Tweet Response: Free Professional Development

Given the ever-changing face of technology, self-teaching is a major adaptive skill.  Fortunately, the interwebs themselves have made this possible to an extent that I feel like Monica Dawson from Heroes.

(Relevant reference starts at 1:03.  Blogger is thwarting my efforts.)

Adaptive muscle memory aside, this is my sequence for learning how to use new technology, how to repair drywall, caulk bathtubs, replace gear shifters on bicycles, and fix washing machines.

STEP 1: Did it come with instructions?  In the case of technology, things like user manuals can be quickly downloaded from the company website, eradicating the need to figure out where you conveniently stored them.  Finding and reading through the manual is always a good idea.

STEP 2: Play with it.  Technology these days is pretty user-friendly and will prompt you several times if you are about to destroy your file/program/computer/the world.  Trust these failsafes and yourself.  Chances are, you’re not going to break it – just don’t choose something like your taxes, baby pictures, or dissertation to use as a sandbox.

STEP 3: Does it have a help button?  The help button, FAQ section, and similar is like a searchable user manual for your product.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, many help menus these days will provide a link to a message board or tech contact.

STEP 4: Ask the internet.  With the zillions of people creating e-content, chances are good that A) someone else has had the exact same problem/question as you and B) someone else has already fixed/answered it.  Be very precise with your Google searches – copy and paste your error message or refer to your exact model number.  Use quotes to zero in on what you’re looking for.  Just don’t be suckered into paying for or downloading something you don’t need.

STEP 5: Ask YouTube.  This is where the muscle memory thing comes in to play.  Just as there are people continually checking the pulse of multiple tech-related message boards, there are a myriad of people with webcams and screen capture software anticipating your needs.  YouTube has saved me literally hundreds of dollars because I could watch someone do something and then copy their expertise.  It hasn’t failed me yet.

STEP 6: Ask a live person.  Whether this is a student or a neighbor, sometimes the complexity of a task requires hands-on help.  There is no shame in this and most people are very happy to lend their expertise.  Just make sure they teach you and don’t just do for you.  For some technology, a live person is standing by to speak with you over the phone, in online chat, or by email.  Again, make use of these poor souls making minimum wage.  They are generally a kind and patient lot.

STEP 7: Take a class.  Believe it or not, this does not always require money.  Public libraries are great at offering computer training at no cost.  Norman Public Library currently offers everything from Really Basic PC to Finding Your Civil War Ancestors.  See their calendar for more details.