Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. – Oscar Wilde

The definition of technology is the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area.  Because I was a teacher many years ago I sometimes related technology to history.

Water.  Rome.  Aqueducts.

At its core aqueducts were a feat in engineering.  Technology at its beginning (minus the pyramids and a few other useful items like bronze and writing).

When Rome was at its height there was a great need for water that was not contaminated.  The Tiber River provided Rome with water that was filthy, contaminated, and not suitable for a growing population.  Rome knew that in order to survive, it needed to have an adequate water source and supply.  Over the course of the next century Rome set out to find ways to bring water to the city.  Rome had a series of natural springs outsides its hills and eventually began to find ways to bring that water to the city.  Rome decided to build a water supply route near their famous road, The Appian Way.  Rome first began to build these aqueducts out of stone, brick, and ceramic.  As Rome grew, so did the repairs on the aqueducts.  As a result, Rome used lead and ceramic pipes.  Rome built underwater canals and found ways to keep their water supply from contamination.  In essence, Rome was applying a practical application of their knowledge.  What does this have to do with today you might ask?

I think of indoor plumbing in the United States and think about how many advances have been made.  From cast iron to steel to copper to plastic, the technology is always improving.  Oftentimes, I only think of the word technology as some term associated with my computer or cell phone.  When in reality, technology can apply to fabricating a new launching mechanism on a science project, to finding a new way to fire pottery, to finding a new way to create food.

We have the capability to push ourselves to make advances and look in depth at issues that are of interest.  As I think about the coming year, I often wonder how staff and students are going to apply the practical knowledge they are learning.  Some teachers will let students explore via the Internet while others encourage students to explore via a newspaper and a pencil and paper.  Both equally valuable skills to learn.

Too often in education we take a “one size fits all” approach.  This can relate to curriculum, health and fitness, and a myriad of other possibilities.  I remember in math classes when I was younger and the teacher would say, “you may find another way to come up with the same answer.”  Whoa!  Check please.  Are you saying that I don’t have to necessarily complete the task exactly as described?  I can be an individual?

So as the years go by and advances are made in the word, just remember that there are more ways that one to get to your end goal.

Remember, “be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde