I would call myself a digital immigrant. I was around when the
home computers were getting starting. When I was in grade school teachers had
students use computers often for either to learn how to type or educational
games. However, the technology of the 80s and 90s pale in comparison to today’s
technological advancements. There had been times when I had found myself
frustrated with new technology. For example, the first time I tried to make a
presentation using prezi.com was
overwhelming. The problem wasn't because the website was awful, it was because
the website was new to me. I had to learn how to create a presentation, upload
images and organize each slide at a website that was foreign to
myself. The only options I had were to either to solve the problem or to
give up on Prezi. Thankfully I worked out my problems and Prezi has been an
excellent way to introduce lessons to my students.
There's always going to be some new website or new software that
is going to frustrate the best digital native or immigrant. The best thing to
do when being overwhelmed by new technology is to try to work it out yourself.
The general rule when confronting new technology was to attempt to solve the
problem for 30 minutes before asking for help. When I have a tech problem, I
usually use a search engine like Google to look up people who have the same
problem. I use a keyword like Prezi help or Prezi FAQ (frequently asked
questions) to see if anyone else is having the same problems as I am. This
method it usually takes me to the websites help page, or I can find someone
that made a YouTube tutorial video on the subject. We all start with a "First.”
In a few years when technology advances again we will all have a new “first.”
Everyone finds themselves in unfamiliar territory with technology. The best to
do when struggling with a new software or website are three things, don't
panic, be resourceful, and don't give up.
Aaron,
ReplyDeleteGood advice for new people to new products. I feel comfortable with older technologies, but the stuff that has been coming out in the last few years has taken some getting used to. Google has been a big help for me. Chances are that I am not the only one struggling with whatever problem has come up. I like your advice on going to youtube for a tutorial. I love youtube, it has anything and everything you are looking for. I used it in college to find players performing the same jury piece I was working on. I have not used the Prezi site, I have always used powerpoint in the past, the county that I work for gave teachers Ipads to use and so I now am fairly proficient in Keynote. I will look into Prezi for a future presentations.