Common technology terms: What they actually mean and how to explain them to patrons
Teaching people how to use technology can be one of the hardest, yet most rewarding parts of working in a library. Giving patrons the correct terminology for this technological world empowers them to better understand it, gives them confidence to connect, and allows them to ask for help more efficiently. Having taught technology classes, tutored computer science students, and guided library users, I’ve seen this firsthand.
One that sticks out to me is when I was teaching an older gentleman how to use Photoshop. For six weeks, we sat and slowly went over each button and its function. I couldn’t quite understand why he wanted to learn a skill that he was so clearly struggling with. Then came the final project. He pulled up images of him and his grandson. For his grandson’s birthday, he wanted to edit the photos into a funny picture. We worked together to create a beautiful image, which I printed on cardstock for him to give to his grandson. Seeing how technology can connect families is priceless.
This story reinforces why we should never write off a patron who wants to learn new technologies and tools, regardless of the learning curve they may face. When patrons know how to use technology, they can connect better with the world around them. But that is sometimes easier said than done. Here, I’ll share my best practices for approaching technology instruction and some plain-language definitions of common technology terms to help everyone work with a shared vocabulary.
Starting from a shared vocabulary: Common technology terms and definitions
When starting off, I recommend meeting people where they are. I often ask myself, “What is the least amount of information they need?” Someone who just wants to access the internet doesn’t need to know what HTML or Javascript is. Keep things simple! When explaining new terminology, stick to words that have meaning to the patron. Use metaphors and examples to help make theoretical things more concrete. Finally, remember to have patience. At one point, you didn’t know how to use a computer either!
These common technology terms and their plain-language definitions help bridge the digital divide and unlock understanding for our patrons. This printable handout of the terms and definitions might be useful to have close by when working with patrons.
- Internet—the global network of connected computers and devices
The internet is used to access websites. It is accessed through browsers such as Safari, Chrome, Edge, and others. The internet simply means the vast network of millions of computers and devices.
- Browser—a software app that allows you to browse the internet
A browser lets you search and use the internet. Most computers and phones come with preinstalled browsers, but you can download different ones.
- Website—a group of webpages that all share the same unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and are accessible on the internet using a browser
Google.com, Netflix.com, and eBay.com are examples of websites. Think of a website as a business that you can visit virtually.
- Webpage—a single digital document on the internet; multiple webpages make up a single website
In the same way that pages make up a book, webpages make up a website. The website Netflix may have a URL of Netflix.com, while the page listing comedy movies may have a URL of Netflix.com/Comedy/.
- URL or Uniform Resource Locator—the address where a webpage can be found on the internet
A URL acts as a website’s address in the same way as the address for your house works.
- Cookies—small text files that a website stores on your device to identify you
As you go from webpage to webpage on a site, or leave altogether and come back later, cookie files allow the website to “remember” you and track your activity and preferences.
- Server—a computer that provides resources to other computers; most commonly used to store data
A server hosts data and resources so that other computers can access it. Servers provide many functions, including hosting websites and storing personal data.
- The Cloud—a group of computers (servers) that store, manage, and process data so that it can be accessed over the internet
Nowadays, most computers and devices use the cloud to store data. This saves storage space on your phone or computer and also allows you to access the same data from different devices.
- Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA—a more secure way to sign into an account or device that requires two or more ways of confirming your identity
Because passwords alone are no longer reliably secure, most companies now use MFA, or Multi-Factor Authentication, which adds at least one additional verification, such as your fingerprint or sending a code to your phone or email, to try and stop bad actors from mimicking you.
- Wi-Fi—wireless technology that connects computers and devices using radio waves
Wi-Fi allows you to use your device without a wired connection. Instead, it uses radio waves to connect people to the internet.
- Bluetooth—short-range wireless technology that connects computers and devices using radio waves.
Bluetooth uses radio waves to connect devices. It is just like Wi-Fi, but is usually used only over short ranges.
Conclusion
Everyone can learn more about communicating clearly. The International Plain Language Federation has helpful resources for using languages readers can find, understand, and use. And these tips about teaching technology to adults pair nicely with this primer on terms.