Tech Ed: there is no < /learning >

In a world of constantly changing technology and societies, we cannot allow our educations be hindered by a technology phobia. Agility and adaptation are important. Although our government and general educational system may be archaic in nature, we cannot allow ourselves to be. There are too many opportunities that are opened up with technology to ignore it.

Especially in under developed areas where there isn't access to higher education, having access to technology can really open doors.

I still remember archaic middle school classes about using word, excel, and powerpoint. I remember feeling proficient because I could type 40 WPM and make a couple of spreadsheets. As time continued, I learned more programs, introduced to Adobe and the wonders of embedded videos, blogging, and social media.

Then it just kind of stopped. I had learned enough. I knew that there were new technologies, friends with iPhones and iPads and iDon't even know what they will think of next. I knew how to check my email, I could connect with old High School friends, and I knew how to create a document to complete my assignments. Why would I ever worry about "keeping up with the cutting edge". Besides, I didn't need them, technology created addictions and caused lost productivity from hours on Facebook.

And one day I realized that I had developed a technological phobia. Not that I couldn't use the technology that, but there seemed to be this barrier to new learning. C++, Java, these were swear words that I avoided.  I stepped back and realized that I had become one of the senior citizens who I always feared becoming who is afraid of computers and avoids it even if it could open up a new connection between them and their grandchildren. And I was only 23!

In an attempt to over come this phobia, I enrolled in a free 12 hour training to learn the basics of Dreamweaver. I was again immersed in learning and as I learned how to work with this program, my creative juices again began flowing as I began thinking of new designs and website outlines. As an added benefit, I suddenly had conversation topics for my soon-to-be sister-in-law.