Sunday, March 3, 2024

Technology Isn't My Thing

 


In March of 2020 each of us were thrown into a new world of technology.  As the world shut down due to covid we had the unnerving task to figure out how to do our jobs, accomplish daily tasks and get toilet paper😂.  No matter what your profession was, each of us had to "pivot".  The way we did our jobs, collaborated, held meetings and connected with co-workers was so different and it required the use of new technology.

I don't love learning new computer based technology.  It has a purpose and I greatly appreciate how it can make my life easier, but the learning process is awful.  I have often compared it to learning a second language, which I tried in high school and it was an epic fail.  For some reason I can not get my brain to think in another language.  Computer technology is its own language.

In August 2020 our school district started in-service week with each of us at home on zoom.  It didn't take long before I turned off my camera because the tears were coming.  I was  frustrated, lost, and confused.  The class was to teach us how to use a new program to post assignments, have students submit work and grade them.  It was going to be the backbone for the upcoming school year.   My frustration grew as I felt more lost! I couldn't raise my hand to ask questions or have someone sit with me to show me how to navigate this new platform.  An hour into this training my husband pulled into our  driveway, I immediately entered the ugly crying stage as I tried to explain to him how awful this process was.

It was my husband who got me through that year of "zoom" school.  He helped me figure out zoom, learn how to scan documents and paste them into google slides, add voice recordings to slides and so much more.  His patience and knowledge of computer technology helped me connect with my students daily.  My aunt was an incredible help when it came to learning and navigating the new web-based learning system our district chose.  My sixth grade team was a huge support.  They were patient as I slowly figured things out, volunteered to teach me how to use the new technology and answered all my questions.

Each of us need a team of supporters, experts or cheerleaders to help us navigate learning new things. They are the ones that encourage us as we learn, keep us going when it gets hard or we make mistakes, they also push us to try new things.  

Starting a blog is a bit scary.  I had no idea how to get started but my hubby did a lot of research to find the best format for me.  My daughters, son in-laws, son and daughter in-law have been amazing supporters, encouragers and cheerleaders.  I couldn't have done this without them.

Now that I have a few posts under my belt my youngest daughter asked if I wanted to improve my blog.  Of course.  She is helping me to learn more technology.  Thanks to her I have a link to my instagram, a link to my soon to be Amazon affiliate page and a Follow Me button.  I am so excited!

We can do hard things.  Sometimes we need to ask for help and other times we need to accept help when offered.  Learning comes through the struggle.  Don't be afraid to try something new.  If I can, anyone can. 

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