It was the
middle of spring when I walked in to the learning center to pick up some assignments
for a distance course that I was taking. Inside was a small group of people, all
grinning ear to ear while huddled around a computer. THE INTERNET!! Yes,
for the first time in our history we were connected to the internet, even though
many people (myself included) didn't know what this technology was, yet! I
quickly walked over to see what all the excitement was about. Haha, I remember
kind of pushing someone off to the side to take a look. I remember once my presence
was known, someone said ..."hey we have internet" Internet?
I stood there with a big smile pretending to know exactly what they were talking
about. It has been about five years since I was first introduced to this communication
tool called "the internet". Soon
after I found myself working for K-net, learning new things on a daily basis.
Everything was so new to me!
Wow! It's
amazing how technology has changed the way people think! I have been involved
in bringing these communication tools into the community. I see the changes it
brings in our everyday lives. I recall
shopping online with my boyfriend a year ago. We were looking for a new jacket
for our daughter, I would jump from site to site and he would follow me until
we found something we liked. I know that he REALLY likes online shopping
(he doesn't have to carry any shopping bags around, but he still complains when
I ask his opinion on any clothes.) The Internet
now plays a big role in our lives. It's how I keep in touch with the people I
work with at K-Net. I also use it to keep in touch with my family. It's changed
the way people do business, education etc. Last
year I was sitting and watching students communicate with their teachers who are
in Southern Ontario (Kingston specifically). Just a year ago, the organizations
that were part of the network bought 47 new computers (not including the personal
computers!). I had people calling me to order them a personal computer. Now I
have people calling me wanting internet access from home. The
older people in the community have shown an interest as well. I have been training
a few. Especially in the last two years, the demand for computer and internet
use have increased dramatically. Madeline
is currently the computer technician for the Fort Severn campus of the Keewaytinook
Internet High School. Madeline Stoney, Fort
Severn -first posted December 2000 | 
