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Technology Usage in Todays Workplace

Technology Usage in Todays Workplace

Emily Warstler
University of Alabama

Technology Usage in Todays Workplace

Introduction
Technology is always changing, which means technology in the workforce is constantly
changing into something more complex. As technologies become more complex, researchers are
seeing a need for a change in the classroom (Marsick, Watkins, & OConnor, 2010), in order for
students to be prepared when they enter the workforce. This brought up questions about how
academia can transform, in order to help changes needed in the 21st century (Brockett & Holt,
2012).
Main Points
The United States Department of Education and various major corporations collaborated
to identify important factors necessary in the 21st century workplace (Partnership for 21st Century
Skills, 2006). The factors that were considered crucial in the workforce were critical thinking and
problem solving skills, technology use, teamwork and collaboration, and like skills such as selfdirected and lifelong learning (Australian blueprint for career development, 2003; Partnership for
21st Century Skills).
A study was conducted to discover the relationship between factors influencing
technology use and self-directed learning of graduating students (Brockett & Holt, 2012). The
independent variable in the study conducted was self-directed leaning and the dependent
variables were computer self-efficacy, attitudes toward technology use and computer anxiety.
The study was given to student and was optional. The total number respondents were 572.
Application to Profession
Public relations practitioners rely heavily on the use of technology. The need to adapt to
modern technology is a necessity in this profession. If students do not have the necessary
technology upon graduation, it will increase the likelihood of finding a job. A public relations

Technology Usage in Todays Workplace

practitioner should should be skilled in various social media platforms, Adobe suite, and
Microsoft office. Public relations practitioner should also be aware of new trends in social media,
such as Periscope. As technology advances, the need to stay up to date is crucial, especially for
recent graduates, as older adults may have computer anxiety.
Changes in Profession
One of the major changes in todays day in age is it is becoming crucial to have an
internship at some point before entering the workforce. As the podcast points out, an internship is
the gateway to the white collar workforce, with a higher paying salary. Internships are becoming
a divide because employers want someone who has had experience in the profession, rather than
a person who can only show they have a degree.
Technology is also changing. In the communications fields, media kits are being found
online. Many people are reading the newspaper and other articles online, as opposed to the
traditional printed copy. Press conferences can now be streamed online, to see it almost
anywhere. Technology is constantly changing and professionals should be adapting to it.
Analysis of Research
The purpose of the conducted study was to discover the relationship between factors
influencing technology use and self-directed learning of graduating students (Brockett & Holt,
2012). The study conducted was part of a larger study. The study viewed the relationship
between the following factors:
1. What is the relationship between self-directed learning and computer self-efficacy?
2. What is the relationship between self-directed learning and attitudes toward technology
use?
3. What is the relationship between self-directed learning and computer anxiety?

Technology Usage in Todays Workplace

The results of the study indicated that self-directed learning and factors influencing
technology were small, but there is still a relationship. Further studies would need to be
conducted to find more significant factors that will have a larger impact.

Summary
The study found that there were indeed relationships between self-directed learning and
technology use, but the relationships were not strong. This means there is not a significant need
to create a new technology to improve self-directed learning skills. Finding weak relationships
concludes that more studies should be conducted in the future, to further examine the skills
necessary.

Technology Usage in Todays Workplace

References
Australian blueprint for career development. (2003).
http://www.blueprint.edu.au/index.php/toolkit/tools_and_resources/

Brockett, R. G., & Holt, L. (2012, July 4). Self direction and factors influencing technology use:
Examining the relationships for the 21st century workplace. Elsevier. Retrieved from
https://ualearn.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-1966856-dt-content-rid16130309_1/courses/201610-SS-CSM-447-001-CSM-447-901-CSM-447990/course_files%282%29/21stCentury_Workplace.pdf
Chakrabortty, A., & Chambers, I. (2011, June 1). The Business podcast: Interns and internships.
The Guardian. Podcast retrieved from
http://www.theguardian.com/business/audio/2011/jun/01/business-podcast-internsinternships.
Marsick, V., Watkins, K., & OConnor, B.N. (2010). Researching workplace learning in the
United States. In M. Malloch L. Cairns, K. Evans, & B. N. OConnor (Eds.), The SAGE
handbook of workplace learning (pp. 198). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc..
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2006). Are they really to work.
http://www.p21.org/documents/FINAL_REPORT_PDF09-29-06.pds.