"Take Me to Your Technology Leader" Adult Learners and Tips for Accepting Teaching Technologies
Technology is an integrated part of our daily lives- love it or hate it. 31% of U.S. adults now report that they go online “almost constantly,” up from 21% in 2015 (Perrin and Atske, 2021). Neilson Media (2018) reports that the average adult use of technology per day (including screen time, apps, or other interactive technologies) is exceeding 11 hours! My blog and other technology related activities are now exceeding the amount of sleep I get. Technology impact and our interaction with it is growing each year. Technology influenced learning is equally growing within education. So how can adult learners make the most of the educational technology takeover (Beringer, 2015)? Let's consider a couple of ways.
Let's start with our attitude toward learning technologies. Our attitude certainly shapes our willingness to let new technologies creep or "bull rush" into our learning opportunities. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1985) theorized that for adults to consider using a technology, they must both find the technology "somewhat easy to use" and to bring a perceived usefulness to them. Self-directed learners (SDL) who start with positive attitudes towards the learning technology's purpose while openly exploring ways to more easily apply the technology report greater acceptance of the technology (Broady, Chan and Caputi, 2010). Think of why and how we are using this to help us learn.
Next let's consider our confidence. Who wants to do something when they feel inept in performing the task. My dad would still be walking past a blinking VCR time stuck at 12:00 p.m. had it not been for me. He just didn't want to look dumb trying to fix the time so it was easier for me to do it in his eyes. Confidence matters in learning. Self-efficacious directed behavior for a learner to use the technology safely, without judgement or embarrassment impacts a willingness to accept the purpose for the technology (Kinzie, Delcourt & Powers, 2005). Consider that you can use the technology... and... you likely can.
Lastly, let's consider the outcomes. According to additional research related to the TAM model, using a technology that improves one's ability to learn, improves desired outcomes or enhances relevance to one's life or job increases the willingness for them to accept the technology presented (Venkatesh & Davis, 2000; Venkatesh & Bala, 2008). Consider the value of the technology to assist in your willingness to give it a try.
Technology and the adult learner can have a symbiotic relationship with some positivity, confidence and appreciation. If we give it a chance, even robots can help us smile, puff up our chest a little and help us find value in what we learn.
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I kept thinking about that phrase "all i ever needed to know i learned in kindergarten" when I read your post and how it applied to adults and their technology usage issues. Things like: thinking positively that you can do something, trying something new even though we aren't totally sure about it, being willing to ask for help when we don't understand, it's ok to cry and get frustrated but then you have to wipe away the tears and try to get across the monkey bars again, waiting your turn to ask the teacher for assistance...I could keep going, but I hope you get the point.
ReplyDeleteTaking a chance with technology means just that - taking a chance. But if we can see the value in it (obviously dad didn't see the purpose in setting the clock on the VCR) and how it can make our lives better, we tend to be more motivated to want to have a successful experience with it. Even if that experience means we don't get it right the first time and have to try again.
I saw a quote this week that said "failure doesn't meant 'game over'....it means try again with experience". That was pretty powerful to me.
I never really considered the "Everything I needed to know, I learned in Kindergarten" concept... but so true! Maybe we complicate things beyond what we should? Maybe sometimes just considering the value and being open to try new tech.is more powerful than the analytics, time management studies and cost-benefits. To me, it seems pretty tied to the whole concept of change management. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
DeleteAs I was reading your post I was thinking about the Change model where the cost of change has to be equal to or greater than the sum of dissatisfaction with current reality, a vision for the future, and the tools to be successful (Costa and Garmston, 2016). As I was thinking about attitude I was thinking that it shows up in both dissatisfaction with current reality and a vision for the future. Sometimes I like to just learn what technologies are out there and use that to shape a vision for the future. Sometimes I have a dissatisfaction that I am trying to change. For example, I am finding myself busier than ever before – doing things I enjoy. So I need to be more efficient so I can do it most. (Nobody can do it all – I settle for “most”.) So I have been researching productivity and efficiency tools to improve.
ReplyDeleteIs there a time that you had to embrace a new technology that you were not excited about? How did you harness your attitude to be successful?
Thank you for your comments and questions. You bet! I think we all have experienced technology implementation that came with low excitement/engagement levels. One current example is more software-based, but "technology" applicable.
DeleteIT is doing a large project for us and they use Monday (project management software) to organize backlogs, sprints etc. Several other areas within our work group (here is the keeping up with the Joneses idea) have now said they also want to use Monday. We have bought a 60+ licenses.
I am really hesitant in using the software as we have Project Manager, we have the same functions in Team... we already have this function in so many platforms. Why do we need this? To me, the social impact of the technology (fitting in with what other's are doing) is impacting this decision. I think it could be a waste.
Our team thinks it will be helpful in organizing trainings, conferences, deliverables and other needs. They think it will make their job better and easier. That is my motivation to try beyond my feelings. Leadership requires we evolve to best serve the folks with whom we work. My attitude has been influenced by their needs more than mine. While not thrilled about using it, I literally am willing to take one for the team.
The statistics you posted grab my attention. I don't know that I find them necessarily surprising, but we have to take note of how technology is consuming every aspect of our lives. There is good and bad in that. I had to laugh at your comment about technology bull-rushing into our learning opportunities....covid has certainly created many examples of that. Our dental hygiene department was forced to move everything online virtually overnight. I think it was hard on everyone, but those that chose to embrace it, take it head on and learn as quickly as possible managed the situation better. Attitude makes a huge difference. I enjoyed the story about your dad. I can empathize...I have often needed my daughters' assistance with technology, and they love to tease while they give it. I will take any opportunity to experiment or figure it out away from watchful eyes.
ReplyDeleteLike the story with your daughters, my son's love watching Tik Tok. I found myself this week saying to them.... "As long as I live, I will never be on Tik Tok." Great example of the TAM model :) Ironically, one of the students in this program had a post with a Tik Tok link I reviewed this week as part of this assignment. So much for that statement. My attitude to refuse to try may be keeping me from some useful information... maybe not but it starts with attitude. Thanks for sharing your comments!
DeleteAaron, your example about your dad not wanting to look dumb resonates with me. My boyfriend has a really hard time with some technology and is often embarrassed to ask or admit he is confused. However, once he found out I teach community technology literacy courses, he has taken advantage of that. The article I linked below from Forbes has one paragraph in particular that interested me. The one talking about low and no code software seems to really speak to the fact that a number of the population may not want to try a new technology because they don't want to struggle or look stupid. I think that this is incredibly important as we move forward and make technology accessible in price point and complexity for all.
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Forbes (2021, October 21). 13 tech trends that will soon impact business and consumer marketplaces. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/10/27/13-tech-trends-that-will-soon-impact-consumer-and-business-marketplaces/?sh=1c94fb0814cd