Demigod Prometheus

Recently, we were the recipients of a few Promethean interactive Displays. So I am doing a little dive into the technology to see how to best use these marvels of educational technology.

But my interest first started with the name – Promethean. It is derived from the Greek demigod Prometheus. Here’s a little lesson in Greek lore …

Prometheus was the son of a Titan (preceding the Gods) and an Oceanid, a sea nymph. So he is a unique demigod, in that he had no mortal parentage. he’s renown for intelligence and foresight, as well as loving humans. During the war of Olympians and Titans, he sided with Zeus and the Olympians. This kept him out of Tartarus and imprisonment.

His claim to fame was stealing fire from the gods and delivering it to humans. For this, Zeus punished him to chains on a mountain … where an eagle would come everyday and eat his liver. The liver would regrow every night – just to repot the process on every day.

It is said that Hercules saw Prometheus and rescued him by killing the eagle.

There is Promethean Action … A political movement dedicated to overthrow governmental authority.

There’s Promethean Science … a creative and rebellious attitude to scientific research.

But what is the connection to a Promethean interactive display?

In their words … Promethean creates interactive displays and technology that turn classrooms and workplaces into engaging, collaborative spaces.  Our solutions boost participation, creativity, and productivity wherever people learn or work together. They want to help the human potential.

Like the Greek hero he works with humanity to engage and grow. Which was fire – one of the greatest advancements in humanity’s history. Promethean want to help people advance in the educational and corporate world.

They develop a software, they have widgets like a clock, timer, spinners, and more. I have connected Apple TV as well as an iPad to help it be a secondary monitor.

I have enjoyed the beginning stages of using this technology. My biggest use so far has been as a white board.

So why this post? I consider myself somewhat creative teacher/instructor. And I am grateful for such tool to enhance participation and engagement. And I am a techie of sorts so there is more to appreciate.

But I never want the medium take away from the message.

That’s the same in life. Don’t let technology, gadgets, and ‘stuff’ get in the way of people.

Prometheus had forethought, but still considered helping people worth the cost.

And that is powerful – people are important.