Reflections on a journey through technology

By Elena Kotsovos

As a child of the 1970s, I have had the unique privilege of witnessing remarkable technological advancements unfold over the decades, especially during the transformative 1980s and 1990s.

I vividly remember the thrill of receiving my first typewriter—a moment that filled me with joy. At last, I could practise typing at home, not just during my high school classes. I dedicated countless hours to mastering the art of typing without looking at the keys, pride swelling within me as I typed “asdf jkl;” — with confidence. It is incredible to think that the first commercially successful typewriter, the Sholes and Glidden model, emerged in 1873, yet here I was, experiencing the joy of writing in my own room.

The excitement continued when I got my first personal computer. It dominated my bedroom desk – a true marvel of technology. For the first time, I could type without the fear of making mistakes; backspace and delete became my new best friends. Then came my first printer, a revolutionary addition that made my university life infinitely easier. I began diligently saving all my work on compact discs, feeling a sense of pride in my growing collection.

The 1990s introduced us to the World Wide Web, making the Internet more accessible than ever. Laptops replaced bulky desktops, and smartphones gradually replaced the heavy mobile phones of my youth – phones that necessitated a substantial handbag just to carry.

As I reflect on these advancements, I cannot help but think of the younger generation. They will never truly understand the thrill of watching technology evolve in real-time. Though their thrill could be in mastering certain advanced skills. These early inventions laid the groundwork for the modern technologies we rely on today.

The evolution of teaching, alongside these technological changes, has been nothing short of remarkable. I remember relying on overhead projectors to display transparencies and notes, proudly showcasing my meticulously organised materials to the entire class. The highlight of my teaching experience back then was investing in different coloured pens for those transparencies. We utilised video cassette recorders to show educational videos, often renting or purchasing tapes to supplement our lessons. CD-ROMs brought interactive learning experiences to life, providing students with engaging multimedia content.

Today’s classrooms are quite different from those early days. They are equipped with a diverse array of technologies designed to enhance teaching and learning. Interactive whiteboards enable dynamic presentations, allowing teachers to display lessons, videos, and interactive activities that students can engage with directly. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) now offer immersive learning experiences, providing opportunities for students to explore simulations and interact with 3D models.

Online collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams facilitate real-time discussions and project work, bridging gaps in hybrid and remote learning environments. The list of available technologies, educational software, digital projectors, 3D printers, cloud storage and so much more—is truly endless. As I reflect on this incredible journey of technological advancements, I can only imagine what my eyes will witness next. The future is bright, and I eagerly await the innovations that lie ahead. Do you? …

Elena Kotsovos is the head of the primary school at the International School of Paphos