Introduction to Tech

Transcript

1. Introduction to Tech
2. • UX Designer at Blaccess. • UX Research Mentor. • Building She Code Africa and Friends of Figma. About Me
3. Introduction to Technology
5. What is Tech?
7. Tech is a commonly used abbreviation for “Technology." Technology refers to the practical application of scientific knowledge and innovations to create tools, devices, systems, and methods that solve problems, improve efficiency, and enhance human life. Tech???
8. Applications of Technology:
9. • Communication and Connectivity: through smartphones, email, social media, and video conferencing. People can connect with others globally instantly, fostering relationships and enabling remote work and learning. • Access to Information: The internet provides access to vast amounts of information, news, and resources. • Healthcare: Telemedicine allows remote medical consultations, increasing accessibility to healthcare. • Environment: Smart home technology allows energy-efficient heating, lighting, and appliances, reducing energy consumption and costs. • Entertainment: Streaming services, online gaming, and social media, content creation. • E.T.C Applications of Tech:
10. Tech Myths
12. It's important for techies to be aware of these myths and approach technology with a balanced and informed perspective. Tech can be a valuable tool when used wisely and with awareness of potential misconceptions. • Tech is Only for Young People: Tech is for people of all ages. It's never too late to start learning and using tech. • You Need to Be a Computer Whiz to Use Tech: Tech is designed to be user-friendly. You don't need to be a tech expert to use a smartphone or computer effectively. • Tech is Expensive: While some tech devices can be costly, there are also affordable options available. • Tech is Isolating: While excessive screen time can lead to isolation, tech can also facilitate communication with others via Social media, video calls.
13. • Tech Can Solve Everything: Technology can be a powerful tool, but some issues require human judgment and intervention. • Tech Makes You Less Secure: While there are cybersecurity risks, using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication can make your online accounts more secure. • Tech is Only for Work: Tech is not just for work; you can use tech to stream movies, play games, learn new skills, and explore hobbies. • Tech Addiction is Inevitable: Setting healthy boundaries and managing screen time can help prevent addiction. • All Information on the Internet is True: Not all information online is accurate. It's essential to verify information from multiple sources.
14. Career Paths in Tech
15. No-Code/Low-Code: • UI/UX Design • DevRel • Graphics • 3-D Artists • Program/Project Managers • Digital Marketers • Technical Writers • Community Managers • Social Media Managers "No-code or Low-code" tech fields refer to areas of technology where individuals, even those without extensive coding or programming skills, can create or develop software applications and solutions using low- code or no-code platforms.
16. Code: • Web Development { Frontend Engineers, Backend Engineers, Fullstack Engineers } • Mobile App Development { Android Engineers, Flutter Engineers, Fullstack Mobile Engineers } • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning Engineers • Cyber Security Engineers • IOT • Data Scientist & Analysts • Cloud Engineers This field involves using coding languages such as HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, Java, Python, C++ etc., to create software applications, secure systems, detect vulnerabilities, collect, analyze, interpret data, develop machine learning models and AI algorithms, automate cloud infrastructure and manage resources in platforms like AWS, creating decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts etc.
17. Getting Started in Tech!
19. • Identify Your Interests: Start by exploring different areas within tech to discover what interests you the most. Do you enjoy coding, working with hardware, data analysis, or user interface design? Understanding your interests will help you focus your learning efforts. • Set Clear Goals: Define your short-term and long-term goals in tech. Having specific objectives will give you direction and motivation. For example, you might set a goal to build a simple website within a month or learn a new programming language in six months. • Choose a Learning Path: Based on your interests and goals, select a learning path that suits you. There are numerous online resources, courses, and tutorials available. For example: • Online Learning Platforms: Utilize online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, Khan Academy, and Codecademy to access courses, tutorials, and projects in various tech domains.
20. • Build a Strong Foundation: Start with the fundamentals of tech, including understanding how computers work, basic programming concepts, and internet basics. These foundational skills will serve you well in more advanced topics. • Practice, Practice, Practice: Hands-on experience is essential in tech. Work on personal projects, solve coding challenges, and apply what you've learned to real-world problems. Building a portfolio of your projects is a great way to showcase your skills to potential employers or collaborators. • Online Communities: Join tech-related forums, online communities, and social media groups. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and seek advice from experienced tech professionals. Websites like Stack Overflow and GitHub are valuable resources for collaboration and learning. Get involved in open-source projects to collaborate with experienced developers, contribute to real-world projects, and gain hands-on experience. • Networking: Attend tech meetups, conferences, and networking events in your area or online. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable connections in the tech industry.
21. • Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest tech news, trends, and innovations by following tech blogs, podcasts, and news websites. Being informed about industry developments will help you make informed decisions about your tech journey. • Don't Fear Failure: Tech is a field where learning from mistakes is crucial. Don't be discouraged by challenges or setbacks; they are part of the learning process. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth. • Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset. Curiosity fuels innovation and keeps you adaptable in the tech world. • Books and Documentation: Invest in books that cover specific tech topics or programming languages. Reading books can provide in-depth knowledge and insights. Dive into the official documentation of technologies, frameworks, and programming languages. It's a valuable resource for learning and troubleshooting. • Online Coding Challenges and Hackathons: Attend hackathons or coding competitions to work on innovative projects and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
22. These resources cover a wide spectrum of tech-related topics. Whether you're looking to stay informed, engage with a tech community, or enhance your tech skills, these websites and platforms can be valuable tools in your tech journey: Resources:
23. Online Learning Platforms: • Coursera: Offers a wide range of online courses, specializations, and degree programs in tech and other fields. Website: Coursera • edX: Provides access to courses from top universities and institutions on various tech subjects. Website: edX • Udemy: A platform with a vast library of tech-related courses and tutorials created by experts. Website: Udemy • Khan Academy: Offers free courses in programming, computer science, and other STEM subjects. Website: Khan Academy • Codecademy: Provides interactive coding lessons and projects for learning programming languages. Website: Codecademy
24. Tech Forums and Communities: • Stack Overflow: A popular Q&A community for programmers and developers to ask and answer technical questions. Website: Stack Overflow • GitHub Community: Discuss coding, development, and open-source projects with a large community of developers. Website: GitHub Community • Reddit - r/technology: A subreddit for discussions on technology news, trends, and updates. Website: r/technology • Hacker News: A platform for tech enthusiasts to discuss and share tech-related news and articles. Website: Hacker News • Dev.to: A community for developers to share knowledge, ask questions, and engage in tech-related discussions. Website: Dev.to
25. Tech News Websites: • TechCrunch: A leading source for tech news, analysis, and startup coverage. Website: TechCrunch • Wired: Offers in-depth reporting on technology, science, and innovation. Website: Wired • Ars Technica: Known for its detailed tech analysis, reviews, and features. Website: Ars Technica • The Verge: Covers tech news, reviews, and analysis with a focus on consumer technology. Website: The Verge • Mashable: Features tech news, digital culture, and entertainment content. Website: Mashable
26. QUESTIONS? Twitter@ComfortEzengwaa
27. Thanks for Listening!