Wait...there's an app for that

I've never considered myself to be a technical expert, but I can usually find what I need.  In relating the idea of technical knowledge levels to other adults, I usually relate technology expertise to knowing how to drive a car. 

Race car drivers are experts at driving a car.  Mechanics are experts at fixing a car.  Automotive designers create prototypes and most of us know enough just to get around safely everyday.  The same logic can be applied to technology. I support learners in understanding the basics in using technology and then watch how the user applies the knowledge so I can share it with others. 

When I am teaching a technology workshop learners will often express their misgivings about using technology because they have fears about safely using the internet and trouble remembering all the different types of passwords.  Here is how I help them overcome fears and find their own level of trust with the medium:



OVERCOMING FEARS


* First it is important to understand the basics of safely browsing the internet.  I firmly believe in utilizing the most user-friendly resources and one I just discovered is the Common Sense Media Digital Passport app which is available on iTunes.  Although the app was initially designed for children ages 7-11 (Degnan, 2013), learners of all ages will find the gaming based learning tool fun and informative. 

*Secondly what happens on the web, stays on the web...indefinitely.  I encourage learners to be lurkers (someone who browses but does not post) until they are more comfortable interacting with online site.  Protect My Rep is a website designed by a youth journalism program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Again this is a site geared for teens, but I always remind adults that when it comes to technology, they should follow what teens are accessing online because they are the first wave users of technology.  Although this isn't a app based site, it certainly can be accessed through a smartphone's internet browser.

DEVELOPING TRUST

*First I share that everyone...I MEAN EVERYONE, should always back up their files using a regularly scheduled backup program. 

Most computers that are purchased today will have a pre-installed system that does this by default on a regular schedule, however one should not blindly assume that by not doing anything else you will be saved in the event of a  technical problem.  As an educator, internet user and continuing lifelong learner of technology, I take every advantage I can to attend community events featuring IT experts sharing knowledge. 

Most will start out with explaining how to back up your system because this is the issue they run into constantly.  If this issue isn't addressed in the presentation, then I recommend bringing it up during the Q&A portion.  Once you understand how to put safeguards in place to protect your system, you will feel more comfortable exploring the internet further.

*Secondly, no computer device should be without a current anti-virus and internet security program installed and updated.  There are plenty available and although one might balk at the price initially, the dollars you spend are worth 10 times that amount in the event of a security breach. 

*Lastly, the days of remembering each individual userID and password have given way to password management tools.   First it is important to understand how to choose a strong password and then you should check it's strength with a password checker.  From there one should research a variety of password management tools and choose one that fits their needs.  One tool that was recommended to me by a local IT expert that provided support for my bank was OneID which also offers apps on both iTunes and Google Play. 

As David Cavallo shares, (Laureate Education, Inc., 2012) [Adults] "can rethink the possibility of learning things, by doing, by participating, by building models, and by collecting data, and then analyzing and thinking [it] through" (p. 1).  

I could simply give my best recommendations to my students and leave it at that, but by encouraging them to research and explore then the educational opportunities for reducing anxieties and elevating confidence builds.  They have to develop certainty and faith in their own abilities through their own actions.

In the end, learning technology is just like driving a car.  Anyone and everyone will give you advice, but the only way to develop your skill is to just get behind the wheel and figure it out.

References

Degnan, T. (2013, June 19). Introducing Digital Passport! Retrieved from Common Sense Media Inc. website http://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/introducing-digital-passport  

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). EDUC 6177: EDUC 6177- Using Technology to Enhance Learning [Video webcast program transcript]. In  Mobile Learning. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/Walden/EDUC/6177/04/downloads/WAL_EDUC6177_04_A_EN.pdf