Technology Resource Guide for Adult Learners
Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free courses on basic computer skills and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace). Check for the kind of credentials you'd receive before paying for courses.
School or Local Libraries: Many libraries provide free workshops on technology basics and have resources available for practice.
Smartphones/Tablets: Explore tutorials on how to use your specific device. YouTube is a great resource for video guides.
Laptops/Desktops: Familiarize yourself with the operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Websites like GCFGlobal offer free tutorials.
Learning Management Systems: Understand platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle. Most schools offer tutorials for students that you can usually find within the platform.
Video Conferencing: Familiarize yourself with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet through practice sessions or guides. You don't want to be figuring out how to use it while trying to pay attention during an online class. Get familiar enough that they don't feel like a mental lift to use.
Tech Support at School: Reach out to your institution’s IT department for assistance with school-related tech issues.
Peer Support Groups: Join or form study groups with fellow students who are returning to finish their education. You may share similar experiences and could find ongoing support.
Online Resources: Websites like DigitalLearn.org provide modules to enhance your digital skills at your own pace.
Practice: Regularly use the tools you’ll encounter in your courses (e.g., email, online forums, document sharing).
Apps: Explore tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Todoist to organize your schedule and tasks. Many of these tools provide the same services, the trick is figuring out which you can make a habit of using.
Pomodoro Technique: Consider using timers to break study sessions into 25-minute manageable intervals with 5-minute breaks in between. This will help manage your focus and time.
Cybersecurity Basics: Learn about strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and keeping your information secure. Resources are available through sites like StaySafeOnline.org.
Privacy Settings: Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings on the platforms you’ll be using.
Mindfulness Apps: Apps like Headspace or Calm can help manage stress, which is crucial when adapting to new technology.
Counseling Services: Many schools offer counseling services, including support for technology-related anxiety.
Your Support System: Check-in with your support system. Ask friends and family what methods they use to manage their well-being.
Tech News: Follow blogs or podcasts that focus on technology trends in education, such as EdSurge or The EdSurge Podcast.
Practice and Patience
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to explore and make mistakes. Most tech tools have built-in help features.
Set Goals: Create small, achievable technology-related goals (e.g., sending an email, joining a discussion board). Connect with your success coach for support in achieving these goals!
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from instructors, peers, or tech support.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your successes, no matter how small, to build confidence. Understanding how to best use the technology you have available is a continuous process. Make sure you are celebrating the steps you take along the way.
As always, reach out to your coach for more support.
They can help connect you to the right resources to get your tech set up correctly.