Technology can be a great tool, if you know how to use it. The 2008 Montana State University Extension Tech Tacklebox conference presented many learning opportunities for agents and support staff alike. "My favorite class was Wendy Wedum’s digital camera session," said Rita Langford, Administrative Support, MSU Extension Blaine County. "My new camera was freaking me out and now I’m able to use it and understand how it works." Sixty-seven people attended the three-day conference at the Billings Career Center in June. Both new and experience staff brushed up on classes in Microsoft Excel, Access and Powerpoint, file management, digital photography, WebDesign, Photoshop, marketing and GPS technology. "I was impressed by the method of and quality of instruction," said Leslie Idstrom, Administrative Support, MSU Extension Yellowstone County." It was very professionally presented, yet in an atmosphere where any question was welcomed and completely addressed." The conference, held every other year, gives Extension personnel a chance to sharpen technology skills for many aspects of day-to-day work. The "tackle box" fishing theme is used to add levity to the summer classes. "Tech Tacklebox not only gave me an opportunity to build my web design and overall computer skills, it was an excellent opportunity to connect with Extension folks," said Molly Anderson, coordinator at the MSU Local Government Center. "I will use what I learned in the Advanced Web Design and Access courses to test out an online registration system that has the potential to save me a lot of time."
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Wendy Wedum (center) teaches file management information to (l) Tara Andrews and Judy Johnson
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