Where are the flying cars that I was promised?

Most popular science fiction novel's from the 1980's like the Terminator or Blade Runner, centered on conflicts between humans and sideboards (halfhuman and machine) . These machines were often dispatched by some mother computer that develops human-like ambitions. These sideboards were usually equiped with high-beam lasers, GPS, scanners and flying cars which allowed them timely escapes. Destroying one of these evil sideboards could only be done by shorting out their internal CPU, and getting close one of thes chips usually came at a price.

Now, some 25 years later, the threat of computer controlled sideboards is far from a reality, yet the influence of computers on humans in North America is real; especially when it comes to our youth. As an educator, I have seen first hand how teenagers have evolved into beings that need to be plugged in inorder to 'fit' into society and funcion. They are more intune with what is being fed to their brains by miniature Ipod's than there was is present in their surroundings. Simple activities like nature walks and street hockey are on a decline. Most teenagers would rather be found inside some dark forsaken room playing video games or surfing the internet while on MSN. On a more positive note, kids in elementary school can make class presentatins using the latest in technology like power point, and photoshop that leave most teachers in awe.

I believe that computers will continue to play a larger role in shaping human behaviour. Computer chip implants will become a common practice that will allow people to keep tabs on loved ones and pets. Computer displays small enough to fit over ones prescription glasses would allow someone to play games while standing at a bus stop. Emails wil be able to be checked simply by voice recognition, and played back by a tiny computer that can fit on a wrist watch or cell phone. The future will bring exciting new trinkets and along with it a new breed of science fiction writers.