AFTER having interacted with college students for years as instructor handling mass communication subjects, I have basically discussed and explained ancient methods and forms of human communication such as the use of clay tablets, hieroglyphs and scrolls. I even recalled the period when smoke signals, telegraphs and mails through the pony express were employed for distance communication until trans-atlantic cables and satellite relays were tapped to send wire and voice messages.
Call it passion or addiction to jurassic messaging systems but I have accumulated several devices that reflects past gadgets of engagements for my media newseum cum newseum.
I learned recently that what is being taught in schools today will most likely face extinction in the next two to three years. Electronics and Communication students today are no longer required to internalize the Morse code. Nowadays, we are more familiar with digital forms that we upload, download, airdrop and bluetooth and nobody cares about the multiplication table as our gadgets come equipped with calculators and other measuring devices.
Ironically, some historical movers are pushing for the use of the Baybayin or ancient script and writing method but am not sure how far this attempt will go.
As a college instructor, I have discussed communication history, media methods and techniques including photojournalism and television production but things are happening fast with digital media and they say that technical information accordingly changes every two years.
As for the millennials, I also observed how these “young turks” communicate differently nowadays. You do not see them sending postcards and writing letters anymore as everyone is just a text, Instagram or video call away with the use of smartphones.
You do not see them driving 4x4 off-road jeeps as they prefer motorized scooters and they’d rather flag down a taxicab using Grab or Uber transport providers that can be reached with just a touch of these smartphones. Soon, nobody will use big and heavy cameras like DSLRs and camcorders as their functions may also be replaced by smartphones and smaller gadgets.
I read a quote that goes “We therefore need to shift because life is full of shit” and whatever that means, to me, it is a sign of the times. As one who communicates with written and verbal messages and use visuals to express, I also need to adapt to the trends of the generation to be relevant. There is no end to learning and we “Tanders” must also learn from the so-called millennials who redefined Communication 101 as 7% Words, 37% voice quality and 55% physiology.