How to navigate new technologies?

In our daily lives we are exposed to technology every moment and many times technology can help us solving problems. We email, text, tweet, facebook and surf the web to access information and find solutions to our problems. With all the access to technology I ask myself how to use technology to be more efficient as a High Performance Coach.

Since starting the HPCTC I have been exposed to many new technologies. Online Learning plat forms (UBC blackboard). Virtual Class Room (Collaborate). Video presentation software (Kaltura) and Athlete Monitoring Software (Kinduct).

With all of these new technologies and software there was a lot of problem solving involved and I found myself “googling” and “youtubing” on how to do things. Using technology to figure out technology at times can be confusing and contradicting and sometimes the information is just not there or I did not feel like reading through a 100 page manual to figure out how to do things.

I feel that sometimes we get fooled by our perception that every information needed is on the web and we can just go out and do it. Using technology is a skill and you have to apply it in your daily practice and problem solve along the way.

In my opinion one of the most efficient ways to solve technology problems is by talking to a real person who has done it. I found myself struggling to set up an athlete monitoring system by trying to figure it out on my own how to set up parameters for my athletes but had no success. Eventually I contacted our Sport Centre Science Lead who already has experience with the software. He was not able to give me all the answers I was looking for but through trial and error we eventually came to the point where we set up the parameters and had the program do the things I wanted them to do.

According to the NCCP, problem solving is the ability to bring about a positive outcome to meet a specific coaching challenge. For example coaching multiple athletes in a practice and give appropriate feedback.

Some of the common uses of technology for me as a Coach is that I record results in each practice and send them instantly to my athletes right after practice. This way athletes can keep the times for their records and get more involved in tracking their performance curve. Another tool I use is video analyses and I will use it on site but also share online to communicate their progress with them and giving them the chance to review their performance after practice.

I’m really looking forward to use the Kinduct software we have implement to monitor the athletes. It will be a tool to prevent sickness and injuries and increase the communication beyond the usual check in at the track but also gather data to make evidence based decisions on future programs. I have also decided to use the technology for myself so I can get a feeling for what the effort of reporting is and how valid the data is.