Competency 4: Computer Usage

In the advancing modern world technology becomes a greater and greater force. It is no wonder that almost everything is now moving towards the digital world. The competency of computer usage is one that plays an important role for graduating students. Graduates will leave the university with a core knowledge of how to use computers and related technologies. Because technology continues to grow and become more useful, graduates must show the abilities to grow with technology so they can perform at their optimum potential. Graduates who have a respectable understanding of compute usage will be able to:

•Use and create products on computers such as word documents, spreadsheets, graphic applications, telecommunications, conferencing, and electronic mail technologies.
•Use computers and related technologies to create new ways of communication, and interactive experiences.

During my time here at UAS I have been exposed to technology more than expected. When I worked for the provost I often had to create Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and for all my courses typed papers were required. But often my knowledge of computers and their programs were challenged as I learned to use technology in different way to help me succeed in my classes and to help communicate my ideas better.
During my time at UAS, I have taken a couple distance classes. Because the classes were located in Ketchikan, I often relied on technology to keep me connected with my professor. These courses included, Introduction to Geography (Geog 101), History of the US (Hist 131), and Astronomy (Astr 225). During my distance classes I often had to navigate through the course website, frequently e-mail my professors, and even participate in teleconferencing. Because I was able to learn and see this technology I successfully passed each of these classes.
When I worked as a teaching assistant I often used technology to help broaden perspective, educate about current events, and create activities using technology. Often I would bring a mobile classroom into the class, other times I would hook up my laptop to the projector and show pertinent videos to the class from YouTube that would help facilitate discussion. My activities also had a digital element. One interactive activity I conducted required the students to think about world economics through an interactive PowerPoint presentation I created.

PowerPoint Presentation on 16th Century Religious Symbolism seen in Art
PowerPoint Presentation on Deaf Culture
Humanities 120 "What is a Hero" Worksheet Part 1
Humanities 120 "What is a Hero" Worksheet Part 2
Humanities 120 "What is a Hero" Worksheet Part 3

As a peer advocate I have been using the computer for many different tasks including research, documentation, and communication with my staff and peers. I would also use computer technology to help me create an annual newsletter that I would distribute to residents to help inform them about Health and Wellness issues. The Newsletter created a lot of positive response and allowed students an anonymous way to ask me questions. Computer technology also allowed me to design different templates for over sized postcards I gave to residents and students in the classes I was a TA in, for doing good work. These card allowed me to express my appreciation, motivate positive behavior, and congratulate people for exceptional work.


Design I created for UAS Peer Advocate Website
-Link to Newsletter One
-link to Newsletter 2
"I'm a Frickin Rockstar!" Front Back
"The World Does Not Revolve Around Me!" Front Back
"I'm a huge Tool!" Front Back
"I'm not a Slob!" Front Back

In my Humanities capstone class, I used technology every week researching, and learning new programs. I first learned how to create a professional online blog, and also found a new way of creating art by composing a digital movie. Both the movie and the blog challenged me to mix art with technology to create products that accurately represented myself. I scanned in hundreds of pictures and documents, and learned how to import these in to different programs. For my movie I transferred video into a digital format, and learned how to use the program painter to create a mini animated movie. Finally I learned how to use other programs such as Photo shop and iMovie to record my voice, and work with images to complete my piece.

-Link to Movie
-link to animation