Technology

Similar to the abundance of information in our world, there is an abundance of technology. Much of the technology at our fingertips is useful and helpful in our lives and in our jobs. Having at least a working knowledge of these sorts of tools is not only convenient but necessary. In many senses, knowledgeable use of technology is vital to success both as students and professionals.
Technology in the forms of computers, programs, internet, email, file types and interactive software are all examples of tools that perpetuate much of the work we do. Through much of my coursework and internships, I’ve had ample opportunity to increase my ease in utilizing these tools at my disposal. At the start, even though I felt fairly competent in most necessary applications of technology, some of the programs were a bit intimidating for me. I know I’ve gained a lot of progress in my approach, perspective and ability when it comes to technology and how it is useful to me. The ease at which I approach tasks which use technology has increased and my likelihood of using the appropriate technology for the job has increased through the experiences in my coursework and internships.
Steadily, throughout my classes there were opportunities for group projects, and presentations. Nearly every group project yielded an opportunity to utilize a number of word programs such as PowerPoint and excel. One example of a group presentation was a project for my Program Planning and Evaluation class. This PowerPoint specifically integrated many of the tools available in that program and others. (Appendix)
During my first internship I utilized the opportunity to become familiar with MAC style computers and much of the digital editing capabilities they have to offer. Through my work in creating a documentary, (Appendix) I became skilled at using digital video and still photo files as well as sound clips in order to create something useful, meaningful and persuasive in terms of the work I was doing there.
Further, during my third internship, I began my paid professional career as a program coordinator. One of the things I was responsible for was the tracking of data about the youth involved in the program. I maintained a large excel file witch utilized many of the tools excel has to offer in assisting me in maintaining records of the youth. (Appendix)
Overall, I feel very competent in my use of technology and my perspective of the availability of technology as a useful and vital tool. Without this familiarity and ease with the use of technology, I would not have been able to excel to the same standards as I did, and I would not be as well equipped to continue my work in the field.