In our modern society, it is undeniable that technology has an immense role in everyone, everything and every situation that takes place in our daily lives. It has introduced too many positive outcomes in every sector of our government especially in education. Knowing that two of the best breakthroughs in technology are the computers and internet, students nowadays are highly privileged because they are being offered computer subjects in schools particularly Information Technology subjects.

However, on the part of some employees, some are still hesitant or still having that fear in dealing with computers. Probably, the main reason for these are lack of hands-on experience, not enough knowledge on computer operations and lack of interest to explore more on computers.

I hope that these five tips that I gathered will help employees most specially the teaching and non-teaching personnel here in Department of Education to be more confident in using computers and in performing computer operations.

1. Acquire workshops or trainings. We are blessed that nowadays that there are many computer trainings that are being provided by our government thru the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). There are also trainings and seminars where you have to pay in order to learn more in computer operations. Always remember that acquiring knowledge is also an investment.

2. Read. After attending workshops, trainings or seminars, your knowledge will expand if you will read articles or books that may be related to computer specially computer programs and operations. Remember the quote, “Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.”

3. Ask. Whenever you are having trouble using your computer, do not hesitate to ask someone who is more knowledgeable or more expert on it. You will also learn from them. Just remember the quote “Sometimes, asking for help is the most meaningful example of self-reliance.

4. Practice. Remember that every knowledge that you acquire should always be practiced. Just like the English language, you will be more expert on it if you will use it in speaking. Same with computer operations, you will be more used to it if you will always exercise what you’ve learned about it.

5. Turn on “interest mode”. Steps 1-4 are nothing if you have no interest in learning. Always remember that everything that we do will always start in self-motivation. Try to find something that will motivate yourself to have that eagerness to learn. It could be one of your loved ones, or may be one of your goals.

With these tips, I believe that our hesitations, fear and lack of confidence in using the computer will soon be settled.