High Tech/High Touch

In a world of smartphones, computers, social media and the internet, the question of how we humans understand our relationship with technology has become paramount. Studies show that too much technology is debilitating on human brain function, stifles emotions, affects our memories, and leads to all sorts of antisocial behavior. Addictions to various forms of technology are starting to gain statistical relevance. Many studies are showing that constant use of cell phones can lead to all sorts of cancers.

There is also the observation from sociologists and school counselors that students are beginning to suffer from “nature deficit disorder.”  Kids simply are not spending enough time in nature. Some kids are no longer aware that milk comes from cows, that apples grow on trees, that the food they eat out of plastic packages are actually grown somewhere. There are studies showing that when kids don’t play in the dirt enough, their immune responses suffer. Turns out dirt is the healthiest playground.

Additional studies show that while technology is indeed necessary for our modern world, it is not sufficient to get you either a good job or to prepare you for a fulfilling life. The questions more and more global corporations are asking job applicants are not so much around what their knowledge is but how well they work with others, how emotionally intelligent they are, how collaboratively creative they are in cross boundary groups, how global is their thinking, and how resilient they are in response to adversity. These soft skills are actually beginning to dominate the job market.

This is where Ubiquity comes in. Our Integral Learning System emphasizes the soft skills and encourages students to go out and spend time on the land, in internships, getting to know the Earth and the natural systems all around us. Ubiquity is developing major “High Tech/High Touch” partnerships in Asia whereby the University will work with high tech educational institutions and provide training in soft skills.

Studies show that the more “cross training” you do—the greater the number of ways you exercise your mind and body, the better your mind and body will perform and the more you will enjoy their life. Holistic learning, like holistic exercise, is the wave of the future. Ubiquity is leading it.