Technophobia

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Technophobia
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• Technophobia is the fear of modern technology and
  is the opposite of technophilia. It is
  exemplified in popular culture and thinking
  through movies such as Terminator 2 Judgment Day
  and going back to the book Frankenstein by Mary
  Shelly. (Wikepedia)

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• Most real-life examples of Technophobia are far
  more sedate, from fear of learning to use a
  computer to choosing to withdraw cash from a
  human bank cashier rather than from the Hole in
  the Wall (ATM).

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What are the symptoms of Technophobia ?
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What are the symptoms of Technophobia ?

• Breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Excessive perspiration
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Shaking
• Heart palpitations

• Inability to speak or think clearly
• Becoming angry or losing control
• Sensation of detachment from reality
• Full blown anxiety attack.

Source http//www.phobia-fear-release.com/technop
hobia.html
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What are some signs of Technophobia in schools?
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What are some signs of Technophobia in schools?

• Reluctance to use computers and related
  technologies
• Resistance to automating processes
• Unwillingness to change from one system to
  another or one software to another.
• Highly critical of any technology changes or
  implementation
• Passive resistance to new technology initiatives

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What are some signs of Technophobia in schools?

• Unwillingness to attend training classes
• Slow to learn new technologies
• Providing excuses for not attending training
  sessions
• Relentlessly arguing the lack of need for
  technologies
• Pleading "the old way is the best way!"
• Convincing colleagues that "Ive made it this far
  without technology. Why now?"

Source http//www.studentaffairs.com/ejournal/Win
ter_2001/technophobia.html
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Luddism

• Several groups are often said to be technophobic,
  notably Luddites and the Amish. Sometimes,
  businesses and environmentalist groups trying to
  prevent the spread of a technology are also
  called technophobic by opponents even though they
  may only be advocating best practice.
• In contrast, a Luddite has a social stance
  against technology, not simply a fear. The Amish
  are against modern technology because of
  religeous conviction.

Source http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technophobia

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What can we do to Address Technophobia?
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What can we do to Address Technophobia?

• Hold seminars, workshops, and training sessions
  on technophobia. The more we share information
  and knowledge on the topic, the easier it becomes
  for individuals to recognise that they have a
  problem.   

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What can we do to Address Technophobia?

• Technophobia is not a shameful thing. It is not a
  disease and it is certainly not a reflection on
  the intellectual capacity of the individual.
  Hence it is important to remove blame and shame
  from any discussion on technophobia. Share with
  individuals that this is a problem that affects
  many individuals, from Head Teachers to
  cleaners.   

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What can we do to Address Technophobia?

• Admit and recognise the information overload
  problem (cognitive load) and the relentless pace
  of technology. Let individuals know that all of
  us struggle to keep up with technology. It is
  only the degree of struggle that is different.

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What can we do to Address Technophobia?

• Provide meaningful and sustained support to help
  individuals identify and overcome their phobia. A
  class or a forum to discuss technophobias may be
  a first step.   

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What can we do to Address Technophobia?

• Create a friendly, non-threatening learning
  environment. Educate people to see that failing a
  few times while learning new technologies is
  normal. In fact, the more you fail the more you
  learn!   

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What can we do to Address Technophobia?

• Help people take one small step at a time. Reward
  their efforts and be a mentor.    

Adapted from Gupta, U. M. (2001) Technology is
Conquerable! Student Affairs Online
http//www.studentaffairs.com/ejournal/Winter_200
1/technophobia.html
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What are the implications of Technophobia in
School?

• Discuss

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Technophobia
Sorted