Keeping Up With New Tech like Generative AI

Technology is moving fast, and it often feels like it’s impossible to keep up. But here’s the truth: catching up as an end-user isn’t as hard as it seems—even if you’re not “IT-savvy.” Trust me on this.

Sure, there’s a baseline of knowledge that makes it easier to understand newer technologies like Generative AI, Cloud Computing, and Blockchain. But the good news? Most of you already have this foundation.

From my years of training, I’ve noticed that if you’re comfortable using your Windows or Mac laptop, you’ll absorb new technologies faster than you think. Even if you’re just confident with your smartphone, that’s a great start.

By “comfortable,” I mean using everyday tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, browsing the web efficiently, and knowing how to protect your online accounts with basic security practices. For many of you, especially in corporate or public sector roles, these are skills you’re already using every day. So, you’re halfway there.

When it comes to handling new tech like Gen AI, the key is to understand its core purpose. Play around with it, see how it works, and think about how it could help you in your daily tasks.

The truth is, you don’t need to know exactly how something works to use it. Take cars, for example—I don’t know how an engine works, and honestly, I don’t care. As long as I can drive and get where I need to go, that’s all that matters.

It’s the same with the internet. Ask five people what the internet actually is, and you’ll get five different answers. But does that really matter? No. What’s important is that it connects people worldwide through laptops and smartphones.

These devices are just the tools we use to access it—like cars get us from A to B. You don’t need to know the nitty-gritty of the infrastructure, just how to use the apps to get where you need to go.

Now, let’s talk Generative AI, or Gen AI. You’ve probably heard the term tossed around a lot lately, but what does it actually mean? In simple terms, Gen AI is just another branch of artificial intelligence.

AI systems are designed to think and act like humans, using a mountain of data to learn and make decisions. Gen AI takes this a step further by creating new content—whether it’s text, images, code, or even music—based on what it’s learned.

Think of Gen AI as a super smart assistant (some say at the level of a Masters graduate) that can help with everyday tasks like drafting emails, generating ideas, or writing reports. It’s like Google Search, but instead of just giving you results, it produces something useful based on your instructions.

It’s almost like talking to a really smart person who knows a lot about everything. And don’t worry—it doesn’t talk down to you (at least, not yet!).

Let me simplify this: Gen AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini are essentially chatbots—but way smarter. I know, chatbots can be frustrating, but these are different. They can actually get things done.

You can type in your questions (or even speak them), and they’ll respond with practical help, whether it’s drafting an email, summarizing a report, or even brainstorming ideas.

And here’s the best part—you don’t need to be a tech expert to use them. Just like you don’t need to know how an engine works to drive a car, you don’t need to know how Gen AI works to get it to do what you want.

Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are designed to help you with real tasks, without needing you to dive deep into the tech behind them.

Let me give you an example from my own experience. As a trainer, I’m always creating courses and slide decks.

Before Gen AI, it took me a solid week to get a course ready, especially with all the bells and whistles. I had to do all the research myself, curate the information, and then form the modules. Back then, I was grateful for the internet—where else would I find all that info?

But now? Thanks to Gen AI, I can get a course done in two days. Sometimes even in a few hours, if it’s something like a short webinar. The extra time I save means I can focus on the flow of the course—how I want to deliver it and connect with the audience—instead of stressing over gathering content. Gen AI even helps me brainstorm new ideas or draft detailed lab instructions for my modules.

I’ve also started importing the individual slides directly from ChatGPT’s output into Google Slides. All I need to do is apply my theme, and the slide deck is ready to go. It’s taken a huge load off my shoulders.

Ready to give Gen AI a shot? Here’s the simplest way to start:

1. Pick a task you do regularly, like writing an email or summarizing a report.
2. Head to ChatGPT or Google Gemini and type in your request. For example, “Draft a response to this customer inquiry,” or “Summarize this article for me.”
3. Check the results, tweak them if needed, and you’re good to go.
4. Experiment with different types of tasks and see what else Gen AI can help you with—it’s like having a personal assistant at your fingertips.

At the end of the day, the key to handling any new technology is curiosity. You don’t have to become an expert overnight—just start small, explore, and see how it can make your life easier.

Technology is here to make our lives better, not harder.

If you’re comfortable with your laptop and the tools you already use daily, you’re already ahead of the game. With a little bit of exploration, you’ll find that adapting to new tech—whether it’s Gen AI, Cloud Computing, or Blockchain—isn’t as tough as it seems.

You don’t need to know every detail—just enough to make it work for you. And if you find no application for you right now, that’s okay. Some tech is just not ready for the masses.

• You don’t need to be a tech expert to start using Gen AI. Pick a small task and see how it helps.
• Gen AI tools can save you time and give you space to focus on the bigger picture.
• Be curious and explore—before you know it, you’ll be using Gen AI like a pro.

Remember, the goal isn’t to master technology—it’s to use it to make your work and life a little easier. And with the right approach, you’ll do just that—without feeling overwhelmed.