Beech Tree News Network

After getting a few messages that my computer software would not be supported after October 15, and finding that my laptop could not support the newer software, I bought a new laptop. I still like my old one, but of course, it was not made to work forever. Thinking about technology use, I believe that outside of technology developers, most people tend to implement or use new technology (1) quickly and eagerly, (2) after it’s proven successful, or (3) slowly and perhaps with some resistance.

Thinking along those lines, I asked family and friends: “Most of us have struggled with new technology at some point. How do you see yourself implementing or using new technology: (1) quickly and easily, (2) after it’s proven successful, or (3) slowly and perhaps with some resistance?” Their replies are listed below:

-#2 for me…I like to let other people work out the kinks, and then I’ll try it.

-#2. I’m “older” than my peers when it comes to new technology. But I also love the perks new mastery comes with – especially with schoolwork.

-I would say I am quick and easy to implement, but ONLY after it’s proven successful, so I’m a bit of both number one and number two. I will say, AI, as much as I love using it myself, scares me.

- I’m a 1.

-It depends on the risk involved with the failure of it. I won’t trust self-driving things. Also, is the

cost/time to complete a task worth it? A slight convenience isn’t always worth the investment. For

example, if the cost/time weren’t a factor, we might all have automatic washes in our garages instead of soap, mitt, and a bucket.

-I’m a 1.

-I’m a #3 person. I procrastinate about technology, but eventually give in and learn. I’m a tactical learner so I have to get by myself and really work my way through to understand. Teaching online at WKU has pushed me to learn and utilize technology I wouldn’t have dreamed of using five years ago.

-I just stepped into a new role as the assistant chief of anesthesia, and I’m having to learn several new

applications for managing workflow and creating schedules, including Microsoft Excel. It’s been a lot on top of my daily work tasks. My go-to has been YouTube videos for learning how to use them. There are thousands of videos on how to use these applications efficiently. I don’t want to learn how to use these new applications; however, I think that the implementation will be (1) quick and easy. I grew up in the time of rapidly expanding technology so I think I can adapt semi-easily.

-I have honestly tried to resist technology. I didn’t grow up with it and even though “forced” to use it in the work place (due to its prevalence) there were always peers to help. However, I find myself embracing technology now that it is here to stay and can make things easier if one takes the time to learn to use it.

So, I’m leaning toward “quickly and easily.” I use my iRobot daily, am very fond of ChatGPT for

landscaping, decorating ideas, and quick research. I find google docs still useful as a retiree, love my

Alexa…. I am not quick, and it’s not easy for me, BUT I will dive in to learn when/as needed!

-#2. I use AI when googling something. It finds the answer to my question for me without me having to click on several links and read them. Much faster and easier.

-#3. I hate technology because of having no training and having to learn on my own. I’ve learned

technology with great difficulty.

-I just simply learned it mostly by correcting my mistakes. I had the help of Jimmy Arnold and Barry

Carson when there was a computer problem. And they answered immediately. Most of the time now, I type the problem on the search line and get an answer.

-I would say that I am variable on adoption, based on what the technology is.-Probably quickly and easily until I cannot…. I will continue to add to my skills but I would say on a

scale from 1-10, I am comfortable with a 7. The train will leave without you if you do not hang on.

-A mix of 2 or 3, I think. I like technology most of the time but also get easily overwhelmed. It seems like the advancement of the applications rapidly exceeds anyone’s ability to keep everyone using technology educated. I would bet at least 99% of cell phone owners don’t know everything they can do with them.

User manuals for a new phone are nonexistent. One would probably take up a whole shelf in a library

with new ones and updates constantly being printed. The motivation to learn and keep up is whether it is necessary to be able to do what you want to do. For example, one thing that makes me proud to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is how our older ones work so hard to keep up with technology. We do lots of Bible study every week. Around 2013 the new jw app was released and everyone was strongly encouraged to start using it and all of the digital publications, including the Bible of course, at our meetings and progressively now more and more in our ministry. The older ones, and others, were slightly resistant, but obedient, and we were all so greatly blessed for our efforts. Using phones and tablets during our worship

meetings went from taboo to expected. Fast forward to the lockdowns of 2020. Most all of us already had years of practice using the online applications and digital Bibles and publications and had also increased our knowledge in general use of technology. So, when we were forced to stay home, we were ready! I don’t think we missed a single worship meeting. We all just jumped right on zoom and kept trucking.

There were some hiccups along the way, and I’m sure the brothers in charge of all the coordination efforts would look back and recall it being something that required a great deal of hard work to implement, but if we hadn’t started making the transition when we did, I’m certain it would have been much more difficult.

-3. I learn by doing, so I’m slow on using new technology, and I’m not good with change because I am comfortable with the way things are after I have learned them.

-3! Slow and with assistance! I don’t even own a computer, so I’m limited in what I can use. I think in some ways things are getting too technical.

-I usually do pretty well with new technology as long as I’m learning by using it. Most recently, I’ve been learning to use my ChatGPT app, and it has been a huge help in planning our fall break trip and even lesson plans for work. I’m sure I’m only using 2% of its capability, but it’s a start!

-I think I will be fine with it. I’m already using AI in some photos to remove unwanted things. It works great, too! You know China already has it mandatory in the classrooms at all levels. People our age will never see the full power of what AI can do. I’ve got to admit I’m a little scared of it as well. I mean who doesn’t think of terminator when you see what it can do…. There ought to be strict guidelines on it.

-Quickly and easily. I believe this is because my generation has grown up with changing technology so we have learned to adapt fast.

-I tend to get excited about new technology. Growing up as a 70s and 80s child, it was always amazing to me the new inventions, such as boom boxes, walk-mans, personal computers, etc. – not to mention cellular phones. I am a little concerned, however, about AI (artificial intelligence) as it – if used improperly – can cause a dangerous situation. People’s faces and voices can be falsely created, and if used in a malicious manner, this can result in possible legal issues. Technology is wonderful, but sometimes can go too far.

Like many of you, I like to pause before embracing new technology, hoping problems are resolved before I use the technology. Gina McCarthy said, “…No individual, entity or agency, no matter how smart, how old, or how experienced, can afford to stop learning.” Of course, we must continue to learn. I just want my technological learning to be as easy as possibl