I have only a basic knowledge of computer technology. Having gone to college in the late 70's, I was never introduced to computers as part of my formal education (we typed our papers on electric typewriters!) Even in law school in the late 1980's, not a single student had a personal computer, although they were available in the law library for Lexis/Nexis research.
I did not begin using a computer regularly until 8 or 9 years ago. Now, of course, I use my computer throughout the day, every day, but mainly for emails, creating word documents, and Internet research. I have never uploaded photos, created jpegs, or such, and I do not know how to create an Excel spreadsheet. I have no idea how to create a video for uploading to the web. I have never blogged and only very rarely have read others' blog posts, usually as a link to something else I've read. I have a Facebook account but never use it except to "accept" a few friend requests. I don't know how to Skype. I've never used an Ipad or Itouch or a smartphone, and even though I own an Ipod someone else uploaded the music, and I never use it. I have a Kindle which I do use occasionally, but I prefer to read printed books. My cell phone is basic and I don't even know how to take pictures on it or to change the screen or ring tone. I have absolutely no clue how to use Twitter. In other words, I have never displayed much interest in technology, and indeed I'm intimidated by it. I'm a smart person but lack confidence--and patience!--with technology; if I run into a wrinkle I tend to give up in frustration easily.
As a real estate attorney I used all the latest computer technology for searching files and creating the contracts and purchase and sale documents, and the government financial forms that must be filled out online. So when I needed to learn a given technology for my law practice, I did master it. I am involved with many volunteer organizations but the only computer skills I've ever needed for those were email and word. I am comfortable using a PC but have never used a Mac.
Even though I sound like a Luddite, I do wish to become capable with current technology. Indeed I feel handicapped by my lack of knowledge, and would rather be self-sufficient than rely on family members to help me with the computer. It's mainly a matter of needing instruction; I find that once someone has shown me how to accomplish a task on the computer, and with a little practice, it makes sense and I wonder why I hadn't bothered to learn sooner! As, for example, with this blog itself! Now that I've had some instruction, I get the basic idea, it's pretty simple, and I look forward to practicing so that I learn the ins and outs and have mastered this new skill.
Along with recognizaing the need to master various technologies, I also realize that its use in the classroom is key. As the mother of 3 teens, I have seen how their ways of learning are so vastly different from mine (as a high school student, I relied on a 26 volume set of encyclopedias for my research!) Current technology not only allows for access to the most up-to-date information, but it also allows students to process information in a greater variety of ways. I look forward to understanding the many ways that technology can enhance the classroom experience.
So my two goals for this course are 1) to become competent in as many areas as possible, from the "basic" like uploading photos, to the more complex, like how to Skype, create podcasts, etc.; and 2) to learn how to successfully integrate technology into the curriculum.
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