Experiences with Coworkers' Computer Illiteracy: A Software Developer's Perspective
Throughout my career as a software developer, I've encountered various issues with coworkers, most notably when their lack of computer literacy presents significant challenges. These experiences are not always humorous but often serve as painful reminders of the importance of basic IT education.
The Unlucky Programmer
One of the most memorable encounters occurred when a programmer joined our team and proved to be completely useless despite my best efforts to bring her up to speed. After months of training and support, we eventually had to let her go. It was disheartening to see someone with the potential to succeed in software engineering fall so far short.
A Year Later
A year later, fate served a bitter piliazach to my pride when I bump into her in a supermarket. She proudly informed me that she was now teaching IT at a local college. I was forced to have a couple of pints with her and leave the next day to warn HR about potential applicants from that college. It's a stark reminder of how important it is to accurately gauge candidates' skills.
Lessons from the Front Lines
My journey also includes valuable lessons in troubleshooting and understanding my own capabilities. From working as a software developer to supporting applications in a previous job, I've seen both sides of the coin.
A Mysterious Help Desk Ticket
One particularly perplexing help desk ticket involved a coworker who was perplexed by the absence of a "Link" in the option 2 label. Despite the option 1 link being functional, he assumed the hardware was at fault. Upon inspection, it became clear that he had merely changed the comments in the program, not the actual code.
A Lesson in Education
Another troubling incident occurred during my university days. One of my fellow students was struggling with a hardware issue in the lab. He claimed that changing a sample program to compute something different had failed, and he assumed the hardware was at fault. His understanding was flawed but still passed a semester based on it. This experience highlighted the issues with basic IT education and how it can lead to misconceptions.
From Apple to DOS
My personal journey through software development has been marked by significant changes in user interfaces and operating systems. From simple Mac applications to the challenges of DOS, each step in my career reflects the evolving landscape of technology.
Conclusion
These experiences underscore the importance of not only mastering technical skills but also the value of effective communication and education. While computer illiteracy remains a concern, there are lessons to be learned from each challenge we face.