Five Myth Busters About Boomers Learning Technology
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.”
Tags: baby boomers, business endeavors, cataclysmic event, gas tank, mature adults, myth busters, postage stamps, professional reputation, promoting business, twitterOnline Learning ? Better Than Classroom Learning?
According to a New York Times report, a survey carried out over 12 years for the US Department of Education found a modest but statistically meaningful difference in performance by online learners over classroom learners. And this was mostly based on studies done in colleges and adult continuing education programmes, from medical to military training.
Online learning is hardly likely to replace classroom learning any time soon, but this is a pointer to its possibilities for a whole lot of us who want learning of one kind or another, but can’t spare the time or cover long distances to get it.
Tags: adult continuing education, business administration courses, collaborative exercises, correspondence course, human resources management, learning provider, long distances, meaningful difference, text matter, traditional correspondence