Track & Learn Remote Trending Technologies

Have you ever felt overwhelmed at the speed of technology development? Maybe you even feel you can’t keep up. Some might even feel overwhelmed and as though they are getting left behind. Alas, there is hope! We’ll explore some strategies to help remote workers keep up with technology trends and even methods for overcoming the learning curve when adopting new applications and tools.

As technology continues to evolve, many industries and job roles are changing as well. By keeping up with the latest technologies and skills, you can position yourself as a valuable employee and open up opportunities for career advancement, ensure that you’re able to communicate effectively with your colleagues, no matter where they are located, gain new insights and approaches to solving problems that you may have struggled with in the past, and demonstrate that you are committed to staying current in your field and that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed.

As a remote worker, keeping up with trending technologies and staying current in your field is essential for staying productive and competitive in your work. New technologies often come with new features and capabilities that can help you work more efficiently and effectively. By staying up-to-date, you can take advantage of these tools to boost your productivity and performance.

Overcome the Learning Curve

Learning new technologies in your remote work role can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the latest tools and trends. We are creatures of habit, and we often resist change. Adopting a new technology can require us to change our habits and routines, which can be uncomfortable and challenging. It can also be scary because it involves venturing into unknown territory.

You may be afraid of making mistakes or failing, unsure about how the technology will impact your work or life, or concerned about the potential investment of time and effort to learn it. The key is to explore various resources and find the ones that work best for you and are approved by your organization. By dedicating time to learn new skills and tools, you can enhance your capabilities and improve your productivity as a remote worker. It is never too late to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Here are some tips to help you get started with staying current with trending technologies while overcoming the learning curve:

Stay informed

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, blogs, online publications, industry experts, and other online platforms or social media accounts related to your field. Attend webinars, virtual conferences, and online events related to your industry. These events can be a great way to learn about new technologies and network with other professionals. Join online communities and forums related to your field. These can be great resources for learning about new technologies, getting advice, and sharing your own experiences. Take online courses or certification programs to learn new technologies and stay current in your field. We offer a comprehensive curriculum on remote access technologies in our Remote Professional Certification.

Experiment with new tools

Experiment with new tools and technologies as they emerge. Sign up for beta releases and test new features to stay ahead of the curve. Many organizations have processes for adopting new software and technologies and require new tools to be vetted by the IT department. Clear the use of such tools on your work devices with your organization. IF you are proficient with technology and want more, participate in online coding challenges to learn new tools and technologies while working on real-world problems.

In terms of important technologies to learn and know, this can vary depending on your field and role. Some important technologies that are relevant for many remote workers include:

Collaboration tools: These tools can help you stay connected with your colleagues and work together more effectively on shared files, projects, or even communications
Cloud computing: Learn about cloud computing which can provide scalable and flexible computing resources for remote work.
Cybersecurity: Understand the basics of cybersecurity and how to keep your devices and data secure while working remotely.
Remote work software: These tools can help you manage your workload and stay organized while working remotely with project management tools for individuals and teams.

Connect with experts

Join online communities and forums where experts discuss new technologies. You can also reach out to colleagues and peers in your industry for guidance and advice. Take online courses or tutorials to gain hands-on experience with new technologies. Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to learn about emerging technologies and how to use them. Attend virtual conferences and webinars, which are easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Many conferences now offer remote attendance options, making it easier to participate and learn from experts.

Be an Early Adopter

An early adopter is a person or group of people who are among the first to try out and use a new technology, product, or service. They are often enthusiastic about new technologies and are willing to take risks to try them out before they become mainstream. Early adopters can be individuals, organizations, or communities who are excited about the potential benefits of new technologies and are eager to explore their possibilities.

Early adopters are typically followed by early majority, late majority, and laggards in terms of the technology adoption curve. The early majority are the next group of people who adopt a new technology after early adopters, followed by the late majority, who are more hesitant to adopt new technologies. Finally, laggards are the last group of people to adopt a new technology, often because they are resistant to change or have limited access to the technology. We shared all this to say, “Don’t be a laggard!” Nobody wants to be the laggard.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you practice using the new tool or skill, the more automatic it becomes. This is how to quickly overcome the learning curve. This involves strengthening the neural pathways in your brain that are associated with the new information or skill, making it easier and more efficient to recall and use in the future. Keep using the tool regularly, and you’ll become more familiar with its features over time.

Take it slow: Don’t feel like you have to learn everything all at once. Start with the basics and gradually work your way up.
Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance from colleagues, family members, or friends who are more familiar with the technology.
Use online resources: There are many online resources available that can help you learn new technologies, including tutorials, help articles, and forums. Take advantage of these resources to learn at your own pace.
Practice: Practice using the technology as much as possible. The more you use it, the more comfortable you will become.
Attend training sessions: Many companies offer training sessions or workshops on new technologies. Attend these sessions to learn from experts and get hands-on experience.
Find a hero: Consider finding a mentor or colleague who can help guide you as you learn the new technology.
Stay positive: Remember that learning new technologies takes time and practice. Stay positive and patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Summary

Learning new technologies can seem daunting, especially if you’re not of the generation that grew up with this technology. However, it’s important to remember that many people are in the same position as you, and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure about new technologies. Remember, everyone has to learn new technologies at some point, and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure or even overwhelmed at first. With some practice and patience, you’ll soon feel more confident. By taking these steps, you can learn new technologies and feel more confident using them in your work and personal life.

For more training on using remote work technologies, sign up for our Remote Professional Certification. In this certification track, you will learn more about factors associate with remote access.