Staying sharp with technology: 5 tips

Know you CAN learn it

The ability to learn quickly and efficiently when you need it is more important than any one tech skill. Even what tech skills we are currently equipped with are quickly out of date if we don't have the drive to keep learning. Extension is a learning organization. You are expected and encouraged to be continual learners!

There is always something new to learn with technology. There is no way to even begin to learn it all. So what are we to do to not fall behind, to not become stagnant in the technology of our field?
In this post, I will give some ideas for how you can stay sharp with technology. The key is that you don't have to learn everything, you just have to know that you CAN learn anything when you need it.

Always be in the state of becoming.
-Walt Disney

5 Tips for making Technology learning a priority

1. Be Confident. I do not ever want to hear anyone around here say, "I am not good at technology," or "I am a technophobe." It is never true! What you could say instead is, "I am not good at this yet, but I believe I could learn it with a little time!" 
2. Utilize Efficient Training. Spending a day in an in-person workshop to learn a new tech tool seems like ancient history now. Online, on-demand training is quicker and more efficient. Try Lynda.com and the G Suite Learning Center and edX. 
3. Keep Good Company. If you need to learn something new and want some accountability, find a buddy that you can learn with. This works great if it is a tool that you can experiment with together, like online meetings or audience response.
4. Try New Things. It's ok if they don't work out! The "trial and error" method of learning can be completely valid and time well spent. If you're doing this internally with your colleagues, then that's perfect. Even externally--you can be humble with your audiences that you are learning along with them. They will appreciate your effort!
5. Keep a Base Level Awareness. Having an awareness of basic technologies used by your colleagues is more helpful than you may think. If someone mentions that they are using something, ask them about it. You don't need to learn it right then. Subscribe to Quick Bytes, join T.E.C.C., be curious, ask questions. When an opportunity comes up to accomplish something better using technology, you will recognize it quickly.

A Basic Skills Checklist

If you aren't sure where to begin your technology learning, or feel like you're really behind on everything, I recommend our Extension technology skills checklist. It has many links to curated learning resources about basic technologies critical to being an Extension professional.

What tips or sites do you recommend for staying sharp with technology?