“The machine does not isolate man from the great problems of nature but plunges him more deeply into them.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This quote well represents my thoughts toward the usage of technology. I see it as an excellent tool to use to enhance your understanding and knowledge about any given subject. It can help by immersing you in new topics and can provide new ways of learning. For a human services professional, technology provides the ability to immerse oneself into the vast problems of society and learn how to adjust your perspectives to new issues with ease.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area.” (Merriam-Webster, 2013) In my development as a human services professional, I have become aware that technology can be seen and used in various ways. Technology is an excellent source for connecting people to new information, connecting to people around the world, developing new perspectives on life and society, and is used in daily work by Human Services professionals. As a privileged student I had the ability to use computers, online databases, and other forms of technology throughout my education. This has increased my ability to learn and understand concepts and ideologies more efficiently while providing me with resources to enhance my professional development from the comfort of my own home.
Human Services technological practices follow a particular set of standards that illustrate the ethical use of technology in this field of work. These standards provide a base for all students and professionals as an outline of essential skills required in the Human Services field.
Many of the courses in the Human Services Program take place, at least partly, in a web-based educational classroom (Blackboard or Canvas). With the use of online discussion forums and other social media websites I have been able develop Communication and Collaboration skills. HSP 450 Survey of Addictions and Dependencies took place entirely online. It included students from the distance learning program as well as those on campus in Bellingham and Everett. Each week there would be a discussion based around the recent readings; students would post their understanding of the material and debate controversial topics. This piece of technology has been incredibly influential to my learning as it has provided me with diverse perspectives, a safe place for learning, and a place where I can feel comfortable voicing my own opinion while learning from other students.
In HSP 385 Applied Research Methods, I utilized academic databases and web search engines to create the annotated bibliography used for my research proposal on how witnessing domestic violence affects the lives of children as they grow up. These pieces of technology have been important in all areas of my academic and professional growth as they have contributed the most to my learning. Through these technological tools I have been able to analyze and understand what information is best suited for my topic and which sources are most reliable. From grant writing to program evaluation these skills will be useful in many ways throughout my career. My mastery in Research, Information Fluency, and Digital Citizenship were formed by learning how to ethically use this technology in the Human Services Program.
I have also used a variety of other technological tools throughout my education. Microsoft Office programs were used in the majority of my assignments and contributed in the development of my education and professionalism. Throughout my experience at the American Red Cross I have used these programs for creating spreadsheets, newsletters, posters, direct mail advertisements and donation request letters. More specifically, I utilized Microsoft Office PowerPoint to create a slide show presentation about my identity contextualized to describe myself in relation to the Human Services field. This program allowed me to develop my skills in Creativity and Innovation through personalizing my presentation. My skills and knowledge in this area will contribute to my ability to develop creative marketing materials in nonprofit organizations.
My skills in Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making slowly developed as I began to understand the different technological pieces that are involved with Human Services delivery systems. The application of these skills can best be seen in my analysis of a case study in HSP 315 Life-Span Human Development. This assignment required me to use skills in research and critical thinking to analyze the concerns within the Barton family through analyzing current developmental stages of each family member and recommending possible services to help provide for their needs. These particular skills will continue to be used outside my education when working with diverse clients, especially in case management other direct service delivery systems. Throughout my professional development I will continue to use ethical technology practices, critical thinking skills in problem solving or decision making, and provide support and advocacy for the ethical use of technology in the workplace. This can be seen in the production of surveys or questionnaires, providing clients with resources and services, or in research to promote change.
Technology has largely contributed to my education and professional growth in the Human Services field. I have gained new skills in critically analyzing data, understanding human services delivery systems, and enhancing my perspectives on current global issues surrounding technology and human services. My ability to understand, accept, or question what I am learning while increasing accessibility to new knowledge has been a great benefit of having technology involved throughout my education. It has been influential in my academic learning and professional development through understanding and learning about the delivery of human services programs and services.
References:
Brainy Quote. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_technology3.html
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Retrieved from:http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology
Human Services technological practices follow a particular set of standards that illustrate the ethical use of technology in this field of work. These standards provide a base for all students and professionals as an outline of essential skills required in the Human Services field.
- Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
- Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
- Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
- Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate tools and resources.
- Digital Citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
- Technology Operations and Concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
Many of the courses in the Human Services Program take place, at least partly, in a web-based educational classroom (Blackboard or Canvas). With the use of online discussion forums and other social media websites I have been able develop Communication and Collaboration skills. HSP 450 Survey of Addictions and Dependencies took place entirely online. It included students from the distance learning program as well as those on campus in Bellingham and Everett. Each week there would be a discussion based around the recent readings; students would post their understanding of the material and debate controversial topics. This piece of technology has been incredibly influential to my learning as it has provided me with diverse perspectives, a safe place for learning, and a place where I can feel comfortable voicing my own opinion while learning from other students.
In HSP 385 Applied Research Methods, I utilized academic databases and web search engines to create the annotated bibliography used for my research proposal on how witnessing domestic violence affects the lives of children as they grow up. These pieces of technology have been important in all areas of my academic and professional growth as they have contributed the most to my learning. Through these technological tools I have been able to analyze and understand what information is best suited for my topic and which sources are most reliable. From grant writing to program evaluation these skills will be useful in many ways throughout my career. My mastery in Research, Information Fluency, and Digital Citizenship were formed by learning how to ethically use this technology in the Human Services Program.
I have also used a variety of other technological tools throughout my education. Microsoft Office programs were used in the majority of my assignments and contributed in the development of my education and professionalism. Throughout my experience at the American Red Cross I have used these programs for creating spreadsheets, newsletters, posters, direct mail advertisements and donation request letters. More specifically, I utilized Microsoft Office PowerPoint to create a slide show presentation about my identity contextualized to describe myself in relation to the Human Services field. This program allowed me to develop my skills in Creativity and Innovation through personalizing my presentation. My skills and knowledge in this area will contribute to my ability to develop creative marketing materials in nonprofit organizations.
My skills in Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making slowly developed as I began to understand the different technological pieces that are involved with Human Services delivery systems. The application of these skills can best be seen in my analysis of a case study in HSP 315 Life-Span Human Development. This assignment required me to use skills in research and critical thinking to analyze the concerns within the Barton family through analyzing current developmental stages of each family member and recommending possible services to help provide for their needs. These particular skills will continue to be used outside my education when working with diverse clients, especially in case management other direct service delivery systems. Throughout my professional development I will continue to use ethical technology practices, critical thinking skills in problem solving or decision making, and provide support and advocacy for the ethical use of technology in the workplace. This can be seen in the production of surveys or questionnaires, providing clients with resources and services, or in research to promote change.
Technology has largely contributed to my education and professional growth in the Human Services field. I have gained new skills in critically analyzing data, understanding human services delivery systems, and enhancing my perspectives on current global issues surrounding technology and human services. My ability to understand, accept, or question what I am learning while increasing accessibility to new knowledge has been a great benefit of having technology involved throughout my education. It has been influential in my academic learning and professional development through understanding and learning about the delivery of human services programs and services.
References:
Brainy Quote. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_technology3.html
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Retrieved from:http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology