Reyna Cruz

Reflection Paper Assignment

EDT 180 iCourse Section C
December 5, 2019

I chose this specific course, ‘Problem Solving using Digital Technology Apps’, because although

I know how to use a computer well, I knew that there were certain skills that I needed to refine

and others that I needed to learn. However, now reflecting back on this semester this course has

turned out to be more valuable for my personal and educational life than I had expected it to be.

The three most impactful modules that I completed this course were the Excel, infographic, and

screen casting modules.

Right around the beginning of this course we started learning about something that I have been

wanting to work on; Microsoft applications, more specifically Excel. I had only used Excel once

during high school, but I knew that I needed more help in understanding this application because

it is a super helpful tool and something that most jobs require you to know how to use. Before

beginning this module, I was actually intimidated by Excel, because even on a blank document

there was still a lot on it. However, having that screencast to follow every step to complete the

project was extremely helpful and little by little I began noticing the different tools and

possibilities Excel had to offer. For example, I never understood the difference between the

different colors the cross icon would change to or what the point of the little hand was. Now, I

know not only the basics of Excel but also some shortcuts and tips that will help me complete

projects on Excel

Another module that I felt was important to learn and know I will be using in the future are

infographics. Usually, when I present data or other people it can be boring and sometimes also

hard trying to figure out ways to organize is it to be both informational and captivating. Before

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Reyna Cruz
Reflection Paper Assignment
EDT 180 iCourse Section C
December 5, 2019

the module on infographics I had seen them before, but I did not know what they were called or

how I could even use them. I used this infographic assignment to create one about women in

politics because not only am I studying Political Science but since I wanted to showcase different

numbers and statistics it seemed the best use for it. I really enjoyed creating the layout for the

infographic and also looking at the others that people have done because it shows how many

ideas and information can be put on an infographic.

Our last module was actually the model I liked best; screen casting. The entire semester I

thoroughly enjoyed being able to watch a step-by-step screencast on the different assignments

we had to complete. Personally, I have always been more of a visual learner and to only have

written instructions to follow for a project is difficult. With screen casting, however, you are able

to show a multitude of people in different places how to do something. It is an easy and effective

way to be able to teach at the pace of every person's individual needs.

This semester, I was very grateful to have taken this course because these skills that we have

learned are now something that everyone expects you to know. And although many of us have

used different tools and applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive,

and such things, with this course, we were able to dive deep into each one and learn not only the

basics but the advanced features. I know that the different skills that I have acquired through this

course I will be using for not only my personal use but also towards my education and

professional use.

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