#0. These are the Best of Times: an Introduction and Expectation of our EME 2040 Course!

Prior to my enrollment in Introduction to Educational Technology, my experience with technology has a wide breadth. My first time using a computer was in Kindergarten (1999!) to play the Reading Rabbit computer games. Since that time, using applications such as Microsoft Word and other components have integrated into regular learning and assignment expectations. In my collegiate experience, I have recently taken Computer Fluency, but also, being an English Literature Major, many essays and collaborative assignments have acquainted me with programs such as Prezi, Google Drive (and all of its exciting features!), and YouTube. This experience in technology has led me to a job position as a scribe, where I transcribe audio files using computers and a series of peripherals.

While enrolled in this course, I am hoping to gain a better understanding of the technology I am already acquainted with. I want to brainstorm new ideas on how to incorporate their functions with literature (my passion!) and how to expect to use these skills in the classroom, in the future. While I have many years with technology, much of what I have learned is self-taught, which likely limits my skill and ability. This course presents an opportunity to simply learn.

In our first day of class, we have explored our individual, various learning styles. I identify strongly with the intuitive learner and the global learner, more so than any other learning style. As an Intuitive Learner, I  lend towards theories and concepts, rather than facts and data. This can make courses with data focuses very challenging for me. For these environments, it is important that I go the extra mile to understand the theories behind the learning. As a Global Learner, this relates to my understanding that concepts link to each other. When teachers throw in new material without explaining connections, this often presents a challenge, too. I believe this is why I do have a strong aptitude for English Literature, as nearly every work presents a thread that relates to another.