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Internet, smartphones, computers, and all other types of technology – are the things that an average modern student has grown up with. Many young people who attend college today had all these things in their households and actively used them in school and everyday life. We believe that by the time they enroll in college, they know perfectly how to use all this technology. But is it really so?
These days, when people hear about “technology anxiety among students,” they get rather confused. Indeed, we are used to thinking that young people are digital natives. Still, there are plenty of things that they are not familiar with, including such “business-like” tasks as creating an Excel spreadsheet or attaching a file to an email.
At the same time, there are also nontraditional college students. These can include adults returning to complete their degrees, professionals making a career shift, and students from rural areas. All of them may also not know the basics of using technology in a classroom.
So, the problem of technology anxiety in colleges is real. But what exactly does it mean, and how can we overcome it? In this article, an expert academic writer from the EssayService writing service for students will give us the answers. Let’s dive in!
What Is Technology Anxiety?
The term “technology anxiety” describes a strong emotional response that arises from the use of technology or even the thought of using it. Simply put, it is a feeling of discomfort about using various technology tools. When we speak about this phenomenon among students, we mean that they experience anxiety related to using technology in the classroom.
How common is this phenomenon? Today, most students feel very comfortable using technology. They can easily surf the web, find a professional essay writing service to write my essay or deal with other kinds of assignments or perform any other task using technology. But not all students are like that.
At least 25% of all college-level students experience some form of technology anxiety. Thus, by not addressing this issue accordingly, we can do lots of harm to their academic experiences.
Common Technologies That May Bring Anxiety
1. Excel Spreadsheets
Be it Microsoft excel or Google sheets to produce spreadsheets, a student must have this precious skill. Spreadsheets contain tremendous amount of information that is used in almost every field. For accounting, scientific inferences, business analytics, trading records etcetera, such spreadsheets are a must. Use of formulae, combination of various tools help in producing something meaningful. Even for basic day to day records of an individual excel is a great software. Therefore, its importance in people’s lives surely bring anxiety.
2. Access Database
Access is another software which is lesser known to common people but it is used to store huge databases. Every information that a corporation or an institution has, can be maintained easily. A profound knowledge in this field is quite beneficial. This sort of unofficial manadation by employers makes it nerve wrecking for some students.
3. PowerPoint Presentation
Irrespective of the level at which an individual is, understanding and creating lucrative presentations is essential for success. Pitching an idea depends largely upon the individuals capability but the presentation to be displayed itself should be brief yet informative. PowerPoint Presentations are required from students ever since the age of 10-11. The quality of the slides must improve with age and experience. Such dire need for improvements might induce anxiety in some students.
Addressing Technology Anxiety in the Classroom
Now that you know that the issue is real, you are probably wondering if there are any ways to deal with it. The good news is that it’s possible and even quite simple. Here are four simple tips that will let students overcome technology anxiety with ease.
1. Understand That Not Knowing Something Is Okay
When integrating specific technology tools in the classroom, many teachers assume that all their students know how to use them, which might be true sometimes. But if there are some people in the class who are actually not familiar with certain tools, such an approach can cause stress and anxiety for them.
If you feel this way, the first thing you need to understand is that it’s okay. Trust us. Many students are just like you. So, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
2. Ask Many Questions
Students who experience technology anxiety are often too scared or ashamed to ask questions. They feel like they fall behind their peers if they don’t know how to use specific tools. But as you now know, it is totally fine.
So, our next tip is not to be afraid and ask questions when something is unclear. This tip alone can help you significantly reduce technology anxiety. And even if you don’t have the courage to ask a question in front of the entire class, don’t hesitate to talk to your teacher one-on-one and ask for clarifications.
3. Look for Tutorials
If you are required to use some unknown tools in the classroom or at home, it sure can feel confusing and challenging. But the good news is that there are plenty of tutorials and how-tos for pretty much anything.
So, if you don’t feel comfortable asking questions in the class or if there is no such possibility, look for tutorials or guidelines. Look up on Google how to use a particular tool, and you will get it!
4. Be Patient
Finally, one more tip for students suffering from technology anxiety is to stay patient. It can take some time to figure out how to use various technologies correctly. And it is okay.
Study the available tutorials and guidelines, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Let yourself take some time to master the required tools. And once you do this, you will feel much more comfortable and confident about using technology in the classroom.
The Bottom Line
Although many don’t see it, technology anxiety is a big and real problem. After reading this article, you know that many students don’t feel comfortable using different kinds of technology in the classroom. So, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Figuring out how to use different tools takes some time. But hopefully, this article and the tips we shared will help all students who suffer from technology anxiety to get on the right track and overcome it!
