COVID-19 AND THE WIZARDRY OF TECHNOLOGY
If technology has not attained its height or been utilized at its peak, now is the time to take it to a lofty and soaring height. Every facet of human endeavor keeps up with the miracle of advanced technology and there is no time this is more exhibited than at this uncertain time. From health care workers leading the fight against COVID-19 to teachers around the globe teaching students while they stay at home to stock markets monitoring the algorithm-controlled indices shaping our economies; the grandeur of technology during this period is the hallmark of scientific productivity and intellectual ingenuity. The Internet, Big Data, Bio-Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Deeping Learning, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Financial Technology, and a host of others have redefined the future and presented an opportunity for us to kick start the sequence of living in the future. The combination of these technologies has metamorphosed into what is known as disruptive technologies – they simply forge the new path towards the future and render the traditional ways of doing business obsolete, for instance queuing in a banking hall to deposit money.
Humanity stands on the verge of exploring the numerous advantages embedded in technology. It is no longer news to stay at home and work remotely but what is uncertain is how long do we continue to do so? Or is this the future of a technology driven environment? Unlike the erstwhile historic global pandemics that ravaged humanity’s history, this one seems to have a glimmer of hope – of information dissemination – at a global scale. A report of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a remote village in India for instance, is immediately recorded on the global chart tracking COVID-19 statistics. The emergence of an “Intergalactic Network” of computers in the early 1960s unleashed Pandora-like possibilities to the quest of humanity. This network has now evolved to what is known as the Internet. The Internet serves as the central nervous system upon which all modern technologies by design, functions and operates smoothly serving the purpose of their creation.
Globally, the legal profession has taken solace in the use of technology by serving their clientele better while deploying various means of legal technology. Law firms have transited to working remotely by creating a virtual law office. What makes this a success? Setting up a workstation within your house is the first step. Video conferencing/meetings with clients and colleagues are almost inevitable. Video meeting applications such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and Google Duo/Hangouts Meet when utilized and enhance the firm’s practice especially at this time. As a virtual law firm, a paperless transition is made simple by centralizing files in the cloud. Documents can be stored in the firm’s cloud-based document management software (CDMS). Some popular CDMS are Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. The security of client’s data in the cloud requires robust data security.
Setting up a security protocol in a virtual law firm is crucial to the successful running of the firm. The right data security protocol includes: (i) Encryption – Only those with the encryption key can decode the information contained in a document or email; (ii) File backup – it is suggested that two types of backup should be put in place. A primary backup contains all documents, files that are used for short term purposes while secondary back-up contains documents and files that serve a long-term purpose; (iii) Password Security – is enhanced by using alphanumeric, symbols; and (iv) Wi-Fi and Virtual Private Network (VPN) Security – the use of a VPN will protect the client’s data when using Wi-Fi. Overall, the technologies that may be utilized by a law firm may include the following; Word processors and eDiscovery Software, Cloud-based software, Backup software, Practice management software, Accounting software and Timekeeping and billing software. Like a Siamese twin, the medical profession appreciates the influence of technology greatly.
From adhesive bandages and ankle braces to MRI machines, ventilators, artificial organs, and robotic prosthetic limbs, the medical industry has indeed been blessed with the sophistry of technology; a testament of its wizardry is eminent in the lives it has touched. Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), 3D printing, robotics, and nanotechnology are some of the technological advances that are revolutionizing digital healthcare technologies. As the scorching COVID-19 ravages, medical practitioners have utilized technology to a great deal. The underlying effect of the usage of technology in the medical industry leads to an enhanced quality of life of patients. Chat Bots helps to assess COVID-19 risks in patients; Resource Hub helps its users by providing links about staying active and healthy, maintaining productivity; Wearables/Sensors have personalized the tracking of individual lifestyles either by monitoring their sleeping habits and workout sessions; and Apple Health Check provides users with a screeching tool and information platform.
Indeed the aggregate usage of technology in this industry can be summarized as follows: (i) Telemedicine/Telehealth enhances the digitization of healthcare by enabling patients consult with specialist from anywhere in the world; (ii) Electronic Medical Records/Big Data offers a broad overview of a patient’s health whereby accurate diagnosis is possible; (iii) Digitization of Health Records has facilitated the smooth storage, assessment, management and transmission of a patient’s medical records from the clouds to remote or inaccessible locations; (iv) Mobile Applications have provided patients with quick and accurate medical information while medical practitioners are offered with greater efficiency; (v) Improved Patient Care has created a platform for the identification of a patient’s medical record which enables medical practitioners to diagnose and recommend possible medication for any illness.
Owing to the tremendous proliferation of technology, the classroom has experienced seamless transition from chalkboard to virtual classroom to tablets and smart devices. Learning in the 21st century has attained a ubiquitous height so much that the classroom can be easily dispensed with just as it is during this pandemic. Professors and teachers continue to teach via online classrooms while students and pupils have switched to their custom-made educational applications, teaching websites, and online courses offered by several universities and schools around the globe. The benefits embedded in this technological wizardry can be distilled as follows: (i) Enhanced Distance Learning makes acquisition of information relating to diverse subjects easy and accessible; (ii) Access to an infinite information database across several educational platforms.
Certain prominent political leaders across the globe have been struck by the ravaging pandemic without recourse to their status as political eminence. As the reality of this pandemic dawns on the political class around the world, technology has become the solace upon which strength can be sought for its soothing relief and glorifying functionalities. Video conferences intrinsically connect political leaders with their cabinets as they lead their respective countries through this difficult time.
Mankind’s greatest invention in modern times – the internet – continues to provide stellar deliverables through technology as it has proved exceedingly functional beyond the realms of wishful imaginations. Technology is indeed a miracle at this time.
This Article was inspired by the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vide his Twitter post of 27 March 2020. My prayers and thoughts are with those who have been affected by the outbreak, and I am deeply grateful to the thousands of healthcare workers who are on the front lines helping their communities throughout the world.
Please, apply all safety precautions as we navigate these troubling times together. Be safe! Be cautious!!
Damilola O. Odumosu is an Intellectual Property and Technology Law Attorney. He can be reached at damiodus@hotmail.com
Great read and insight! May 3rd world countries wake up to the call.
Highly energetic article, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?|