Technology Autobiography
My relationship with technology is a little rocky. I don’t consider myself a technology savvy individual, and I am not the first one to run off and buy the latest gadget on the market. I even had trouble setting up my ipod, for Christ’s sake. Luckily, I am able to operate a computer fairly well, given that computer skills are essential for a college student in the 21st century. In general, I would say that I am a little afraid of my skills and competence when it comes to operating a computer and navigating the Internet, but I have improved greatly since I came to college.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a computer in my home and learned basic computer skills in elementary school. I mostly used the computer for games, such as Oregon Trail, and for keeping track of my Reading Record. My first formal instruction with computers began in 7th grade, where I was required to pass Computer Science. The course focused on improving typing skills and familiarizing students with the Windows applications, including Microsoft Works, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc. I used these skills throughout high school to complete papers, projects, and other assignments. In high school I was also required to learn how to research topics on the Internet and navigate our school databases.
When I got to college I quickly learned that I was behind my peers in my computer-based skills and knowledge. It was a daunting task for me to learn how to operate Blackboard for the first time and I always felt there was some icon I had missed that held more class information I would remain unaware of. I believe that because I was never encouraged nor took it upon myself to explore computers when I was younger, I developed an attitude towards computers that hindered my ability to operate in our fast-paced, ever-evolving world of technology. Computers just weren’t for me, so I thought. However, after being throw into this mix and required to quickly learn how to use Blackboard, correctly navigate the Swem databases, research scholarly articles, document a paper in APA, etcetera, I’ve greatly improved my computer-based skills and knowledge. Hopefully this class will help my relationship with technology grow.
