Learning new technologies becomes increasingly more important as computers change and new software is released. Students and faculty are constantly introduced to new technologies and expected to become familiar with them quickly.
Below are the results of a poll from About.com.
Getting Started
If possible, try not to define your task as “learning the technology.” You will find it easier to identify a task or small series of tasks that you need to complete. By teaching yourself how to complete the task(s) you will grow accustomed to the interface and abilities of the technology.
“When you select a problem first, you have a reason to learn the technology, and whatever you learn, you can apply it immediately. In contrast, if you set out to learn the technology first, you won’t have any way to apply it immediately; it will seem abstract and complex, and you’ll forget it very quickly. Why? Because there’s no good measure of success for “learning a technology.” How will you know when you’ve succeeded? The real goal is not to learn a technology, it’s to learn how to apply a technology to solve problems.” A. Russell Jones, Executive Editor DevX.com
Help Files
There are many ways to learn new technology. Most technologies will come with help files and documentation. All Adobe, Microsoft, and Macromedia products include extensive built-in help files that can be searched. Help files are generally available under “Help” in the tool bar. Many also include links to tutorials or online resources.
Online Help
Another common way to find help and information is online. There are entire communities devoted to using and learning different software packages. Using your preferred search engine (google.com, answers.com, yahoo.com) search for the name of the technology you would like information on. You might find the following strings useful:
* “software/hardware name” help
* tutorials for “software/hardware name”
* how to do _________________ in “software name”
Books
Books are a useful resource for all individuals. Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and many local bookstores stock or can order books for you on specific hardwares or softwares.
Wiley publishes a series of “Bible” books that are extensive reference books for many of the most common office and multimedia softwares. Microsoft Office 2007 Bible at Amazon.com
The “… For Dummies” series is also a good series for beginners. These books provide step-by-step instructions and tutorials. Their language and format are geared more directly towards individuals who have never used the program before and need the initial training.
O’Reilly also publishes many reference books including a well-known series often referred to as the “Animal” books because each cover portrays a different animal. Focusing mainly on programming and programming languages, these books are concise references for users. The more advanced users, they also offer pocket-sized reference books. O’Reilly Main Page
There are of course many other books and series that you may find useful and most are available online or at your local bookstore.
The “Just Do It” Approach
Some people like to just sit down with a program for a couple of hours and try everything; look at every menu, open every toolbar. This works well for becoming familiar with the system but eventually, you will probably find yourself looking for additional help.