Treasure Byers

Reflection Paper Assignment

EDT 180 Section A
20 April 2019

Throughout this course, I have become more familiar with and confident in using many

applications and Internet features that I have encountered in the past. The goals of this course

were the following: to be able to discuss issues surrounding computers, software and the use of

technology in the classroom and workplace fluently as well as to demonstrate the ability to use

computer applications for productivity, data analysis, and problem-solving. I believe that I have

met these goals as well as personal goals to expand my understanding in these areas.

I was familiar with many things we covered in class, as I like to experiment with applications to

understand them better. We began the semester by learning about legal issues such as copyright,

fair use, and creative commons. This unit was especially useful to me as much of my experience

in attributing the work of others has involved citing academic work such as journals and essays,

rather than media. When I need images or other content for a project or assignment, I typically

create them myself. This section taught me how to attribute others' work correctly in the even

that I use it. Next, we learned about efficient searching and resource evaluation. I have had many

experiences finding credible resources for academic essays, but I did learn a lot about limiting

the parameters of a search to get more accurate results. While I have done this on Google, it was

helpful to learn how to accomplish this in different areas.

Next, we focused on Internet security as well as basic terminology and skills. This section

covered practices such as using a secure web browser, avoiding unsafe software, using good

password practices, as well as encrypting private information and data. I also found it interesting

to learn the history of computers as well as the terminology relating to technology, such as the

difference between hardware and software and how paths and folder structures work. This

information has made it easier to discuss technology with others as well as navigate my laptop

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Treasure Byers
Reflection Paper Assignment
EDT 180 Section A
20 April 2019

more efficiently. We also spent time learning to code and familiarizing ourselves with coding

language.

We spent much time familiarizing ourselves with Microsoft applications, particularly Word,

PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel. I have had considerable experience using these applications

for a variety of purposes, ranging from academics to personal use. I did learn several shortcuts

that allowed me to work more efficiently and these have helped me to spend less time formatting

my work than I did in the past. I also was able to refine my skills with Excel – a program I have

learned in the past but have trouble remembering. I now believe I am at a point where I have

retained the information. The last portion of the class was dedicated to working on a research

project that enabled us to utilize the skills that were taught in the class, such as analyzing data in

Excel, using Word to write a report, and using PowerPoint to create a presentation.

Overall, I feel as if this course has refined my technology skills and empowered me to use it

more in my future career. I believe that I will be able to incorporate technology in my future

career as well as use it more effectively in my current job as a manager at a marketing firm.

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