The Time Machine- Time Travel and Technology Reflection

                 The Time Machine, a novel by H.G. Wells, depicts an engineer's fascination with the fourth dimension, the ability to move throughout time at will.  The 1960  and 2002 film representations of the movie highlight the seemingly binary perceptions of technology.  Some embrace and are fascinated with the challenges and creativity implicit in the use and creation of technology while others are inconvenienced and annoyed by the continual advent and evolution of it.
                 As a child, I would watch Star Trek with my father every week. I wondered at the perceptions, the acceptance and rejections, of "others"- amazed by the united front of the Federation in contrast to the daily images of war on the TV.  Additionally, I was intrigued by the technology presented. The Enterprise had no buttons, yet things were still accomplished.  The engineers would scan and tap with hand held monitors. Doctor would diagnose and treat patients with a flick of a finger- no buttons or switches involved, just a swipe of the hand.
                   When I was young, my father built my brothers and me a tree house in the back acre of our farmhouse in upstate NY.  This tree was huge and beautiful. Climbing up the wood slat steps nailed to the tree, I would imagine I was be "beamed" onto the star-ship.  Once on-board, I would tap my right shoulder where my imaginary locator was pinned and speak into the empty air to "the captain" alerting him that I was on-board.  The flat top railing, slightly slanted, became the computer boards of the ship.  Sliding my fingers ever so gently over the roughly planed wood surface, I would help the captain fix on-ship problems, communicate with other beings, and "work" my jobs. Some days I was the doctor working between a wood block diagnostic scanner and the computer; other days, I was "Number 2" helping the captain by going on missions, stealthily carrying my tricorder wood block, at the ready to "stun" any evil doers.
                I was absolutely fascinated with the ability to communicate with anyone anywhere at any time. I could not fathom how the computer understood what to do when it had no buttons, switches, or levers.  I was stunned.
               My son, nineteen years later, at the same age I was up in my tree-house, would fall asleep holding a real life miniature computer that responded to a slight swipe of his hand.  He, now at age 15, can communicate with me wherever I am. He has complete access to me; I have complete access to him! I am stunned.
              As an educator, I am still fascinated by the access and abilities that technology provides.  In my multiple roles and positions, I transfer technology knowledge in attempts to cultivate and improve learning through and with technology as it adds elements of interest, rapidity, and convenience that no other teaching tool does.  I entreat all teachers to embrace the positives and benefits of technology enhanced teaching-- it is fascinating!!