E1: Introduction to the Exercises

Let me explain how the exercises work and why we do them as we do.

The technology exercises are incredibly important; they are, in fact, the foundation of the technological adaptability portion of this course. The information I provide in this course will help you intellectually to understand how to approach new technology. However, as I said before, technological adaptability is a skill; the only way to develop it is to practice it. Working through the exercises helps you with that practice. You develop the skill of technological adaptability in struggling to learn, not in just taking actions.

I encourage you to do your absolute best to figure these processes out independently. If you cannot, then I have provided a series of hints. Though a challenge, building this skill is well worth it. You may feel like you cannot figure it out on your own. Give yourself some time and keep trying. I want to emphasize this: you develop technological adaptability skills in the struggle to learn it on your own. Completing the exercise is NOT your goal. Learning how to face a new technology is. Learning how to adapt to new technological experiences is. Your primary goal throughout the course is to strengthen that skill, not just to finish some exercise.

Each exercise will take you through a series of steps. These steps are designed to familiarize you with the program while challenging you to figure out the more complicated issues within the software. I offer hints but do not tell you how to make these moves. Instead, I let you figure it out on your own.

This way of learning has multiple benefits. First off, it increases the amount of time you will remember how to accomplish the task. If you are shown how to do something, you may remember for a very short time. In my experience teaching, if you figure it out on your own, you are more likely to retain that knowledge longer. Secondly, you will not have a teacher in the real world; no one will be there to tell you how to work with technology. By figuring it out on your own, you will develop skills for solving problems without help.

I have chosen drills that will not only challenge you to develop your adaptability skills but will also give you an idea of some of the features of the programs. For instance, the basic Word exercises were originally designed to provide students with ideas for document design; the exercises were created to help students see what graphic design abilities might be compatible with Word. When you finish the exercise, not only will you have developed some skills in learning technology, but you will know a bit more about how this program handles graphic elements like tables, pictures, and text boxes. The exercises are designed to provide knowledge of the program and expand your skills, not to test you.

The projects are also intended to showcase other technical communication skills, such as writing, design, and creativity. These are not the primary areas of concern for the projects. However, one goal is to create projects for a portfolio, and you want them to impress a future employer.

Software Access

You will need access to Microsoft Office and some Adobe programs or freeware to complete these exercises. The Office exercises were designed for Office 365 ProPlus on PC; however, you should be able to do many of the exercises on any version of Office produced past 2010. You might be able to make them work on another platform or an older version, but it will be tricky. If you want to access the Adobe programs, they can be downloaded free for seven days. If you go this route, download each program individually when you are ready to tackle that particular exercise. You may want to save a PDF of your project when done so you have a copy available to you. Additionally, your local library or school may make these programs available to you.