When it comes to technology, students have become teachers.
Published on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 1:03 p.m.
I usually rely on my youngest daughter when it comes to navigating social media, working on the computer, and using iPhone apps. It's not like her husband or my other kids don't know how to navigate and manipulate technology. However, my youngest son is more sympathetic to his elderly mother's needs.
I didn't grow up in a computer or cell phone culture, and I'm not an old dog who can't learn new tricks, but I can. That can't be done easily.
It took me a while to learn how to use Facebook, but I finally got the hang of it. However, my scrolling is not at the level of the younger generation. It amazes me how they are able to sneak up on people and gather information that is public information since it is one of their Facebook pages. It's truly incredible.
As for my laptop, my husband has helped me several times. That's when I accidentally deleted an article I wrote for the Post. Somehow he was able to magically search the world wide web for my work.
But when my husband is away (he is home and physically able to fix things), I rely on my youngest son. She calls her and explains what's going on. She initially tries to walk me through her steps of what I need to do, but often she resorts to FaceTiming me. It's not because she looks at me, but because she looks at my screen and gives me a better direction in whatever direction I need direction.
This technique, FaceTiming, is usually helpful, but it's why other people in my family don't particularly try to help me when I need it. This can be a difficult task for teachers.
Learning how to use iPhone apps was also difficult. I quite like utility apps like Calculator and Voice Memos. Calculators are essential when you want to know how much an item will cost reduced from its original price. And fortunately, I still remember how to multiply fractions. So, when you're standing in your dressing room trying to price something, you pull out your phone, go to the calculator, enter the original price, multiply that number by the markdown, and subtract. Got it from the original price! You can find out the price without asking the store clerk. As for voice memos, I use them all the time at work. I still take notes during interviews, but I don't use shorthand, so recording is absolutely necessary to get an accurate quote. I also learned how to use Venmo, but since I don't use it often, it can take me about 15 minutes to learn how to send and receive money.
My latest app of choice is Instagram. You guys, I'm hooked. Not only are there people giving me all kinds of tips and tricks on cleaning, cooking, gardening, but also how to look more put together in certain outfits. Decorating advice, skincare suggestions, the list goes on and on. I've had so much fun with Instagram that I'm even trying to teach my mom how to use it. Yes, that's right. This time I'm going to be the teacher.
Terry Cowart Frazier writes features for the Vicksburg Post. You can contact her at: terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.
About Terry Cowart Frazier
Terry Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter for the Vicksburg Post and editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which won an award of first place from the Mississippi Press Association. She also won the top award for “Best Feature Article” in the editorial category of MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest.
Terry is a graduate of Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.
Before joining the Post a little more than a decade ago, he worked as a freelancer at the Jackson Free Press. However, she enjoyed being a full-time housewife for most of her life.
Terry is a member of Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a life member of the Vicksburg Her Junior Auxiliary and a past member of the Sampler She is also a past member of the Antiques Club and the Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.
“From staying up-to-date on local government issues to hearing from residents, local newspapers are essential to our communities. I have been honored to be a part of The Post's dedicated team throughout my tenure. What I love most about my job is that with their support and local support, I can continue to grow and hone my skills while helping to share stories in Vicksburg. When asked, my answer is always “people.”
Terry Cowart Other works
