2011? No; 2010

Release dates = calendar dates – I believe that Microsoft has the best plan for helping us know the age of our Office applications; we just have to ask: “what year is it?” It  helps us quickly calculate and ground ourselves to what year the software was released. Other companies change the ‘V (version)-#” and hope you know what your current version is; too technical.

For many of my customers, Microsoft Office 2010 is the new kid on the block. They have been holding on to their Windows XP 2003 product for dear life, knowing that it works well and carries the same features and environment look that Office applications have always had.  Who wants to learn (and buy) something new?

Well folks, you can bypass 2007 and jump into 2010 – but the learning curve will still be there. Yes; it’s different from Office 2003 and earlier versions, and it will take a little bit of time to learn how to navigate through the Ribbons, etc. But, you will really like it. I, too, was a skeptic when 2007 was released:

• Features weren’t where I thought they should be.
• Some features that I used had changed or weren’t visible anymore.
• I thought that I had to use the mouse exclusively – not a good thing.

But, through experimentation, investigation, and stubborn hunting, I found that I liked the new graphics and features enhancements; now I can’t go back.

Microsoft also believes that  you won’t want to go back – your files aren’t automatically compatible to the earlier version(s) – you have to take an extra step to make them so.

Just Whistle!

 

When you’re ready to jump into the new Office 2010, I’m here to help. (I can still help with your Office 2003 & 2007 too!)

Strangers in a Strange Land …

New users to technology feel like strangers in a strange land. Of course, most people think I am talking about people over the age of 30. Not so; even young people who have taught themselves how to play games, use software, text messages, etc., are not really learning how the computer communicates; only how to get results. I see it as rote learning instead of knowledge gathering – “Ou est le toilette?” (where is the toilet?) – memorizing this phrase lets you ask the question, but will you understand the answer?

As a computer trainer, I sometimes forget that computer terminology can be perceived as a foreign language to new users. And as a translator, it is important that how I communicate this language to my students will determine their learning how they can communicate with their computer.

This communication between person and computer can be delicate and therefore, needs to be taught in relative terms. One successful tool I have used is equating computer components to the human body: CPU = brain, motherboard = human circulatory and nervous system, peripherals = silverware and hand tools, and temporary file storage = stomach. (A stretch, I know, but it works.)

Practical, easy, open communications? oui…

Sit Up and Listen

Need Trainers? Just Whistle!

Training environments add to the learning experience. Wouldn’t it be nice to be on the beach, laptop powered up, an instructor serving treats with easy-listening music as a backdrop to your Microsoft Excel class? What a dreamer am I! To be that instructor would be ideal.  Not the case, however; probably not even in those sunny, warm locations we dream about.

So what makes a good learning environment? For me? as a learner, just equipment that works, coursework that is not heavier than my shoes, and a teacher that sets a warm, welcoming environment.

I have taught in some very interesting locations; some have been high-tech, high-gloss training rooms, one was in the bowels of a waste (human) treatment plant, and some have been in nonprofit offices that didn’t  have more than two computers with the same operating system, versions of the software or monitors that didn’t have burnt images on them. It didn’t matter to me.

 My ideal classroom? one that has room where students can be comfortable. (Of course having working equipment is a given.) If  the room is not too cold, not too hot, and if the lighting allows students to see the textbook next to them, they can concentrate on why they’re there.  If I can have their attention without too many distractions, they will be able to sit up and listen and most importantly, focus on the subject at hand.

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Share a training experience with us; whether it was ideal or not – or share your opinion of what your ideal training environment would be.  Some wishes do come true …

 

Learning with an Attitude

Learning can’t be forced. Memorizing for a grade or a certificate of completion ends the development of the new skill once a class is over. So where should you start when learning a new skill? Start with a desire for self-improvement.

Need help? just whistle!

Now I know that “learning” and “luxury” are not words normally used in conjunction with each other, unless free time allows you to audit a class for just the joy of it.  But, an attitude adjustment  needs to start the process when your job has ongoing training requirements.

A new training class is announced – you know you have too much work to do, not enough time to do it, and don’t know why you need another class. Fear sets in; do they think I’m not competent enough to do my job? Could I lose my job if I don’t do well in the new training course?

Stop and breathe. See training/learning as a luxury offered by a company that wants to help you improve and grow. An added benefit? They are making the financial investment in you.

Beginning with the next training experience – tell yourself that you will look at the advantages and the opportunities to be achieved by taking on the assignment with a positive attitude:

• Will your daily tasks benefit; will they be easier, more efficient?
•  Will your understanding of your job be clearer?
• Will fulfilling your responsibilities be a more enjoyable experience?
• Could it lead to advancement in the company?
• Or … would a personal pat on the back  be reward enough?

So, it’s only a basic Microsoft WORD class … developing a positive learning attitude makes the minutes/hours spent ingesting new information well worthwhile. You may also find that your next interaction with the software will be a friendlier experience! 

Training vs Teaching

Welcome to m.t. & company- Personal Trainers

When you hear the term “Personal Trainer” you think of health/fitness clubs. Personal trainers are in demand because they meet a need. When people accept the fact that they are out of shape and admit that what they’ve done on their own hasn’t worked, they know that they need support from experts to help them back on the road to physical health. They know that a personal trainer will focus on their individual needs and develop a plan to make them successful. A personal trainer will also support them throughout the entire process; cheering them on and making adjustments along the way. Each milestone brings rewards; each success breeds more success. And, when you reach that first major goal, you feel confident to meet the world’s challenges - the challenges become opportunities, not obstacles.

We believe personal trainers are needed beyond the health clubs. A business is only as successful as each of its employees. In today’s economy, businesses are running with fewer resources and their staffs are feeling out of shape. As personal business trainers, m. t. & company focuses on skills training to help employees be more successful on the job and confident in their ability to so. 

Follow our blog for tips and ideas, and when you need a personal trainer, “just whistle”!