GeoCaching

I recently participated in Geocaching for my Communication Class. It was quite an interesting experience, mostly because it enabled me to understand what geocaching actually is. Seven different groups set out from our class to find hidden bags with clues in them, using whatever technological devices or means of communication we could think of and a GPS system. Most of us just used our cell phones, which nowadays contain more technological devices in the one phone than we could even try to carry. For instance, I have access to twitter, facebook, GPS, blogging, wikis, and the internet in general on my phone, as well as access to communication via the phone itself in the form of texting or talking (old school). While geocaching, our team texted other students stationed in the classroom to inform them of our whereabouts and conclusions about the clue we found and what it could possibly mean. Other teams worked in the same way until we had all worked to send our clues into the base team. In the end, everyone's clues were focused around women and their history at Purdue University or in the world. We finally solved the puzzle: March is Women's History month.
When we first began the activity, I had a hard time drawing the connection between what we were doing and its relevance to communication. As we participated, however, I was able to see how communication breakdowns can occur and how much of an influence emerging technologies have on our communication with others. I cannot imagine life without a cell phone or a quick way to communicate with others. Geocaching would have been impossible without some sort of hand-held communication device. Sometimes I have to force myself to remember there once was a time without instant communication, a world in which activities such as geocaching were certainly impossible.
The activity we did in class was designed for us to learn about geocaching and have fun, but I think it did a good job of teaching us the implications of instant communication. In such a quick paced world, we are now able to access information almost instantaneously, whether we want to see what restaurants are nearby, or report back clues to a team. Instantaneous communication has its flaws, like when communication overload occurs, or when we focus more on the means of communication vs. the meaning of what's being said. But, overall, this quick paced world is benefiting from emerging technologies like GPS systems and cell phones that provide instant access to communication.