Josephine Barrand

Reflection Paper Assignment

EDT 180 Section E
December 2, 2018

I took this course because I wanted to increase my technological literacy and I believe this course

helped me achieve this goal. I can approach computer-based tasks more easily and with greater

confidence, which was one of the course objectives. For example, before taking this course I was

extremely uncomfortable using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. As a clerical assistant at an

elementary school, I need to be familiar and comfortable with using these programs. After

completing Module 5 (Excel/Course Project), I now find myself preferring to use Excel for

certain tasks. Module 6 focused on using Microsoft Word, a program that I thought I had above

average knowledge of. However, as I was completing the tasks for Module 6, I found myself

learning how to perform tasks in Microsoft Word that I didn’t know I could. I especially valued

learning how to create tables in Microsoft Word because my supervisor had advised me that she

wanted me to learn how to perform this task in Word, instead of using Excel.

Before taking this class, I did not have any experience with coding. Whenever I would hear the

word “coding” I would think how complicated it must be and that I would never be able to learn

how to code. Module 11 made learning how to code a fun and unique experience. I now don’t

think of coding as such a daunting task and I look forward to teaching my future students how to

code and the importance of coding in today’s technology-based world.

I drew immense pleasure from creating my own web-based personal portfolio on Weebly. It was

a fun way to demonstrate all the different things that I learned in this course throughout the

semester. I had to use my problem-solving skills on numerous occasions when something

wouldn’t upload correctly to my Weebly site. For example, when trying to upload my

PowerPoint presentation, I attempted to upload the file numerous times. I finally figured out that

maybe the Weebly website couldn’t accept the PowerPoint in its current file type, so I changed it

1
Josephine Barrand
Reflection Paper Assignment
EDT 180 Section E
December 2, 2018

to a PDF file and was finally able to upload it. I felt a great sense of accomplishment with being

able to complete this task.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this course and am extremely grateful for everything that I learned.

I think this new knowledge will help me excel in my current career as a clerical assistant, as well

as in my future endeavors as a librarian/media specialist or teacher. I am confident with my

current skills when it comes to technology, but I look forward to learning even more. In my

lifetime I have already seen how much technology can change over the years and I know it is

important to keep working on my skills, so I can be a productive member of society. If I want to

be relevant in the workforce, I also need to make sure my skills are always improving, and I am

continuing to use new technology as it becomes available. I have learned that I cannot shy away

from something just because I am unfamiliar or uncomfortable with it, not just when it comes to

technology, but in my every day encounters as well.

Word Count: 537 words