T1: Intro to the Instructor’s Guide

Welcome, instructors, to teaching technological adaptability. This material is simple to teach, yet this class is the most challenging I have ever taught. It is simple but not easy. Why do I teach it then? Because it is one of the most important courses my students will ever take; it is one of the most significant skills they will ever learn. Being technologically adaptable is a prized skill in my field, one which is often required for a student to land a good job. Even though this course is difficult to teach, it is well worth it when I see students thriving in their careers.

Why is the course so hard to teach? When I teach technological adaptability, I am not the expert in the front of the room. Instead, I am a coach, a trainer—I can give them ideas and exercises, but they must do the work in the end. I can encourage them and inspire them, but only they have the agency to do it. I cannot give them the answers; I must allow them to sweat and strain to find the answers on their own. Imparting knowledge that they must then reflect to me is easy compared to teaching someone how to teach themselves.

Though difficult to teach, this course is also the most rewarding. Every challenging moment becomes worth it when I see students who were terrified of technology at the beginning of the semester develop confidence when facing new technological situations. I still hear from former students who say they appreciate this course years later.

In this guide, I will offer information, tips, and tricks to help you teach this course.