops as nothing more than distractions for today’s youth, but the potential for gains in education from these tools is strong. Bringing tablets into the classroom, teachers can put information at students’ fingertips. Arming children with capable pieces of technology can give them the tools to mold their own educations, delving unimpeded into the recesses of databases and online tools. If you think a four-year-old who can whoop your butt in Words With Friends is impressive, you just wait until that little tyke is all grown up.

Nifty Gadgets

If you grew up watching ‘The Jetsons’ like I did, you’ve always wanted your own robot or hovercraft. Well, our future holds more awesome gadgetry than the wildest cartoon episode. The fully automated car will someday eliminate those pesky traffic jams and cut down on accidents. Communications technologies will evolve so rapidly that distance will be almost negligible. But what I’m most excited for are the things my imagination can’t even fathom. Again and again, our lives will be redefined by some technological leap forward. I can’t wait to see how.

So, until next time, dear readers, may your zest for tech remain unquenched but fostered all the same.

Jessica Smith is a senior information management and technology and television, radio and film dual major. Her column appeared every Tuesday. She can be reached at jlsmit22@syr.edu.

Published on April 30, 2012 at 12:00 pm