My Technology Autobiography

As you may or may not have noticed, blogging is a new skill for me! I just realized I haven't given any of my technology background, so I think I'll take this opportunity to explain myself.... :)

I am not technologically advanced, but I like to say I'm average or have a basic proficiency when it comes to technology. Growing up, I didn't even have a game system, like Nintendo. My parents are not very into technology, so even when the internet was introduced, we didn't jump on that bandwagon for a long while. I started using AIM in seventh grade, and convinced my parents I needed the internet for classroom projects. At the time, my mother thought the internet was a scary thing. Obviously, if you don't understand technology, it can be scary! To her, the internet was a way for "bad people" to do "bad things" like steal identities, break into your bank account, or stalk you! Because of my parents' concerns, my technology skills developed later than most.

My first actual experience with technology classes was in high school. I took a few computer classes that introduced me to Powerpoint and Excel. I had used Word before. These classes were beneficial to me, especially before college where these technologies are used on a daily basis! In my junior and senior year of high school, I did accounting. This required me to learn a processing system called ROS. It was a great experience.

Now, I am proficient in Powerpoint, Excel, and Word. I have an mp3 player, although it is not an iPod! I have a new digital camera that I got for Christmas, and I know how to load pictures onto my computer and use Adobe Photoshop. I use AIM and MSN Messenger, and I can use search engines to effectively find information I need for school projects. I do online banking and can use programs like TurboTax. My brother loves technology and computers, and my uncle is a programmer. I have learned a lot from both of them.

In terms of technology I can use in the classroom, I only knew about the Microsoft Office programs. Through this technology class I am taking in the School of Education, I have learned so many useful ways to incorporate technology into the classroom, and I've learned the importance of using it! I feel much more comfortable with my role as an educator, since now I feel like I can connect with my technologically advanced students!