Technology With Purpose

There's a lot going on in this picture.

Twenty years ago there were no smart phones. You used your cell phone to talk to people, a PDA to keep track of your calendar and contacts, and a camera to take decent pictures. Mr. Sok (second from the left) hosted us back then to teach computer classes. We used a full size desktop PC, old-style CRT monitor, and a gas powered generator to turn it on when the electricity went out. Which was often.

This week we set up Mr. Sok with our preferred messaging app. He was using a different one and didn't realize that the language barrier is much smaller now with these apps. Translation apps are not perfect, but they are extremely good for casual discussion. This is important for communicating with him throughout the year instead of relaying questions through Prem (on the left). To show him what is possible I translated a simple greeting from English to Khmer and sent it to him. He was elated.

One more thing. This dinner-table-style picture probably looks familiar. You've all been there were the conversation wanes and people gravitate to their phones. Sometimes for a moment to pick up on another topic. Sometimes longer when it's the least awkward option. Our time here in Cambodia is limited. There just isn't time for daydreaming when we have one or two chances a year to connect with our people here. It was a healthy reminder of what this technology is supposed to be doing. Helping us stay connected instead of instant distraction.