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Personal Technology SWOT Analysis, Goals, and Plan

Reflection is a powerful thing.  It is through this process that we improve ourselves.  Whether we are perfecting a golf swing or a lesson plan, the practice of reflection that enables us to identify our strengths and weaknesses, where we went wrong and what we did right, and where we are and where we need to go.  Currently, I am on my 32nd trip around the Sun and spend my time on this journey as a public educator. Over the past 18 trillion miles, I have seen vast improvements in science and technology.  These technological advancements have changed the way the world operates and how people operate in the world.  Therefore, it has changed the way we, in the educational world, have to operate.  The need for reflection is paramount if we are to determine how these changes affect students and the effects of such changes. 

Technology Strengths
It is hard to determine at what point I began my fascination with technology.  As a small child, to the detriment of my parents, I loved to take things apart and only occasionally put them back together.  I remember our first VCR, game console, video camera, and computer.  While stereotypical, I admit that I am a man who loves gadgets. However, I find this to be a great technological strength.  While a lot of people shy away from new equipment and technology, I cannot wait to try it.    I have seen, first-hand, how engaged students can be when using various forms of technology.  I consider it a strength that I share their enthusiasm.  I look forward to showcasing new and exciting technologies in my classroom. 
My experiences with technology are not limited to the computer type.  I served four years in the United States Air Force, during which time I was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.   My time spent in the military working very closely to Sandia National Laboratories exposed me to technologies both awe-inspiring and frightening.  When analyzing military uses of technology, it helps one to realize the importance of examining new innovations for both the good and bad. 
After four years of working for my favorite uncle ended, it was back to college.  I enrolled at Athens Technical College in Athens, Georgia to get my associate degree in computer networking.  The course work in this program supplied me with a solid foundation of knowledge regarding computer technology. From electrons to modern operating systems and all the hardware in between, I was enthralled.  When discussing new technology, I think it is easier when one knows more about the underlying technologies on which the new is built. 
I continued my education at the University of Georgia where I majored in Technology Education.  It is common for people to use the term technology and computers as if they were the same thing, though this is not the case.  The curriculum in the program was very well-rounded.   Along with computer application courses, I studied construction, applied physics, and video production.  As a result of my studies, I feel I have a broad understanding of technology, not just with the use of computers.  Though trees are beautiful, I believe it is a strength to be able to step back and see the forest.
I feel my greatest technological strength is my willingness to continue my education, to learn as much as I am able and, God willing, pass on this love of learning to my students. 

Technology Weaknesses
There are a good number of programs for which my proficiency should probably be higher. However, this is an eternal battle, for there will always be a new version or a new program to learn.  Besides my skills with various programs, I would consider my peer-tutoring ability one of my biggest technological weaknesses.  I will often assume that others know what I am describing when this is often not the case.  I imagine they hear something similar to "Wha wha wha," like the teacher from Charlie Brown.  This is something I am working hard to correct. 
My first two years working, I taught technology education.  My classroom was filled with computers, technology module learning stations, and a projector.  It is not difficult to include technology in lessons when that is your subject area. However, since I have moved to teaching math, I rarely use any newer technologies in my classroom.  I am a little disappointed at my own lack of motivation.  I am more than capable of integrating more technology into my math lessons.  Calculators, pens, and pencils are all great technologies, but I know I could do better.  The fact that resources are scarce is not an excuse.
I am a big proponent of increasing technology in schools.  I think some type of personal tablet computer should be standard for every student. I do not think computers should only be utilized during a computer literacy class.  I consider it a weakness that I am not more vocal of my opinions on the matter.  I should strive to become more involved in the politics that govern these types of decisions.  It is important to remember that we are lead by those who show up for the job, not always the ones who are most qualified. 

Technology Opportunities
Assuming we do not destroy ourselves somewhere along the way, the advancement of technology is inevitable.  While technological progress has been evident since the dawn of civilization, in the last century we have seen a tremendous increase in the speed of this progression. Such is the way of our modern world; technological opportunities are abundant.  As computing technology becomes cheaper, we will see a closing of the digital divide, and more people will be connected like never before. 
From an educational perspective, I believe we will see and, in fact, have seen more educational choices that involve distance learning technologies.   As the pervasiveness of technology continues to increase, I consider it only a matter of time before every student will use computing technologies in every class.  Thus, it will be vital that we, in the educational field, be prepared to best utilize these resources.  Future administrations are going to need employees who not only know how to use these technologies but are also able to adapt when new technology arrives.  It will be a great opportunity for those who feel at home riding the technological train. 

Technology Threats
Currently, the cost of technology is a little too high but getting cheaper every day.  So while the cost of implementing technology on a grand scale is daunting, I do not think this will always be the case.  Still, cost will always be an issue for anything that isn't free. 
I think a bigger threat to the integration of technology comes from people.  I feel that a lot of people do not see or understand the amazing capabilities of modern technologies.  Instead, they only see the undesirable content.  This is coupled with the fact that they themselves would have to learn how to use all of the new equipment and software.  I suppose this will always be an issue, one for which I do not have an answer; it is a shame.
Current technologies may quite possibly be threatened by previous implementations of technology. To the outside world, the only measurement tools used to assess a school are their standardized test scores.  Since there is not any overwhelming evidence that technology enhances these scores, our leaders may decide that money and resources would be better spent on other things. 

Technology Goals
My personal technology goals have often changed over the years.  At one point or another I aspired to be a network administrator, computer programmer, and game developer.  However, on my current course, I know I will be working in education for many years, so my goals have changed yet again.    There are many Internet technologies and applications for web design that I am interested in using more proficiently.  After honing my skills, I plan to implement these new skill sets within my classroom.   I plan on learning as much as possible about distance learning technologies. This is a field in which I am very interested and would very much like to be involved.  I also plan on learning more about digital photography and possibly delving back into some computer programming.
I am currently working on my Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology.  Due to the nature of my coursework, I will be working towards most of my goals during the next year.   I also plan to begin working more with web animation software and hopefully start designing my own instructional animations.  I also plan on taking a serious look at open-source software that could be used as an alternative to commercial software in an educational setting.  
I have many more miles to travel in my journey, but I believe in enjoying the ride.