SMED Post 1

The use of technology is a vital part of our society. I have always tried to become involved and associated with technology. I guess I could be considered as an aspiring ‘techie.’ I prefer to use technology for almost any aspect of my life, but I fail to perfect it. It really is a situation of asking, “Is there an app for that?” But after I get the app, I need someone to show me how to use it. Many argue that technology has caused a virtual disconnect in our social circles. However, I argue that technology has broadened our definitions of how we stay connected. The use of Facebook and Twitter has revolutionized how we connect and has allowed us to ‘follow’ those people we are interested in. I find it remarkable that I can see updates from Kurt Warner and Jimmy Fallon. Technology is nothing to flee. I only hope that we will find ways to make it even more accessible.

My competence as a wielder of technology is somewhere between an apprentice and journeyman. I believe that this is due to being the last one to figure it out. I continually want to challenge myself to look at new ways of doing different tasks. For example, I have used PowerPoint for years. However, it was not until this semester that I heard about Prezi, www.prezi.com. My learning curve with a new technology is exaggerated and I tend to desire to accomplish everything the way that seems easier, which is the way I already know. So I know enough about technology to make it appear like I know something about technology. That’s my level self-efficacy, just enough to show I don’t really know anything yet.

While at WKU, my professors have implemented the following technologies in the classroom:

• Prior to 1997, the biggest technological tool used by my professors at WKU was the overhead projector and transparencies.
• Since 2011, the technologies used and modeled in the classroom have included:

o The Internet (YouTube, Flikr, Creative Commons, etc)

o PowerPoint and Computers

o Video projectors

o Document camera

o Video Cameras for a video conference directed class

While at WKU, the technologies that I have used for class have included:

• PowerPoint
• Video projectors
• Internet
• Document Camera
• Smart Board