I aspire to be a “techno girl.” It is true that I do not qualify for the title. Yet I can envision myself in my “Techno Girl” tee shirt simultaneously texting, listening to my iPod and reading the daily news on my computer screen. I imagine performing technological miracles with ease. Mostly I can picture myself having an intelligent conversation with my children and grandchildren about current technological advances.

Until recently I made little effort to inform myself about any technology. I counted on my sons to hook up new gadgets for me. In fact, I relied on them to tell me what new things I needed. My son, David often said he was just trying to move me into the 90s as he presented me with a DVD player and later an iPod.

I have a great computer guy, Stephen. He is willing to keep the computer functioning smoothly. He does not demand that I understand what he suggests or does.

Several things have happened in the last few months that have convinced me to take more responsibility for my own learning regarding things technical. First, I decided to offer an on-line coaching course for textile artists. David recommended I set up a forum on my website. I didn’t have a clue how to make that happen. David took charge. He worked with my web designer, Cindy to create the forum.

It took me several weeks to learn to navigate the forum. However, I began to see how it works. I also began to understand the possibilities for future use.

Just after Christmas when I had a terrible cold the computer crashed. Everything (except for some discarded e-mails from 2004) was lost. I realized that I need to take responsibility for backing up files and, more importantly for learning about my computer.

I also acquired some new toys – a laptop and a digital camera that require my attention if I am to learn to fully use them. Suddenly there are many reasons to aspire to be a “techno girl.”

Perhaps the most important one is that I don’t want to be a ditsy old lady who can’t program her coffeemaker. I decided to inform myself, develop new skills and become sufficiently knowledgeable to at least carry on an intelligent conversation about the technical advances that have become so important in my life.

I have no illusions about being a computer whiz. I am not sure I want a Blackberry. I don’t need to be the first person to acquire each new and wonderful version of anything. I will be happy to become “Techno Grandma.” I want to use technology well. I want to understand enough to ask good questions. I want my sons and my grandchildren to think of me as reasonably well-informed about the things that have become so much a part of all our lives.

I am excited to think about learning new things. I also like the idea of redefining myself as a person who can (and wants to) learn and use technology.

© C O P Y R I G H T   2 0 0 8.  Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.