Let's Tech About It

Where does Innovative Technology belong? As far as my own experience, I can say that limiting access to new and innovative technology can adversely affect how society interacts, absorbs, and utilizes new technical applications. Oftentimes resulting in misuse and lack of depth or scope based on its intended operation. However, it should be noted that gradual and structured implementation of those technologies can inform users through practical training and instructional methods while also growing understanding of how best to apply the technology in everyday life and interactions. What I plan to learn and implement moving forward Over the last 5 or so years, I’ve gained new appreciation and interest in 3D technology. The fascinating thing is that there are multiple aspects of this tech including 3D gaming, 3D printing, VR and AR technologies. While I’ve had limited exposure to this exciting new chapter in technological evolution, I have yet to take the deep dive into it that I wo...

For a long time, the best parts of any of my pursuits of knowledge were driven primarily by my need to approach everything with a creative and visual focus. When I attended Austin Community College in the late 2000’s, it was my first time having full access to programs I had always wished I could use but never could afford. I could finally indulge my creativity. While there, I learned the fundamentals of color theory in my graphic design course, learned how typography is important to design in my illustration course, trained as a 3D modeler and animator, and dabbled a bit in video editing. Looking at the videos included in the module for my ED 7300 course was great since it operated as a nice refresher to concepts of fundamental design and helped with designing my personal logo. Since I decided to attempt creating a personal logo (presented on a business card template) for my media design project, the videos provided in the module on color and typography were a huge asset, as well as...

Over the last ten months, I’ve taken a new path in my educational journey by learning and growing my skillset as an Instructional Technologist. Over that time, a great deal of my growth has occurred through understanding how best to develop, analyze, and implement technology against the backdrop of educational needs for learners. In accordance with that goal, my competencies when using various forms of technology and multimedia have been established, improved, and in recent months, expanded due to my exposure to new forms of technical applications. In terms of my relationship with technology, most of my background is self-taught and experiential based. My strengths have been built over the course of my professional career in a myriad of ways. From operating a lab and troubleshooting issues as a computer tech for my hometown, to assisting students and instructors at Southwest Texas Junior College as an Instructional Aide for the Distance Learning department, I’ve honed my skills based...