Technology has been fundamental tool in my educational journey. My introduction to technology started at elementary school. I recall the day when the Internet came into my elementary school in the mid-1990s. Silver Beach Elementary school had only two computers connected to the World Wide Web. If we want to find a web site we had to look up the URL in a book that looked the size of a phone book.
Technology has greatly improved forward from the days of literally looking up a URL address. My skills set prior to entering the Human Service program was at a moderate level. I knew how to use basic computer program such as Microsoft Word software, imaging editing and the Internet. The last two years I had the opportunity to improve my PowerPoint and Excel skills, basic website development and video editing.
I created a PowerPoint presentation nearly every core class. In Human Services Professionals and Personal Systems class, I scanned pictures of my life into my Who am I project [who am I]. PowerPoint presentations were usually a result of group project. I learn how to add PDF files into a PowerPoint project on local homeless for the Human Service Professionals and Interpersonal Systems class [project]. My increase skill level in PowerPoint software program will easily translate to the field.
My skill base jumped from basic understanding of technology to advance when I learned how to design basic websites. Both portfolio classes provided a chance for me to create weeble website. Weeble website allow professional looking web site. The process of publishing my capstone portfolio has shown what a useful tool weeble can be. Basic web site design is a valuable skill for small nonprofit agencies that lack technology departments or limited finical budget.
I learned how to develop a short video and publish it on YouTube website. The video was on the new Washington State’s new Good Samaritan Law [Good Samaritan Law Video]. The video includes facts on overdoses, and interviews with overdose survivors. The interviews were set on top of video of Bellingham neighborhoods where the interviewees overdose, and Johnny Cash song “hurt”. It was a complex process of adding PowerPoint slides, images and video clips. My group wanted to create documentary style video that created a lasting impact. We wanted to produce a professional product. Our group used Mac iMovie editing software. I now understand how to operate a video camera, iMovie, and video production. The trial and error of video production taught me several useful skills for the future. Video editing will provide a useful skill for community education and advocacy work.
Recent political changes in Egypt have shown the power of the Internet as a tool of social networking. In junior year I created a core group page on Facebook. Classmates could share YouTube videos and announce activities. The group page on Facebook provided my peers to promote their internship sites and educational materials. I learned more about the interconnectedness of people after reading Christakis and Fowler (2009). The book showed me how I can best use my social network to encourage social change. Electronic networking is important for professionals to communicate immediate needs of the community.
I gained the ability to use Microsoft Excel program in Research Methods and Program Planning/Evaluation classes. In program planning class we conducted data entry for Whatcom Homeless Counts. I use data entry to plug in surveys participates completed for program evaluation. This skill is vital for evaluating data or conducting population studies.
Reference
Christakis, N. & Fowler, J. (2009). Connected: The surprising power of our social networks and