If It Wasn't For Teens...I'd Be Technologically Challenged

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

I wanted to subtitle this blog: "It takes a village of teens to help me learn to use my new digital camera" but I realized that my kids have been instrumental teachers for me in all sorts of technological advances. I wouldn't have been able to learn how to hook up the new DVD player (I admit I bought a "combo" dvd/vcr player since I still have dozens of video tapes!), understand how to download songs onto the ipod or even master the difference between "upload" and "download"--my middle daughter still corrects me on that one. But my recent adventures with the new digital camera have found me leaning on the teenagers for guidance more than usual!

In three weeks I am heading off on my first-ever international business trip. While I've been worrying about all sorts of logistical work-related details, those loving family members around me decided what is really important is that I have a state-of-the-art digital camera to take plenty of photos to share when I get back home (are they even still called "photos" or have they become "images"). With a little box full of tiny objects I sat down on my couch and knew I would never figure out what all the cords and accessories were for without help. I wish someone could tell me how such a tiny little "camera"--so lightweight and easily lose-able--can cost hundreds of dollars? It looks like something that could be found in the bottom of a cereal box!

Fortunately, two of my daughters swooped in and started pushing buttons and snapping pictures without the slightest bit of worry: "You can take little movies with this mom!" and "You can change the quality of the image depending on what you want to do with it!" Alright, I am still trying to be fine with the fact that no one has photo albums anymore and I just hook the camera into the computer. But, now I'm told my tiny Cracker Jack box camera can take movies and record sound and with the super duper memory card I can save 1000 images. I'm going to be working, when I am I going to have time to take 1000 images?

Anyway, teenagers come in terribly handy when you need to hook up a new computer or learn to use a new digital camera. It may be that you can no longer count on them to do the dishes or take out the garbage--but when it comes to technology, I would be so far behind the times if it wasn't for my three. But, I'll tell you what--I'm looking longingly at my trusty 35 millimeter camera with the huge view finder and the neck strap...

Also: Coping With a Health Food Kick

When do I Get to Be Smarter Again?

Being Eaten Out of House and Home

Learn more about Kori Rodley Irons

Bio has been removed by administrator

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger