Individual Technology Assessment

As an educator I feel that I have many strengths in technology. However, I recognize that I do not know it all in the ever changing world of and have areas in which I need to continue to learn.

I'm very comfortable using technology in my classroom for instructional purposes. I know many teachers who are intimidated to use technology, which I do not understand. If it's there, I just try it and play around to figure it out. I know Microsoft office programs very well, and can create just about anything needed within them. However, I am not familiar with Access and would like to learn how to use it to create a database for various book collections at school. I love using PowerPoint, PhotoStory and MovieMaker in my classroom to enhance an assignment for students or to allow them new opportunities with technology. The internet is my best teaching partner. I am not sure how any taught before its advent!

Among my weaknesses as an educator in using technology is that I could never teach my students about computers, their components and how they work. I have a very basic knowledge of computers "guts." That is something to reflect on and figure out as this course continues.

I also try to keep up with new technologies and the workings of them, but as a student, teacher and mother, I do not have the time I'd like to learn as much as I would like. As far as technology programs I do not fully understand "Wikis." I get the idea that people are able to add their knowledge to a web page, but how do you keep the information legitimate? Podcasts are another technology I've never used, though I understand the idea. I'd be interested in learning more about how to use Podcasts in my classroom. When I'm in a library I know I'll use them to share books with students and teachers. But for now. . . I'd like to know how my students and I could use them.