Google Glass

So you're walking down the street, but instead of just looking at the people and things in front of you, you're staring at the time, a text message you just received, the google search results you just asked to retrieve, a video you just took, a picture you wish to capture, and just about anything else you can imagine!

This is the future. This is our future.

We have long witnessed an evolution of technology, and its integration into our personal lives. From the early days of the internet, to the current addiction most of us all have with our smart phones, we have continuously found ourselves 'connected' to our devices. None may be more so, then the evolution we are about to witness with Google Glass. This little device looks like a pair of glasses, but acts like a computer monitor strapped to your face. It seamlessly connects us to our social network, phone, the internet, and a camera, so that we can view all of these things without using our hands; while still allowing us to witness the 'real world' events happening in front of us. It is a difficult concept to explain, and really the only way to truly understand is to watch!

The truth is these glasses will bring an incredible advancement in terms of the connection we have to others, and even the world around us.  You will be able to capture some of life's precious memories easily, and without missing a second. We will be able to reference information the second we think of something, and as a teacher, that is a very powerful tool to employ in the classroom. The idea of these glasses, opens up a world of possibilities on how to use them. However, as amazing as this looks, and the possibilities it presents, it's hard not to consider the hazards of such a device. I find it amazing how so many people believe they can multitask with their smart phones while walking down the street? We have seen such people, and we all know how that turns out.

So it's hard not to consider the potential catastrophes these new 'glasses' might bring to the world. Are people going to be wearing them while driving? Can you imagine what might transpire as a result of such actions? Certain regulations will need to be implemented to prevent harmful actions that may come as a result of using the glasses. I'm sure such regulations will be similar to current laws we have in place regarding using your cell phone while driving. With advancements in technology, come advancements in rules and regulations to help society use them, without harming others. That's just the way it goes, fortunately, or unfortunately.

Therefore, with technology advancing at such a rate, and in such a direction, we can't ignore the fact that our 'real' life persona, and our 'digital' persona, are becoming intertwined. This is truly OUR future - an interconnection of our two personas. Google Glass allows you to make this connection seamlessly, both with those who are 'real' and in front of you, as well as those who are 'digital'. The development of technology can be used for a lot of good in this way, and many devices, software, and websites are beginning to recognize this combination of  'real' with 'digital'; while bringing much good to the world around us - just look at Kickstarter. Applying our digital devices to our real world, truly makes our lives easier. From the ability to solve social, environmental, and political issues around the world (see the Arab Spring), to the everyday task list we keep on our smartphones or tablet devices, technology has allowed us to accomplish so much, in so much less time. So as we advance, and improve upon our technology, we will integrate these two worlds even more; and who knows, eventually we may be functioning in just one - with no distinction between the two.