Faith Adams

Reflection Paper Assignment

EDT 180 iCourse
May 1, 2020

My Reflection Paper
Throughout this course I have been introduced to countless technology software and programs I
had never used before. In comparison, there were multiple programs I thought that I knew all
about, but the learning activities in this class taught me so many new tips and tricks to mastering
technology. The three course objectives I am going to be focusing on are approaching new
computer-based tasks more easily and with greater confidence, demonstrating an understanding
of fundamental programming concepts using block programming, and creating a web-based
personal portfolio showcasing what I have learned this semester.

Before starting this course, I was convinced I had a wide range of knowledge of technology and
considered myself to be skilled. As it turns out, I was wrong. This course challenged me to learn
and really understand how to dive into these technology programs while teaching me to
adequately use all the features, and not just the simple ones most people know how to work. As I
said before, I was pretty confident in my technology skills prior to taking EDT 180, but I can
now say I have achieved my first course goal of approaching new computer-based tasks more
easily and with greater confidence. Each learning activity increased my confidence in my
abilities to be proficient in technological programs I was not comfortable with before. I had
never created a website before, but Professor Lewallen and Dr. J made it seem so simple! What I
found the most helpful in each new learning activity were the screencasts. I am so glad we had
access to screencasts that demonstrated how to complete each learning activity, while still
providing the opportunity for creativity and the chance to challenge ourselves by completing
these activities on our own. Taking an online course can be more challenging for students
because it makes the process of asking questions, receiving help, and time management more
intimidating. Even though this course is on technology, it can be very difficult to operate new
programs without face to face help. My confidence levels in my knowledge of technology has
skyrocketed because I know that I can use Excel, create impressive and professional
PowerPoints, understand the basics of code, create my own screencasts, and so many more skills
that I can use in my future career.

One of the most fun and interesting modules we did in this course was learning about emerging
technologies and code. My senior year of high school was the first time I learned about how
essential careers in STEM are to our world today. I never had even understood what coding was
or how it worked. Being given the opportunity to learn more about code and try it ourselves was

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 Faith Adams
Reflection Paper Assignment
EDT 180 iCourse
May 1, 2020

eye-opening to me because I never thought I would be able to program anything. Being able to
put the pieces together to make a game was a simple and fun learning activity that helped me
understand the basics of code. By participating in this activity, I saw how much work is put into
creating technology programs, and how much we need engineers. I am glad I was introduced to
block programming because I now have a better understanding and appreciation for technology

After each learning activity we completed, we added our work to our Weebly websites. I had
never made a website before taking this course, and I had no expectations of ever learning how
to make one. Creating my own website is a huge accomplishment but being able to create a
digital portfolio to showcase all the work I have done during this course is super cool. I was
really intimidated by the fact that I would be making my own website, and I had no idea how I
was supposed to transfer all my projects to the website. I feel accomplished having completed
this course and creating my portfolio because the process was challenging. My portfolio displays
each of the projects I completed this semester. From creating a google form to my own
infographic, this portfolio is a collection of the new skills I have learned and demonstrated from
taking this course.

Thanks to this course I now feel confident in my technological capabilities, and even have my
own website as a portfolio to look back on. I can say that I am honestly surprised with the new
skills I have learned over the semester. I know that the material in this course will be very
beneficial to me as a future educator and I can even apply my knowledge of technology to help
me in other classes I will take at ASU.

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