An update on the Covid19 outbreak. The coronavirus aka Covid19 is an invisible force of devastation that has crippled our economy, travel and general way of life. The virus is in over 175 countries and has infected over 2.5 million humans. It's death toll is currently at 181,363.
The U.S. is far and away the epicenter of the virus as we are reporting over 800,000 cases and over 43,000 deaths (almost twice as many as the next country-Italy) Four months removed from the first reported case in China during December 2019 (although a new report noted a case on November 17, 2019) we are still seeing an increase in daily cases in several countries (Russia, Brazil, Canada and others). Conversely we are seeing a decrease in certain countries (Germany, France, Iran, Belgium-to name a few) and as one would imagine in many countries the numbers remain consistent (U.S., Spain, Italy) However, even when countries may be seeing a decrease, lack of testing makes those numbers less than accurate. All of this information and many other reports, photos and articles are quickly procured on our phones, tablets, laptops and desktops because of technology.
How quickly it has become even more prevalent in our lives. No doubt, we are in the age of amazing and useful technology, but the degree that many of us are using it and in ways we may have not even imagined, it is opening up new learning for a lot of us. Yesterday, a colleague and I were discussing the idea that during this pandemic we may very likely see new technology created either for as specific and important need or just because technology now more than ever is our lives and livelihoods. Remote teaching in Aurora Public Schools (Colorado) is in it's fourth week. Every week I learn something new about using technology to teach remotely. I saw first hand today how the young teachers, who grew up using technology as learners, are amazing at using technology to teach. I grew up with the dewy decimal system and microfiche! Eventually, the word processor was at our disposal (and quickly into the disposal). We walked for our information. The library was our main source for all things. It was a time of patience and getting a head start on a project meant something.
It took time to search for the books, articles and documents about your subject matter.
There may be a new wave of technology being born as we shelter-in-place. With this creative boom we are also seeing an uptick in cyber attacks. With anything, some will use it for good and others evil. Just today the World Health Organization announced they have had an increase in cyber attacks (breaches involving stolen data, specifically employee emails and personal information) and that has led to scammers impersonating WHO emails asking for donations. We must continue to be diligent not only against the virus, but against those that see it fit to take advantage of our fears, anxieties and in some cases our generosity.
Let it be know many folks are doing good work, necessary work and demanding work in order to aid all of humanity. Health care workers are risking infection everyday as the tend to the sick and dying. Educators across the world are remotely teaching over 1.5 billion children (90% of the worlds student body) and stories of heroes rising to the challenge are an everyday occurrence. In Pennsylvania, dozens of workers remained at a plant for 28 days (sleeping and working) in order to make millions of pounds of raw material used to make masks and gowns. None of them were told to do this, they volunteered. Be safe. Be grateful. Be mindful. What will you do to make the world a better place, either during or after the pandemic?
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