By Kathleen Iverson
In the past, technology was for e learning designers and not part of the required skill repertoire for trainers, OD practitioners, HPI professionals, and the rest of us. But today and in the foreseeable future, skill in technology usage will be not only a “nice to know” but an essential component of workplace learning professionals’ and educators’ basic skill set. In order to continue to do our jobs well, we need to make sure that we are “techno-literate” and have mastered a variety of software and applications that make us an essential part of the workforce of tomorrow. Here is a list of competencies and essential tech tools that are needed not only by those working in e learning or instructional technology, but by everyone in our field.
- Communicate virtually in writing. Organize and manage e-mail, prioritize response time, communicate clearly and concisely in writing with minimal grammatical error, and choose the appropriate words and tone.
- Work collaboratively: Ability to work with others virtually using simple document sharing applications like Google Docs or file sharing applications like iCloud or Live Mesh.
- Use basic software packages. Utilize Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or similar) to create documents that are visually, grammatically, and numerically clear, visually appealing, and correctly formatted.
- Use images to communicate visually. Use image management and editing and capture software to enhance comprehension and clarity. This might be the free Snipping Tool that comes with Windows or a commercial package such as SnagIt from TechSmith.
- Have a social networking strategy. Create a cohesive and professional virtual profile using appropriate social network tools including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other appropriate tools. Remember to keep your personal life separate from your professional life. Many people use LinkedIn for professional networking and Facebook for personal networking. If you choose to use Facebook in your professional life, keep a separate Facebook account for your personal life.
- Synchronous Virtual communication. Select and utilize appropriate virtual communication tools such as Adobe Connect, WebEx, Go To Meeting, Skype, Face Time, and various conference calling packages. Some free tools, such as Google Talk/Chat and Yahoo Messenger provide a spectrum of options, from instant messaging to audio chat to video chat.
- Develop electronic information: Using basic tools like Screenr, Jing (from TechSmith), iMovie, Sound Cloud, and advanced tools such as Adobe Captivate.
What are your thoughts about techno-literacy? Could you add to, change, or edit this list to improve it?
This sheds so much light on some of the generational challenges we have in our workforce. These technological advances and being very proficient in them, is so vital for maintaining your employment secure. Using excel and and access and many other “prettier” ways to present your documents and reports are now the norm and anything less may deem you as an incompetent employee. These tools need to stay and its okay to admit that there is a learning curve. Asking for assistance for those who are savvy, will only allow you to absorb more and struggle less.
Great article! You effectively illustrate clear, concise language and proper use of tone. Many years ago when I was a corporate trainer my company introduced email to the employees. As a trainer I spent many hours demonstrating and explaining why proper “tone” was so important in communication. These employees had been accustomed to spending hours crafting memos, but because of the speed of email, they were responding without fully “thinking”. That was a re-education for those employees. Now those same employees are being re-educated about the multitudes of technology they now have to choose from.
As an intructional designer/trainer I believe it’s our job to utilize all these forms of communication to help the adult learn in the best and most efficient way possible. Just as a classroom trainer shouldn’t rely exclusively on lecture, a e-instructor should utilize different types of technology to keep her learners engaged.
Very interesting article and I believe that mastering these techno skills in Training and Development is essential. However, I do not see a lot of opportunity to learn these skills in a concise format at the university level. In the future I can see it as a required course offering.
This is an interesting article and thankfully, I’m proficient in most of the mediums mentioned. Yet, I still believe it is overwhelming that learning professionals are required to know or use most of them. Admittedly, I have found the use of them helpful and effective. However, having to get up to speed with “someone else’s favorite” can take a great deal of time and leave the learning professional feeling resentful. Oh well, I subscribe to the approach change or get left behind. Therefore, I’m here to become as technically literate as possible!
Good read! At some point, every industry has had to jump on the train and adapt to technology. Over the past few years, the train seems to be moving faster and faster and you have to keep up!
As the article points out, building technology competencies are crucial to impact learners effectively in today’s technological and global environment. I am thrilled when I have the opportunity to learn new tech-tools, applications and software that have revolutionized training and the way people learn. Many technologies are easy to use as well and, if they aren’t, you can usually find tutorials or information on the web to help you learn which is fantastic!
As far as adding to Kathy’s list, I think systems to manage learning could be added. Using technology to create, present and deliver content is imperative but it’s also important to manage the learning function and store training information and outcomes. Therefore, learning management systems could be included as important competency. Does anyone agree?
I think everyone in the Training/Learning world would agree that we must incorporate the technology into training. I always felt overwhelmed by a quick progress in this field and the multitude of tools which are available. The blog entry is interesting because it presents the problem from a different perspective – the competencies the educator/training professional must develop in order to be successful in this world. Personally, I breathed the sight of relief. Yes, there are many tools and the new ones are being created every day, but with this list of core competencies it is easier to start. For example, I realized that I am already using a lot of technology in my training. What I found I did not know about was the Jing, Screenr, and ICloud. They seem so easy to use! I want to use at least one of them in the very next session I will be developing!
I think that the key is not only to develop a basic skill set for technology, but to keep up with all of the changes to the technology. For example, just when I thought I had Microsoft Office 2003 mastered, Office 2007 was released. Then when I thought that was mastered, out came Microsoft 2010. And that’s just one piece of technology. Not only does software change almost overnight, but the social networking sites are continuously updating and upgrading. As trainers and educators, we need to make sure we keep up with the ever-changing world of technology.
This article is great and aptly details all the foundational knowledge that we need to have IN ADDITION to our knowledge on how to design training programs. I think another key point is that we can’t ever become comfortable. We need to know the direction that technology is headed so that we can help our companies with change. As we know, change is a long process in some organizations. I am thinking of mobile learning with apps and how we desperately want to take learning to mobile devices, but our security policies are severely impeding our ability to move into that area. I learned about a couple of new things that I can learn, also… which is much appreciated! -Shelly
Shelly you are correct about geting too comfortable. That is a wonderful way to put this technology concept. Especially for a Nay Sayer like me.
I really enjoyed this article. The information is extremely valuable to remain relevant and marketable in many fields. I am going to share this link with my students as a resource for new or underutilized technology examples. In higher education, we have a responsibility to our students to be informed about new technologies.
And I agree with several others who posted here: do some research and ask if you have not tried new applications. For example, if you use alot of Power Point presentations, check out Prezi. It can give your presentation a more dynamic and polished feel.
This was a really interesting article to read! I found myself learning about tech tools that I already use such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Facebook, and also learned of tools that I have never used such as WebEx, Screenr, and iCloud. I find myself familiar with software such as SnagIt, Skype and Google Docs because I use them on the job. In this day and age, I think it is very important to be techno-literate and do believe that I am. Though I don’t think a site such as Facebook should be used for professional networking, I would be open to using LinkedIn to do so. The older generation may find it difficult to understand how to use the most current software, however I think its important to learn because of the ease it provides in getting things done and to remain competitive in the job market.
This was a really interesting article to read! I found myself learning about tech tools that I already use such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Facebook, and also learned of tools that I have never used such as WebEx, Screenr, and iCloud. I find myself familiar with software such as SnagIt, Skype and Google Docs because I use them on the job. In this day and age, I think it is very important to be techno-literate and do believe that I am. Though I don’t think a site such as Facebook should be used for professional networking, I would be open to using LinkedIn to do so. The older generation may find it difficult to understand how to use the most current software, however I think its important to learn because of the ease it provides in getting things done and to remain competitive in the job market.
I enjoyed your blog entry. Your list provided the basic and essential technology skills we need to know.
One thing I would add is use of search engine (google, yahoo, etc.). When use properly, you will be able solve some of your computer and technology problems quickly. In addition, internet search is another important “computer skill” we should know. However, since quite a lot of information on the internet are not reviewed, we will need to take them with a grain of salt.
I think this article is right on! These tools and skills are extremely necessary in Corporate America. If people do not know about them or learn how to use them they will be left behind. Smart phones also provide new capabilities that are used in the business world. The only downfall I see with all of this technology is that it is 24/7 and way too many ways to get and give information – it does not allow for any downtime in life.
The Article was an interesting read. I think it is important that you understand the basics for example Word, Powerpoint, how to construct an email. I also know is important to know how to colloborate in the virtual world. I think it has to do with my generation. I hear younger people much eager to embrace social networking and trying new software. I am a bit apprehensive when it comes to the new technology. I am coming around it is just taking me some time to jump on the band wagon.
I agree about asking! We’re also going to work on addressing these areas in our curriculum. I think we hit many of them in our classes, but I think if we can all agree on what tech literacy is first, it will be easier to address the competencies. Thanks for your comments.
This article was very helpful and I truly enjoyed the read! It so funny, I just read an article this morning, and it stated how people in the professional world need to be more connected. Social networking strategy is such a key aspect in this new generation, so many people get new, better opportunities from just connecting and networking with people. And I have to agree with Shahid, we are living in a tech savvy time. If you are not up on the lastest technology, you will fall behind. Employers are looking for indiviuals who are up to date on the lastest trends and tech skills, which will keep you marketable.
Thank for sharing with us.
You are right Krystal about being left behind. I got to really get on board. I am up for new technology I’m just not with social networking
I understand Linda. There are many applications that do not require social networking so if you focus first on those, you will be well on your way.
I agree this is important. I continue to find things that I don’t know online, but I always find if you just ask people who are using it, you can learn quickly. It’s often something you just need to dive into (to learn), and then once you’ve learned, imagine how you might use it to train. I used Google docs for the first time a few weeks ago. It was a shared Excel sheet, and I didn’t know how to access it or create a shared document. SO, I just asked. I think your post hits the mark, but I think it is also nice to give people the next step (especially those who feel they are too far behind to catch up). Dive in! Ask!
Very well agreed! It does not hurt to ask people.I always tell my staff and others, “Closed mouths do not get feed” which basically mean if you are unsure, open your mouth, speak up, which will help you get head and learn new things
Congrats on trying a new technology! One area I plan to follow up on this fall is a knowledge base that will help everyone develop this literacy. Stay tuned!
I thoroughly enjoyed this article. It is very pertinent, timely and crucial to heed the call of what you expressed in this article. At one time reading was a fundamental skill to functioning properly in society. Now today, being tech savy and technically literate is not only vital to functioning in this advanced world, but it is mandatory for those of us desiring to be marketable in our career and professional pursuits.
Thanks Shahid! I agree, the world is changing and we must keep moving forward with regard to tech skills or we will be left behind.