High-powered professionals crumble in tears,
Mature adults run screaming down the office hall,
Moms, dads, employees, and experts dignified by day, trembling in the privacy of their homes….
Maybe this is overly melodramatic, but you get the picture, don’t you? It is common for adults to approach me, upset, frightened, and convinced they cannot learn technology. For many people, using a new computer program or cell phone can be a cataclysmic event. Their emotions range from confusion, to frustration, to anger and can even bring about panic attack levels of stress. Do any of these descriptions sound like you or someone you know? This article breaks down several critical myths that block progress to the freedom of learning technology. Let’s explore how to harness the truth to begin a new pathway of success!
1.Technology is only for kids; there is no way I can learn it. This myth typifies the perspective of our opening illustration. Yet, recent articles indicate that Baby Boomers are dominating Facebook (ex., Business Week, 2009, Sept..7) This, and other, social media sites were wrestled from the keyboards of youngsters and are a major domain for connecting with our old friends, and promoting business endeavors. Who is on Twitter? It is widely documented that Twitter is Boomers’ regime, not adolescents’. These are just two examples of clear evidence: mass adoptions of technology and social media are being driven by adults. Ergo, they are learning it! “Move over Zoe, mommy has to get her Facebook time.”
2.I don’t need technology for anything. If you want to remain behind the curve and the advantages which everyone else has and waste money go ahead. Dismiss online banking and shopping and wait for monthly statements, and spend your abundant extra retirement cash on postage stamps, paper statement fees, and gas tank fill-ups chasing the best deals around town. Moreover, if you want professional reputation of being incapable of change and flexibility, continue ignoring technology. But, in so doing you are the antithesis of what the 21st century workplace values! Solution: make the effort, seek training, and adopt new technology: these strategies can protect or change your image from has been to mover and shaker.
3.It’s way too technical. In the ancient days of MS-DOS (circa 1985) I would have to agree with this frequent excuse. But with current computer platforms, the focus is on ease of use. Users do not need to know technical lingo; they just point and click selections. As a starting point, remember your computer is really an electronic filing cabinet with folders. Organize and store all you materials in them accordingly. Mine new strategies, talk about your system, and trade tips with colleagues at work, professional conferences, family, and friends. You will gradually cultivate a reframed perspective of your work, and discover how to use technology more to streamline your effort and make your workspace efficient.
4.I just learn by myself: the “peck and poke” method. Some adults believe that even taking classes won’t help, or conversely, they can learn technology sufficiently on their own. Others do not want to be clueless in a class of technophile young adults, and who can blame them? The great news is one can quickly gain confidence and excel without public embarrassment with personal professional coach or trainer who specializes in helping adults learn technology. Everyone makes great strides with one-on-one support, and good coaches build your confidence in the learning process. Filling in the gaps of learning, discovering more efficient strategies, provide immediate benefits and maximize future learning.
5.I’m too busy to learn. Once you start learning technology, you will realize you save a lot of time. By spending 2-3 hours in a personalized session, you will be amazed at how much you can streamline and reorganize your work flow. With this saved, you can allocate weekly or monthly sessions to address on your continuing learning needs. Location is not a limitation either, participate in-person, or remotely connecting with your trainer; therefore your choice of professional coach/trainers is greater. Live distance learning makes scheduling much easier, as evenings, weekends, and lunch time, can be possible options.
By countering these first five myths, I hope you have seen the opportunity for learning technology is much closer. Consider which actions you can take this week and next; jot them down on your calendar and begin moving forward. If you need encouragement, reach out to people you can trust. In a future Myth Busting article, I will help dispel those lies about “Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.” I will be wound up for that one! You are as capable to learn as you believe you are. Enjoy!
Now, what do you want to start learning with technology? 1…2… 3… start!
Dr. Kathleen P. King (EdD)
Certified professional coach, Certified faculty coach,
Award-winning author, Professional speaker, Professor of education
Transformation Education, CEO
Transformation Education LLC: Helping Professionals Reach Their Dreams
http://www.TransformationEd.com
About Dr. King
Dr. King is a dynamic, interactive keynoter, and accomplished author who invigorates and empowers audiences on a variety of topics. She specializes in guiding professionals in dynamic and rewarding professional journeys: from coping with changes in the workplace, developing leadership, speaking, writing and time management skills, to navigating organizational demands, meeting the needs of 21st century learners, designing and facilitating distance learning, and “Helping Professionals Reach their Dreams.” Contact Kathy to discuss availability for in-person and virtual speaking engagements, personalized mentoring/coaching services and educational consulting services.
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