The new technologies are going to make our lives easier. With more access, connection and information, we’ll have more knowledge at our fingertips than ever before.

Until they make life harder.

I needed to look up something about our TV. A quick look on the back of the device and I took a photo of the serial number and model number. My phone then did a Google Lens search and it suggested a few links.

I went to the manufacturer’s website and saw they have a chatbot so I connected. It asked for my name so I added it. Then it asked for my telephone number. I’m not overly keen on sharing details to a chatbot so use an old decommissioned mobile number. It then asked for my email address. I have an account I use for all email requests which I never check. It’s great when registering for Wi-Fi etc. Then it asked for the product. And then it asked for the model number. And then the serial number. And then the date of purchase. And then I gave up.

I went to another of the Google Lens links – a general AV forum – and found the response I wanted in no more than ten seconds or so. No registration, no login, no data capture.

Was it the right answer? I didn’t know but it was MUCH easier to access. It did work so I’ll be minded to use the unauthorised resource next time.

Think about your learning offer.

How many people use unauthorised resources because there are just too many steps, questions, hurdles, and challenges for them to get a simple answer?