I love new technology...NOT!

I consider myself to be a quick learner, and usually I have no problems with technology. I vividly remember getting my first desktop computer in high school. I was still using a type writer and my parents decided to finally join the technological age! When I first set up the computer and got it running, I did not know where to begin. Through trial and error, I eventually knew my way around the computer. That is until my teachers assigned projects that mandated we use Microsoft Power Point, scanners, and picture editing software. Again, I didn't know where to begin! At first, my agitation level was quite high with Microsoft Power Point because I didn't quite know how to put one together. Teachers assumed all the students knew what they were doing, but little ole me was stuck staring at the screen. Swallowing my pride, I eventually asked the most technologically advanced student in my classroom to help. He was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his time to explain the ins and outs of the software. While I finally had a grip of the power point software, scanning things were a different story! The task itself was easy, but so time consuming! Again, my agitation got the best of me. With a few deep breaths, scanning became a love-hate relationship!

My most recent experience with Microsoft Excel is certainly not picture perfect. I have never used the software, so when the Technology Basics Class had me do an assignment using it, I cringed! I thought to myself "Where in the world am I going to use Microsoft Excel and most importantly, how am I going to use it?" When I first opened the software to a page with rows and columns, I had a blank stare on my face. To be honest, I was quite intimidated by it. On the contrary, the step by step instructions really helped me in conquering Excel. The recent assignment I completed in the class, Technology for Educators, truly helped by making me create a step by step process for tables and charts. While the instructions are intended for middle childhood students, they undoubtedly helped me review my skills in Microsoft Excel.

I have to admit that my frustration does get the best of me when it comes to new technology. Over the course of the past decade, I have learned to step away from the computer, take a few deep breaths, and come back when my mind is clear. Learning something new is never easy, so it's important to cautiously handle the situation. My experience with scanners clearly illustrate how I did NOT handle the situation correctly. In a sense I believe this mentality can be applied to the students in my classroom: when presenting new information, relax and work at a managable pace so that students do not risk getting agitated and being turned off the new material.