Overcoming Technology Roadblocks in the Workplace

2008-10-07T19:54:00.001-07:00

Session Title: Overcoming Technology Roadblocks in the Workplace

2008-10-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here's the scenario: You've just learned there are zero funds left this year for professional development and no one in your department wants to train you on that new piece of software. Your supervisor knows less than you do about technologies. In fact, it's taken over a year to convince your supervisor to purchase that software. Where does that leave you? This brief session introduces you to some resources, strategies and techniques to address the common challenges that professionals face when asked to use new(er) technologies in the workplace. Participants will learn the who, what, when, where and how of achieving technological literacy, including garnering support for professional development.

Step 1: Identify WHAT you do

2008-10-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

What does your job entail? Are you primarily a data gatherer? data manager? Are you asked to do presentations? What about communicating information to large groups of people? Does your job description mention collaboration? How about all of the above? This is a good opportunity to mine your job description or your latest performance review to locate (and name) the various functions of your job.

Step 2: Identify potential tools

2008-10-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

There are currently a variety of mechanisms that will support what it is that you do. It's simply a matter of knowing the categories and types of technologies that lend themselves to the specific function. For gathering data, you might consider survey tools and even instructional videos for your professional development.

Step 3: Identify the resources for the tools

2008-10-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Once you identify the type of tool that will support your task, then you proceed with accessing it. As we know, it's not always that simple when budgets are tight. While some tools are standard within higher education (i.e., listserves, surveys, Microsoft Office) there are many that are not standard and require additional time, money and effort to implement. The playing field is more level, however, with web-based applications that only require a computer terminal and internet access. For example, if your supervisor does not maintain an online calendar, you can create one yourself using localendar or even Google.

Does it add up?

2008-10-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Technology Tutorials

2008-10-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

You can find some helpful tutorials on YouTube (of all places):