I am fearful that I am not even aware of all my weaknesses regarding the use of technology. It is becoming clearer to me that there are many tools and possibilities of which I am unfamiliar so I often feel very intimidated and extremely “behind”. However, I have also found that I have been able to discover things on my own about the use of technology, which can be very encouraging and reassuring.
A particular strength I feel I possess is the ability to find answers for myself with the help of the Internet. I am also fairly savvy when it comes to social networking, e-mail, creating presentations using Power Point or Publisher, and I enjoy using my Flip video and digital cameras to upload and share videos and pictures. All of these technologies may be used in the classroom.
However, I know there are many more technologies out there of which I am unaware, which introduces my weaknesses regarding technology. I feel that my main weaknesses are my lack of knowledge regarding what Web 2.0 tools are available and also, therefore, my lack of know-how regarding the use of these tools.
I plan to address these weaknesses by familiarizing myself with Web 2.0 tools and other technologies that may be utilized in the classroom through coursework, inquiry, and discovery. I want to purpose myself to seek out the tools and technologies of which I am unfamiliar and to practice using them, rather than avoid them while maintaining an attitude of intimidation. It is an overwhelming feeling to know there are many technologies about which to learn, but it is also an exciting feeling to know that as each semester goes by, I will have had practice with them, and I will even be able to share them with others.
