Week 1: Part 1 Requisite Technology Skills Assessment

When taking technology application surveys, I feel as though I have a distinct advantage over other teachers because I actually teach technology applications at my school. I currently teach Web Mastering and Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS). I use technology everyday and the students are expected to become proficient users of technology when they leave.

Looking at the surveys, it is clear that I have mastered all the domains. In the 1st survey, the only domain that gave me any trouble was the Solving Problems domain where I only mastered 14 out of the 18 possible questions. The responses that were “no's” involved the issue of “resolving information conflicts and validate information through research and comparison of data”, “using interactive virtual environments, appropriate to level, such as virtual reality or simulations”, use technical writing strategies to create products such as technical instructional guides, and “design and implement procedures to track trends, set timelines, and review/evaluate progress for continual improvement in process and product”. I answered these questions as “no” because these items are not part of the curriculum that I am currently teaching or have never had the opportunity to learn or be a part of a team learning how to do them.

I would consider myself more than technological-advanced than most people, including teachers. I am an expert in Adobe Photoshop, Flash, and Dreamweaver. I know HTML and CSS. I also have been MOUS certified in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. Although there is no such thing as MOUS certification anymore, it is still good to have. If you are unfamiliar with what that is, MOUS certification was issued to those who passed the industry test given by Microsoft. I have a tendency to pick up software applications and new technology fairly quickly. Due to the fact that I am more advanced, I am always willing to help others when needed.

As far as my data from the Technology Applications Survey, I am off the charts. I can solve issues dealing with server and software issues. Throughout my teaching career, I have learned on my own and attended countless hours of professional development on how to use programs and software at home and in the classroom. However, the majority of my learning has been done on my own and with my own resources. Implementing and managing some of the innovative technology has never been a problem. After taking these surveys, I would consider myself super in the majority of this survey.