Articles

Tilling the Fields of Technology

Jana M. Kemp

The Treasure Valley is one of the richest areas of soil for growing seed and food crops. Over the last month I’ve been thinking about agriculture and the similar richness we have with technology companies – albeit not as many as we’ve had in the past.

Here’s what I see, a need to till the fields of technology in our own businesses, in our schools and in our personal lives. Business, the economy and even social interactions are technology dependent these days. So, learning about technology is important for every age, interest group, and job.

Consider these ways to explore and improve your use of technology.

1. Understand and apply the software packages in use at your business. Get training, work the tutorial lessons, or ask for help. Consider yourself as a language learner – you are learning the language of a software package so you can be more productive and efficient.

2. Explore the variety of technology driven jobs. From auto-mechanical repairs which rely on computer diagnostics, to call center help-desks, to grocery store check-outs and executive jobs, technology is a part of each day’s work and activity. Job-shadow, take a course or conduct an informational interview as a part of your exploration.

3. Discover whether being in a technology field is your passion. Manufacturing wafers, working with cable or cell phones, trades work, and dozens of other technology careers are available right here in the Treasure Valley. Again, job-shadowing for a day may help you decide whether you are ready to move from the field you currently work to a technology field.

4. Recognize that students use computers to study, take tests and to solve problems. Learn what your child is doing during each class day so that you know whether technology is aiding the learning process. Support youth as they learn to use technology. Also encourage imaginative play and problem solving skills so that technology-dependence doesn’t stifle growth and interaction skills.

If we view technology as a field to be tilled, then we’ll cultivate our skills, build our available hardware and software tools, and fertilize our productivity by continually upgrading our skills and tools. Consider how well you and your organization are tilling the fields of technology. Then, take steps to keep improving the productivity of your technology use.

Action Plan: Start tilling, keep cultivating, and manage your resulting growth.
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Reprint Permission: The author is willing to grant reprint permissions. Please contact Jana Kemp: jana@janakemp.com or call 208-367-1701.