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Technology

The Technology competency focuses on the ability to use digital tools effectively, adapt to rapid technological change, and create accessible learning experiences. It includes understanding how to evaluate information, use technology to support student learning, and ensure that digital materials are inclusive for all users. As educators advance, this competency grows into modeling adaptability, exploring new tools, and using technology creatively to enhance programs and educational interventions. For a full description of the technology competency and it's outcomes, see NASPA/ACPA Competencies.

My Experience:

Technology is an area I have been intentionally working to strengthen, and my roles have allowed me to build experience across several digital platforms. While working at the Bepko Learning Center, I helped review and update our training materials each summer to make them more accessible in hybrid formats. During this process, I worked across multiple platforms, first using Basecamp, then transitioning materials into Canvas, and later helping move them into Microsoft SharePoint and Teams. Working with each of these systems required me to adapt to new tools, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that the information we were sharing with coaches and students remained accurate and accessible.

 

More recently, I have been developing my skills in Canvas by learning to use DesignPlus to improve the layout and organization of course pages and training materials. For example, the TFS Canvas page I created demonstrates how I structure content to support student engagement. These tools allow me to create pages that are visually organized and easier for students to interact with, enhancing both learning and accessibility in online and hybrid formats.

 

I have also begun exploring how AI tools can support my work, particularly for organizing content and generating ideas, while being mindful of ethical use and accuracy. I aim to continue integrating technology thoughtfully into my practice, leveraging new tools to improve student learning, streamline workflows, and enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of programs and educational resources.

Collectively, I have met the following of ACPA/NASPA’s PEF outcomes:

  • Foundational:

    • Demonstrate adaptability in the face of fast- paced technological change.

    • Remain current on student and educator adoption patterns of new technologies and familiarize oneself with the purpose and functionality of those technologies.

    • Troubleshoot basic software, hardware, and connectivity problems and refer more complex problems to an appropriate information technology administrator.

    • Critically assess the accuracy and quality of information gathered via technology and accurately cite electronic sources of information respecting copyright law and fair use.

    • Appropriately utilize social media and other digital communication and collaboration tools to market and promote advising, programming, and other learning-focused interventions and to engage students in these activities.

    • Design, implement, and assess technologically rich learning experiences for students and other stakeholders that model effective use of visual and interactive media.

    • Ensure that one’s educational work with and service to students is inclusive of students participating in online and hybrid format courses and programs.

  • Intermediate:

    • Model and promote adaptability among students, colleagues, and educational stakeholders in the face of fast-paced technological change and demonstrate openness to the introduction of new digital tools by others.

    • Utilize multiple strategies for accessing and assessing information, critically considering the sources of information as well as the purposes or agendas that led to the dissemination of the data as presented.

    • Design and assess outcomes that utilize social media and other digital communication and collaboration tools for promoting learningfocused interventions and engaging students in these activities.

    • Generate a wide and varied array of digital strategies for enhancing educational interventions with multimedia, interactive tools, and creativity-enhancing technologies.

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