In the words of Alvin Toffler, American writer, futurist and businessman: “The great growling engine of change … technology.” Regardless of how you view the role and impact of technology, it would be difficult to imagine driving progress without it.
While some people are naturally wired to learn and adapt to new technology easily and quickly, others are not as fortunate. The good news is that there are some proven tips and tricks to help those not as fortunate in the tech game to ramp up their skills.
The Growing Applicability and Universality of Technology
It’s safe to say that most corporate jobs, at least in the developed world, require the use of technology. In fact, some fields such as Marketing have gone digital (for the most part), which has required many of us who had already begun the journey (including yours truly) to ramp up on our digital know-how and get on board the technology train.
As far as learning new technology for work is concerned, while some are fortunate to be able to attend courses outside of the workplace, others have had to learn on the job. Regardless of the situation, there are tips that everyone can use to their advantage.
Top Five Methods to Help Adopt New Technology Easily
According to best-selling author Terry Brock, there are five things you can do to adapt to new technology or tools:
- Explore Available Training Options and Resources:
- As many organizations have corporate trainers, online courses and other resources, you can explore and take advantage of all the resources you have at your disposal.
- Reach out to colleagues who know how to use the new tools and will be able to teach or help you.
- Explore how-to videos online.
- Explore microlearning techniques:
- This method of “learning in small steps” can help you process things quickly and may incorporate an interactive method of teaching.
- This method of “learning in small steps” can help you process things quickly and may incorporate an interactive method of teaching.
- Apply the learning style that works best for you:
- Whether you need to study in isolation or prefer doing it to break up your day, find a rhythm or approach that works best with your learning style.
- Whether you need to study in isolation or prefer doing it to break up your day, find a rhythm or approach that works best with your learning style.
- Practice and then practice some more:
- “Practice makes perfect” so it’s encouraged that you do things many times before it becomes second nature.
- “Practice makes perfect” so it’s encouraged that you do things many times before it becomes second nature.
- Use mind mapping exercises:
- For those who are visual learners, one option is to use a mind map, which is essentially “a diagram for representing tasks, words, concepts, or items linked to and arranged around a central concept or subject using a non-linear graphical layout – this allows the user to build an intuitive framework around a central concept.”
In terms of attitude, well, a good a one will go a long way! Experts recommend being persistent, trying to learn in a fun manner (when and where possible) and to give things the time and focus that are required – even if it means making small, temporary sacrifices.
Challenge Accepted?
Any fear or anxiety caused by learning new technology can be faced and tackled head on. Like most things, it just requires a positive attitude and a little bit of work.
At the end of the day, learning new technology will benefit you – both in the short- and long-haul.
