A little about me. And my technological abilities.

 Week 1

Blog Reflection for ICT's for Learning Design

I have never fancied myself a very techno-savvy person.  In fact, I suffered quite the embarrassment last year when after years of University study via Distance Education I was forced to take a subject on campus, as it was becoming clear I was getting nowhere trying it at home (the evil, decrepit, soul-sucking Advanced Statistical Analysis and Design).   I settled into my work station and set about opening the necessary online files for our lesson.  No juice.  Ok, breathe, try again.  Again, files refuse to open.  Swear quietly under breath.  Try again.  Still no action.  Beckon lecturer over with pleading eyes.  He takes one look and tells me that they only work with Firefox, then quickly moves on to another student.  I have only one problem.  I have no idea what a Firefox is.  I'm envisioning a sleek and regal creature, with deep russet fur and a tail alight with flames.  However I'm fairly certain that's not what he meant, so I turn my pleading eyes toward the student next to me.  "It's the other Internet browser we use..." she says very slowly, then leans over and clicks the icon.  Viola!  Things run smoothly from there.  What I didn't particularly want to share was the fact that I thought Internet Explorer was quite simply the Internet... 

Picture Source: Obscure Internet

I thought I'd share my moment of complete and utter DUH with you, to illustrate the fact that although I can Facebook like a boss, email, find recipes, use my Internet Banking, and find my way around Moodle, I've had very little experience with contributing to content on the web.  I also might add that I'm not exactly a dinosaur.  I'm 25.  I have no experience with blogs, except for the many hours I've spent reading other people's and procrastinating on Mamamia (http://www.mamamia.com.au/).  Nor have I wiki'd before, or created an online quiz.  So I'm guessing this is going to be a steep learning curve for me, but after having the initial gasp! at the course content, I'm feeling like I'm going to learn some pretty exciting new concepts.  And with the continually changing needs of the classroom, hopefully I'll be able to use many of my new skills, and won't have to turn to my little Year 4's with pleading eyes.  So with unbridled enthusiasm, it's on to course content!