Strengths & Weaknesses

Throughout my college years, I have had the opportunity to integrate technology into my education. At first I was intimidated by technology, but because I have had the opportunity to use it in so many of my classes, I now prefer it over other materials. I still feel like there is a lot to learn about computers and technology, but I am definitely on the right path. According to the NET and UNI standards, my greatest areas of strength include; basic technology operations and concepts, a general knowledge of technological terms and vocabulary, and using the internet to communicate with others. Although I feel comfortable in most areas of technology, there are a few weaknesses I have as well. These weaknesses include; using spreadsheets, using/editing music and videos to produce projects, and using word processing and print layout designs to compose certain documents such as brochures, newsletters, and calendars.

I definitely want to be the kind of teacher who integrates technology into the classroom and assigns enjoyable activities for my students to complete. For example, as a health educator I would like my students to make a brochure displaying ways to relieve stress or displaying why drugs are harmful. But, if I do not even know how to make a brochure, how am I going to teach my students? I found this helpful online tutorial that explains how to make a brochure in a word document. I also feel like spreadsheets are something that would be beneficial for me to understand how to use in order to problem solve more easily. I found this Professional Development Workshop through UEN to assist me in my understanding of excel and spreadsheets.

This online tutorial and Professional Development Workshop will greatly help me improve my understanding of technology. Through these courses, I will be able to actively learn and discover how to become a better educator. Because of this instructional media class, I now know how simple and easy it is to access assistance with any kind of technology issue I may have. I plan to take advantage of many of UEN's Professional Development Classes because they will help me become smarter, a better teacher, and have the ability to easier understand and help my students with their own technology questions. Technology can be intimidating to work with, but in our modern world it is ultimately beneficial to know how to use it.