Not all at once

Don't feel you need to learn everything at once. Ask someone who's comfortable with an aspect of technology you're interested in to let you watch them use it. Consider your learning style. You might want to ask them to coach you.

Others might learn best by taking a class or prefer to teach themselves from a manual. Practice your new skill and it will give you the confidence to go on and learn other skills. — Deleyne Wentz, North Logan, Utah

Open, positive attitude

Start out with a positive thought. Don't let modern technology get you down. Pray in earnest about your feelings toward it. Although many say that the machine or computer is smarter than you, it's not true. It's only as smart as the person who operates it.

Take classes. All colleges and schools offer a variety of ways you can take classes and learn new things — day classes, night school and even correspondence school. Tackle the challenge with an open, positive attitude. And grow with the experience. — Elizabeth Praast, Quartzsite, Ariz.

Take classes

• Decide your depth of interest. Do you want to just send e-mail, surf the Internet or watch cable? Or do you want to do such things as organize all your family history to the 20th generation? Like driving a car, you can use the technology without a thorough understanding of the internal combustion engine.

• Go to the library. Read and watch. Don't be embarrassed. Most tech abbreviations and terms are usually brand driven (i.e. trade marks). Ask if you don't know a meaning, or how to, or what for, or why.

• Learn the language of technology. Keep a tech journal for new words and new procedures. What did I learn today?

• Go to school, take classes, study, think. Take courses through the Internet, such as BYU offers.

• Use what you learn — family history, entertainment, business, career, education, health, housing, clothing, etc.

• Pray for a good use of resources.

— John Choate, Stamford, Conn.

Don't give up

• Pray, ask the Lord for help. The Lord gave us modern technology to further His work, not to cause us frustration.

• Don't give up. Make yourself keep trying.

• Learn to use it for one thing at a time. This could be a journal or personal history.

• Begin simple. Don't move on too fast. Go at your pace.

• Write down each step. Include the number of clicks on the mouse.

• Practice regularly and frequently. Don't learn on something critical.

— Louise K. Cheney, Kaysville, Utah

Don't be afraid

• Call your grandchildren. Children today seem to not be afraid of modern technology. I have a granddaughter who, when she was a year old, could go over to the stereo and hit the buttons in the right sequence so she could get music on and dance for me.

• Use computer learning programs or machines meant for children. When I returned to college as a grandparent, I went to the children's section of the library at BYU and checked out books on the subject of computer technology and other technology.

• Read directions. There are those, like me, who don't like to read directions, but do so. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Most computer companies have helplines. Don't be afraid to call these helplines. These people will walk you through things. You can also ask youth in your ward. Kids love adults to ask them for help. Have chocolate-chip cookies ready.

• Take notes. Whenever I have a new appliance or something, I write notes on a clipboard to remind myself what to do. I also keep a binder with zipped plastic bags and keep warranties, etc.

• Check out courses available at community schools. There are classes that cost little or nothing.

• Don't be afraid of the technology. It's not going to bite you.

— Sandi Howlett, Anchorage, Alaska