I have found that some people are able to more quickly grasp a technology concept. Others it may take awhile.
We do so much for our kids in terms of finding out what type of “learners” they are. Some teachers, just like kids are auditory learners, some visual etc… Just because a teacher graduated from college does not mean they are going to know and understand computers. I find that most people use their computers for what they need, most are not even aware of the options available to them in terms of tools. They click on an icon, and they expect things to be where they left them. When they are not they are confused and unsure of what to do. As a person who worked at a help desk I have encountered many types of people, there were a few who would ask me the same question everyday, this would go on for months. There were a few times when I would think.. “is this person ever going to get this?” But we would go through it day after day, week after week… the same questions, the same explanation. EVENTUALLY they got it. I am not kidding, sometimes it took six months or longer and these were not complicated programs, we are talking data processing, word and yes even email.

I am a firm believer that whenever a change is implemented, people need to be informed, they need to have basic instructions and or an overview of what has changed, offer it - if the person doesn’t need it they won’t come, if they have questions they will be there… if they need it and don’t come SHAME on THEM.

Perhaps the problem is not the questions but to whom they are directed? Maybe we need to re-teach people who they need to contact in the event of a problem or question. Stopping the Head of the Technology Department to ask how to copy a file is certainly not the best use of either person’s time. People become comfortable with people, and knowing you are the person in the know leads them to believe that you are at their disposal for questions and problems. Your time can certainly be better spent. I’m not sure there’s a cure for this one. I have been here at the Middle School for almost 3 years, there are still people who go to others when they have questions. They have known them longer; they are friends, they don’t want to look “illiterate”, who knows why. I do know that I can help and devote more time to their questions then the people they are asking. But if the people are not directed back to me they will keep asking others for help. In closing, I think we are being a bit too harsh, give them a chance they might surprise you.

We can debate about what is important and how we should improve the knowledge of our staff members when it comes to technology…… forever!#$%

The most important word in the quote above is the word YOU. You have complete control on how you can improve the level of your personal technological understanding.

I asked a few of my classes this question:

What if I bought all of you a brand new IPhone?

They went crazy! (Of course I didn’t tell them why I was polling them.) They all agreed that they would take the time to learn how to use it. Even though it has very few buttons, and many cool features, they all said that they would take their own time to learn how to operate the phone.

Debbie draws a pretty good analogy about driving a car. If you can’t drive any car, you can’t drive.

We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Some teachers have a fabulous rapport with the kids. Others develop incredible new lesson plans that make me envious. Many are excellent at organization, while some really excel with technology. The complete package is rare! So I think you’re being a little too tough on them.

Teaching in a media center, I work with all staff members. I know they are all along the spectrum of technology literacy. I also know that some of our very best, most creative teachers struggle with the nuts and bolts of implementing technology, but that’s where I come in as part of the technology support staff. Often, sitting down with a teacher, showing them the process, letting them take step by step notes if they need it, (and they often do!) helps to build the confidence needed to try new things. Now, if the teacher expects me to do it all for them that’s another story but this is not usually the case. Most people want to learn but we all learn differently.

So…in my humble opinion, when implementing any new technology, a basic overview of what’s new and different is a necessary and much appreciated component of implementation.

Sarcasm in 3, 2, 1:
If you are going to have an inservice on how to use squirrelmail, can you show me how to turn on my computer when you have some free time?

Back on track:
Technology is everywhere. Why is something new such a shock? You only have so many options when using an email program. I couldn’t agree with Todd more when it comes to who suffers in the end.