Stress due to advances in technology
Teaching technical topics that are constantly advancing in hardware and procedures introduces stress that will always be a consequence. Staying abreast of the subject state-of-the-art is important for any topic. Such stress seems unavoidable and may not be totally negative factor.
Ron,
While I don't teach a technology-based course, I can relate to what you're saying in a different way. I teach political science to students who mostly dislike politics, don't vote, and have a strong sense of entitlement that makes discussing citizen responsibility in the process of creating and managing government distasteful to them. This is stressful as I, of course, love the topic and the obligations of citizenship. I often find myself wanting to challenge them in ways that are not really course-appropriate, and have to CAREFULLY pick my battles in order to manage my teacher/student relationships and the use of my time as an instructor.
Jenny Witcher
Sounds like a wonderful approach Cornelius. Sounds like you are really open to learning and growing. This likely serves you well in teaching.
I find learning new cutting edge technologies to be more relaxing than stressful. I enjoy the challenge of exploring how new technologies increase productivity in my workplace and personal life.
I believe that a persons approach to a situation will determine how they respond. A positive approch tend to minimize stress and inhance learning whereas a negative approach tend to highten stress snd minimize the ability to learn.
I know that some folks who ar enot computer savy have some issues with that when they have to use them but as an instructor, i love technology as it is an awesome source of new and old info for my students....
It really is stressful to stay on top of your field Michael. You can find ways to take it slow though. Read an article or industry publication every now and then. Incorporate what you learned into your lecture material. This approach can take you far and over time, you'll feel more on top of things.
Technology with vehicles, I have no problem with due to my European background. What I have problems with is computer system updates. It seems that everytime I get these systems figured out and can use them well, they get upgraded and now they operate differently and all the buttons are relocated and harder to find. Just about the time you get them figured out again, the process repeats.
I agree. I teach advances in technology that I have not had to deal with when I was working in the diesel industry. It is stressful to try and keep up with the changes.
Yes, I agree with you-- it's aconstant challange and can be very stressful.
