BLOG 1 INDIVIDUAL TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

Blog 1 SLIS 5720

As an educator, what are your present strengths and weaknesses in technology? How do you plan to use your strengths? How do you plan to address the weaknesses?


I am currently not working as an educator, but taught, kindergarten, first and second grade before going back to school to become a librarian. I currently work as a librarian at the Atlanta-Fulton Public library where I am manager of the children’s department. I am currently working on my certification to become a school library media specialist. My present strengths are, I am knowledgeable about getting our computers in the children’s department working if they crash, or helping patrons who do not know how to save information. I am good at using different applications and troubleshooting problems. I am proficient at using Microsoft word, internet, and electronic resources to help students do their homework assignments. I teach students and their parents how to use technology in the library.

My current weaknesses are that I am not good at PowerPoint. I have not used PowerPoint very often. I have not used technology in the classroom or written a lesson plan in a long time. I’m not familiar with integrating a lesson with technology. In SLIS 5001, I became familiar with web 2.0 tools, but I don’t know the technical aspects of using the tools. I plan on using my strengths as a school library media specialist to introduce students to computers and basic technology applications for example, internet, word electronic resources (databases), and excel. I can show students how to do research using electronic resources (databases), and how to locate books and other materials using the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) I plan to attend workshops and technology classes for my technology weaknesses. This class SLIS 5720 will be a starting point for me to learn more about technology in the school media center and the classroom. Georgia’s Professional Standards Commission requires that all school media specialist take a computer/technology competency course for all K-12 staff which emphasizes the creation of technology-integrated lessons. This class is an additional class besides SLIS 5720. I must take this course prior to applying for certification. As a school library media specialist, it is my responsibility to keep up with the latest technology and get the necessary training and skills for students to positive and productive learners of information.