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Sections in CUSD NET
Volume I Issue I
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Technology Fears...
Technology has great potential to help educators
with time management, organization, instruction, and
distance learning. But before it can be put to efficient
use, educators must feel comfortable with computers as
tools. Unfortunately, the following five concerns can stand
in the way, especially for novice users.
I'm nervous around computers.
First off, it's okay to be a little nervous or anxious
about technology. At one time or another, every computer
"guru" was a beginner. The adage, "you can't learn if you
don't try" applies to technology as well as anything else.
Remember, a computer is just a box of components. You can't
really break it, and messing something up is just part of
being a user. Many things on a computer can be fixed in a
matter of minutes. As with any new learning experience, it's
expected that you'll make mistakes.
I don't like looking 'stupid' in front of my
colleagues or students.
Nobody likes to feel inadequate or intimidated. But
remember, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
Computer software and hardware change every year. Therefore,
the experts are still learning themselves. Nobody knows
everything about computers, but good users ask a lot of
questions &endash; it's part of the learning process. Even
the "experts" sometimes have trouble finding the "on"
switch. Ask questions. The experts do, and so should you.
I'm comfortable with 'the old way.'
It will take you longer to catch up to your peers and
your students if you put off learning about technology now.
Watching your colleagues leave for home an hour earlier than
you do should be enough to convince you to spend a day or
two learning the how - to's of computing. The old way may be
taking you longer than you realize. Learn the basics first.
Turning the system on, using a mouse, and opening a program
are easy starts. Then pick a product and learn it, whether
it be a word processing program, a spreadsheet, or a
database. Most programs have computerized tutors or
"wizards" to make the learning process productive and for
the most part, painless.
I've never used a computer before, and now I have
to.
Every novice user has felt that rushed feeling during a
"hurry-up" learning session. If applicable, find a book,
manual, video, or some other learning tool that you can take
home to review. If you have a computer at home, you might
try loading the programs there. Spend a Saturday on your own
with a learning tool, figuring out the program. Ask a
colleague for help - teamwork is the usual approach for the
expert. For every computer or software product, there are
seminars, user groups, and conferences. As with anything
new, the experts themselves have to adjust. In this
instance, they know only as much as you.
How will computers help my classroom and my
students?
By demonstrating your willingness to learn something
new, you have already set an excellent example for your
students. Computerized slide presentations that incorporate
curriculum notes or review material will give the students
something new to look at, versus the same old chalk board.
Cut down on your planning, grading, and curriculum
development time by using word processor templates,
computerized schedules, and spreadsheets to crunch numbers
and organize information. As you become more familiar with
technology, you'll find more applications for it in and out
of the classroom.
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