I am technically challenged. I am a visual learner. I get frustrated while trying to make the computer work the way I need it to. I get distracted trying to operate the computer and lose focus on my assignments. I get more frustrated and want to quit. I have to work at this a few times a week. I can't do it all in one sitting. It is too much for me. I think if I had an instructor to walk me through the computer keyboard, Internet, and other programs that we are using I may not be as frustrated; but when my wife, peer teachers or classroom peers try to instruct me I am already frustrated and cannot grasp what they are trying to show me because I am ready to throw the thing. I am going to try, when school is not in session, to find some time, to explore the computer and become more competent. The county I work in is requiring a computer competency class before the end of this year. I am sure I will benefit from that instruction.
I do like the idea of on-line learning. It has saved me time and money. It has forced me to learn more about computers, even though I didn't like it initially. I am able to be more vocal on-line than I would be in a classroom setting. I would like more PowerPoint type and video on-line instruction because that is more along my learning style. I would like less reading assignments because I have a hard time focusing and learning from reading.
I can use several editing softwares on the computer, which is supposed to be one of the most challenging feats on a computer. However, I agree with you, that I have been somewhat technically challenged. Before NTI, I had never performed online classwork or written on a blog. I have had some frustrations... mainly with keeping all of my log-in and passwords straight ! I have appreciated the online work because it has been economical and flexible. Yet, my fear has often been...have I completed all the parts of this assignment ? Did I "post" properly ? I am glad to be learning to be tech efficient because I want to continue my education. This will probably be done via an online course. I appreciate the gentle push from NTI by encouraging me to become a progressive teacher.
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