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As I began the ONL 202 course (https://www.opennetworkedlearning.se/ ) I was apprehensive to say the least.  Both excitement and anxiety underpinned my approach.  Excited to learn new things but ever so anxious that I would not know enough in the digital space to be able to keep up with my peers. 

As a society we have become so complacent with constant change that we cease to take moments to reflect on the journey. 

When looking at the digital age, can we call ourselves residents or visitors?  How often do we use technology and for what purpose?  Have you ever taken the time to think about the impact of an online footprint and the socio-economic status behind it? 

There are so many questions that filled my mind – until it dawned on me: WE ARE PRODUCTS OF EVOLUTION!  Before the religious deem this blasphemous, please read on. 

Evolution can be defined as a process of change occurring in species to become more adapted to ones environment – basically positive change and continuous development for the best – Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2020).   That sounds a lot like mankind.  From the very first forms of communication tools to where we are today – we have most certainly come a long way.

We have adapted to the digital age without even noticing that we are foreigners blending with technology today.  Its been a seamless transition for some and we have now reached a stage where we cannot survive with out our digital tools.   I noticed that I can navigate my smart phone without even looking at it – the design and touch screen makes it comfortable in my hands and everything I need is done at the touch of a screen.  On going studies suggest that our hands will evolve to suit the ever-increasing demands to constantly utilise digital tools. 

So here we are, visitors with permanent residency in the digital space, continuously engulfed by a labyrinth of new technologies every day.   

Poe, M. T., A History of Communications: Media and Society from the Evolution of Speech to the Internet (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2011).

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