Technology Self-Assessment
[WLOs: 2, 3, 4] [CLOs: 2, 3]
GEN102 ASSIGNMENT ONE
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Hi, I’m Shawn, a military advisor here at Ashford University. I hope you enjoyed your first week of GEN102, as you and your classmates examined the concept of literacy and explored the impact of technology on the transformation of how you learn, work, and live. As you progress through the next five weeks, you and your classmates will take a closer look at ways in which you use and continue to use technology wisely in all areas of your life.
Now it’s time for you to complete your first written assignment. There are three primary goals for this assignment. First, we want you to critically think about your current level of comfort and ability using digital tools and technology in your personal, academic, and professional life. Remember, not everyone starts out being proficient or comfortable with digital tools, and that’s perfectly OK.
Next, reflect on areas where you either want or need more information or practice to use these tools more effectively in the future. Our course will provide resources to help you achieve many of your future digital goals and enhance your digital literacy. The third goal is for you to evaluate the effectiveness of digital tools you plan to use to complete your course work for this and future courses, ensuring early on that you’re digitally prepared, will save you time and frustration as you venture further along your academic journey.
To successfully complete this written task, make sure you have read modules 1 and 2 in your textbook, completed the A Closer Look at Hardware and Software activity, and reviewed the resources in the Digital Tools tab. The Digital Tools tab contains a wealth of resources that will be very beneficial to your success here at Ashford University.
For this assignment, you will write a four paragraph essay. A topic of each paragraph is indicated within the prompt. For support developing your essay, you are encouraged to review the different digital tools in the Digital Tools tab. For example, for this essay and future written assignments, we recommend that you visit the Ashford Writing Center to explore as many writing modules and tutorials.
Writing is an important form of digital communication, so taking advantage of the tools located within the Ashford Writing Center will help you achieve your writing goals. You will be expected to create your essay in a Microsoft Word document and submit it to Waypoint. But before you submit, carefully review your essay to be sure that your paragraphs include a minimum of four sentences and effectively address every part of each prompt.
Double check your paper for errors with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and organization. Grammarly is another helpful digital tool that can identify these areas for you. Once you’re satisfied that your paper is complete, you are ready to upload it to Waypoint. Your instructor will review your work and provide feedback during the next learning week. If you have any questions about this exercise, contact your instructor. Good luck.
Transcript:
Prepare: Prior to beginning work on this assignment, read Modules 1 and 2 of your course textbook and complete the A Closer Look at Hardware and Software (Links to an external site.) activity. Review and familiarize yourself with the resources on the Digital Tools page, Microsoft Digital Literacy: Essential Skills with the Digital Literacy Curriculum (Links to an external site.), and in your Support U. Click Week 1 Assignment video (Links to an external site.) to view or visit Support U below to find resources each week that will help you complete your written assignments.
Reflect: Think about how we rely on electronic devices to maximize our experiences, solve problems, and enhance our lives. Consider how you will utilize the different resources available through University of Arizona Global Campus and leverage different kinds of technology to help you be successful.
Write: In a four-paragraph essay that is two pages in length, address the following bullet points:
Paragraph 1: Identify the types of devices you can use to access your online classroom. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using each device for coursework. Which device(s) will you primarily use for school and why?
Paragraph 2: Explore the University of Arizona Global Campus Resources and other tools (Microsoft, Folio, Textbook, and Canvas) on the Digital Tools page. Select one of the University of Arizona Global Campus resources and two of the other tools and explain how they will help you meet your academic and professional goals.
Paragraph 3: Identify two types of data storage and discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of each. Which one will you choose for your personal plan to organize and save your digital coursework?
Paragraph 4: Describe your strengths when it comes to being digitally literate. Explain the areas you are most interested in learning more about and improving upon to better prepare yourself for academic success and your future career goals.
The paper must be double-spaced and written in 12-point, Times New Roman font.
