In this post, I will do something different and share an interesting article on how you can learn new technology efficiently. The article was written by Lee Huffman at Salesforce Canada and was kindly provided to us. I shared a few of their tips along with a very useful infographic at the bottom of the page, and you can find the full article here.
Technology moves so fast, it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest. Not understanding a new program, phone app, or piece of hardware doesn’t mean you aren’t technologically capable. It just means you need to shift your approach a bit. Even though the world is constantly moving toward the “next big thing,” there are steps you can take to make technology work for you.
Everyone learns differently, and one person may learn different programs with different tools. For example, they may learn Microsoft Office by watching someone else do it, while they learn their CRM platform best by reading written directions. No matter how you prefer to learn, here are nine ways to make new technology less intimidating.
1. Have a positive attitude.
Before learning anything new, you have to be in the right frame of mind. The mind is a powerful machine. If you go into a tutorial or demo thinking that learning the technology is too hard, it will be. Repeat mantras to yourself: “I am smart” and “I am capable of learning” may sound hokey, but mantras and visualizations work. Visualizing your future self as being competent and mastering a skill actually brings you closer to being proficient at that skill.
We all have a bit of fear of the unknown. We may delay certain projects or assignments because they cover ground we don’t know much about or are outside of our comfort zones. But once you get started, you may realize you had made a mountain out of a molehill and the project is nowhere near as difficult as you had imagined.
2. Take classes.
There are more opportunities to learn new skills and abilities than ever before. Classes are available in person and online through community colleges, local libraries, community centres, universities, online platforms, and more. Some classes are free, while others are available at a nominal cost. Generally speaking, you don’t have to spend thousands to learn a new technology.
Examples of free and low-cost classes online are:
Many workplaces also recognize the value of an educated workforce and offer free training or tuition reimbursement to employees. Speak with your manager or human resources department to find out what training opportunities are available and how you can take advantage of them.
3. Visit your local library.
Since you can look up almost anything on the internet, many people may discount the value provided by their local library. Librarians are there to assist the community in learning about new topics. They can direct you to books on the subject or share other available options for learning a new skill.
Some libraries hold classes on site that are free for the community. Most also belong to organizations that offer free resources available online, such as e-books, foreign language instruction, and test prep courses. If you need assistance with learning a common program, a library is an excellent resource.
4. Watch videos.
Videos can be very effective when it comes to learning new skills because you can watch someone while following along yourself. Many online course resources include videos in their lessons. If you need to pause, rewind, or restart, you can do so without affecting others. This allows you to learn at your own pace as you master the new program or skill.
YouTube is one of the most popular sources for free online videos. Its search function works similar to a Google search. You can type in any topic and will most likely find a video that offers what you are looking for. If you find a video, but don’t feel like it’s explaining the program in a way you understand, keep searching. Just as learning preferences differ, so do teaching methods.
You can read the rest of the tips on how to learn new technology efficiently on their homepage here >> 9 Ways to Make New Technology Less Intimidating
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