SWOT Analysis

Personal Technology 1

Running head: PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY SWOT ANALYSIS

Personal Technology SWOT Analysis, Goals, and Plan

Student Name Here

University of West Georgia

Personal Technology 2

Personal Technology SWOT Analysis, Goals, and Plan

I am currently employed as an educational technology support specialist (ETSS)

at East Coweta High School. Coweta County School System has an ETSS assigned to

each school in the county. My primary job duties are to repair, maintain, and

troubleshoot computers, printers, scanners, and other such equipment. My secondary job

duty is to train teachers and staff on the use of technology in the classroom and

administrative offices. In reality, I feel that I do much more training and desktop support

than I do hardware support.

Strengths

One of my greatest strengths is my work experience in education. I taught for

three years at the middle school and high school level before entering the technology

support field I am in now. My background in education has served me well because I

have an understanding of state curriculum and the psychology of learning. I also have

empathy for what a classroom teacher faces when standing in front of a room full of

students to educate. Some of my counterparts with straight tech support backgrounds

have had difficulty understanding teacher needs.

Another major strength is my educational experience. Both my bachelor’s and

master’s degrees are in business education. My undergraduate coursework included

classes in word processing, data processing, and desktop publishing. These classes and

my work experience combined have resulted in proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel,

PowerPoint, and FrontPage. My graduate coursework included classes that honed in on

strategies for teaching those skills. The knowledge I have gained has helped

tremendously in the training duties of my position.

Comment [A1]: This is not APA for headings.

Comment [A2]: Good point!

Comment [A3]: Wording is a little awkward.

Personal Technology 3

I am a fast learner and a good communicator. These are personal characteristics

that I see as strengths in the field of technology. Technology is ever-changing; therefore,

I must constantly be ready to learn and tackle new skills, hardware, and software. Good

communication skills are quite helpful when troubleshooting a problem. Many times I

have to be able to walk a teacher through step by step to reach the problem and

understand what caused the problem before troubleshooting to resolve the issue.

Communication skills can be taken a step further to people skills. I have to be able to

work well with my teachers and inspire confidence in them to be able to encourage them

to try something new. Teachers need to believe that I will be available to help them if

they are willing to embark on integrating some new technology into their daily lessons.

Weaknesses

One of my greatest weaknesses is my limited hardware knowledge. Although

I’ve learned how to work with the equipment I have at my school, I’m not comfortable

encountering new equipment. This will be the first year I don’t have full warranty

support on my teacher computers, and I’ve already encountered some difficulties in

finding solutions to problems that have occurred. Because I’ve only recently begun

working with hardware, I lack the extensive background knowledge that my coworkers

have. I only have a basic understanding of how our network works; yet I have some

responsibility in troubleshooting and resolving problems with the network. I’m easily

intimated when standing in front of one of the racks I’m responsible for maintaining.

I also have weaknesses in a couple of software applications I’ve been expected to

utilize. None of my previous coursework covered Microsoft Access or Macromedia

Dreamweaver. There is an Access database that I’m responsible for supporting and

Comment [A4]: Hyphenate

Comment [A5]: These are good personal observations!

Comment [A6]: Italics and trademark in APA

Personal Technology 4

maintaining, and I have been called upon to create another database. Through

comparison and trial and error, I was able to get the job done; however, a better grasp of

database language and Access would have made the job easier. Our county also

purchased Dreamweaver to be used as our web editing software program. I’ve been able

to get all of the information migrated over so that I have a school page that functions, but

I lack the program knowledge necessary to make the page more interesting.

Some personal characteristics that I see as weaknesses include my lack of

patience and ease of frustration. I quickly run out patience when teachers just don’t seem

to “get it.” I’m also easily frustrated when things on my “to do” list start piling up. I

need to improve my ability to take a step back, prioritize my list, and hide my impatience

and frustration when dealing with my teachers. I also have difficulty delegating some of

the day-to-day tasks that I have because I find it easier to do it myself rather than explain

to someone else how to do it. These traits cause more work for me because I could

achieve more if I were willing to take the time to teach how to use the technology.

Opportunities

With the technology available on the market, I look for technology hardware and

software to become even more integral to education. I expect more teachers to want

increased technology capabilities in their classrooms. Students are more technologically

savvy, and recent teacher graduates are more aware of technology available to them. The

“typical” classroom setup should shift from TV, VCR, and overhead projector to one that

includes a computer with a DVD drive connected to a mounted LCD projector and a

whiteboard. Imagine the instructional possibilities if the teacher computer had these

Comment [A7]: Me too!

Comment [A8]: Sounds like we have some weaknesses in common ☺

Personal Technology 5

capabilities and became more of a direction instructional tool rather than the

administrative and planning tool that it is now.

I also anticipate more demand for technology from students and parents. Mobile

laptop carts are becoming more popular in schools. I anticipate a shift from stationary

academic labs to the use of laptop carts. Laptops maximize instructional time and make

technology more seamless for students and teachers to use. I look for more web based

software support and hope for more teacher-created instructional web pages. The

Internet provides a powerful means of communication that many parents and students

have accessible at home.

Threats

One of the biggest threats to achieving the implementation of technology is school

budgeting. Lack of funding makes it difficult to embrace emerging technology. The

federal government and state government limit school funding, and parents and

community members feel they are already paying enough to support local school

educational systems. There are also problems with dealing with the bureaucracy of

school funds. It can be quite confusing to go through the channels necessary to spend

any funds that might be available.

Another threat to implementing more technology is selling the benefits to those

involved. Administrators have to be convinced that the cost is justified and committed to

promoting technology with the teachers. Teachers then have to be willing to climb the

steep learning curve for implementing new technology into their classrooms. It is far too

easy for teachers to stay in the same familiar path instead of stepping out and trying

something new.

Comment [A9]: What about learning opportunities in the classes you are taking? Online learning as well, eh?

Comment [A10]: So true!

Comment [A11]: Any personal threats for you?

Personal Technology 6

Goals

My personal technology goals are to learn more about web page design and

become more familiar with Macromedia Dreamweaver. I want to improve upon the East

Coweta High School web page and build an intranet site for my teachers to access. I also

want to learn more about emerging technologies such as personal digital assistants and

pod casting. Interactive whiteboards are another tool I’d like to utilize more. I know

how to use one, but the newer software versions allow for so much more than projecting

and tapping on the board. Once I improve my skills in those areas, I’d like to then focus

on getting teachers to do the same thing. I want to continue to encourage teachers to

design their own web pages and teach them to use web pages as an instructional support

tool. I also want to enlist some teachers who would be willing to experiment more with

whiteboards and pod casting.

My main plan for achieving my goals is through my coursework as I pursue my

specialist’s degree in media and instructional technology. I’m currently enrolled in the

advanced computer utilization class which I hope will strengthen my web page skills. I

hope some of my future classes will incorporate grant writing and funding options so that

I can pursue alternative routes to acquiring funds to purchase new technology that is

currently out of reach. I also plan to attend state technology conferences to familiarize

myself with new technology that is available and bring that information back to share

with my administration and teachers.

Comment [A12]: I used to be very excited about pod casting but I am starting to change my opinion.

Personal Technology 7

You are in impressive writer. You are one of the best I have seen here at UWG. You can

write at the next level if you wanted to. It is always a pleasure to get a well-written paper

that is easy to read. Very well done. Full points. 15 of 15.

Personal Technology 1

Running head: PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY SWOT ANALYSIS

Personal Technology SWOT Analysis, Goals, and Plan

Student Name Here

University of West Georgia

Personal Technology 2

Personal Technology SWOT Analysis, Goals, and Plan

I am currently employed as an educational technology support specialist (ETSS)

at East Coweta High School. Coweta County School System has an ETSS assigned to

each school in the county. My primary job duties are to repair, maintain, and

troubleshoot computers, printers, scanners, and other such equipment. My secondary job

duty is to train teachers and staff on the use of technology in the classroom and

administrative offices. In reality, I feel that I do much more training and desktop support

than I do hardware support.

Strengths

One of my greatest strengths is my work experience in education. I taught for

three years at the middle school and high school level before entering the technology

support field I am in now. My background in education has served me well because I

have an understanding of state curriculum and the psychology of learning. I also have

empathy for what a classroom teacher faces when standing in front of a room full of

students to educate. Some of my counterparts with straight tech support backgrounds

have had difficulty understanding teacher needs.

Another major strength is my educational experience. Both my bachelor’s and

master’s degrees are in business education. My undergraduate coursework included

classes in word processing, data processing, and desktop publishing. These classes and

my work experience combined have resulted in proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel,

PowerPoint, and FrontPage. My graduate coursework included classes that honed in on

strategies for teaching those skills. The knowledge I have gained has helped

tremendously in the training duties of my position.

Comment [A1]: This is not APA for headings.

Comment [A2]: Good point!

Comment [A3]: Wording is a little awkward.

Personal Technology 3

I am a fast learner and a good communicator. These are personal characteristics

that I see as strengths in the field of technology. Technology is ever-changing; therefore,

I must constantly be ready to learn and tackle new skills, hardware, and software. Good

communication skills are quite helpful when troubleshooting a problem. Many times I

have to be able to walk a teacher through step by step to reach the problem and

understand what caused the problem before troubleshooting to resolve the issue.

Communication skills can be taken a step further to people skills. I have to be able to

work well with my teachers and inspire confidence in them to be able to encourage them

to try something new. Teachers need to believe that I will be available to help them if

they are willing to embark on integrating some new technology into their daily lessons.

Weaknesses

One of my greatest weaknesses is my limited hardware knowledge. Although

I’ve learned how to work with the equipment I have at my school, I’m not comfortable

encountering new equipment. This will be the first year I don’t have full warranty

support on my teacher computers, and I’ve already encountered some difficulties in

finding solutions to problems that have occurred. Because I’ve only recently begun

working with hardware, I lack the extensive background knowledge that my coworkers

have. I only have a basic understanding of how our network works; yet I have some

responsibility in troubleshooting and resolving problems with the network. I’m easily

intimated when standing in front of one of the racks I’m responsible for maintaining.

I also have weaknesses in a couple of software applications I’ve been expected to

utilize. None of my previous coursework covered Microsoft Access or Macromedia

Dreamweaver. There is an Access database that I’m responsible for supporting and

Comment [A4]: Hyphenate

Comment [A5]: These are good personal observations!

Comment [A6]: Italics and trademark in APA

Personal Technology 4

maintaining, and I have been called upon to create another database. Through

comparison and trial and error, I was able to get the job done; however, a better grasp of

database language and Access would have made the job easier. Our county also

purchased Dreamweaver to be used as our web editing software program. I’ve been able

to get all of the information migrated over so that I have a school page that functions, but

I lack the program knowledge necessary to make the page more interesting.

Some personal characteristics that I see as weaknesses include my lack of

patience and ease of frustration. I quickly run out patience when teachers just don’t seem

to “get it.” I’m also easily frustrated when things on my “to do” list start piling up. I

need to improve my ability to take a step back, prioritize my list, and hide my impatience

and frustration when dealing with my teachers. I also have difficulty delegating some of

the day-to-day tasks that I have because I find it easier to do it myself rather than explain

to someone else how to do it. These traits cause more work for me because I could

achieve more if I were willing to take the time to teach how to use the technology.

Opportunities

With the technology available on the market, I look for technology hardware and

software to become even more integral to education. I expect more teachers to want

increased technology capabilities in their classrooms. Students are more technologically

savvy, and recent teacher graduates are more aware of technology available to them. The

“typical” classroom setup should shift from TV, VCR, and overhead projector to one that

includes a computer with a DVD drive connected to a mounted LCD projector and a

whiteboard. Imagine the instructional possibilities if the teacher computer had these

Comment [A7]: Me too!

Comment [A8]: Sounds like we have some weaknesses in common ☺

Personal Technology 5

capabilities and became more of a direction instructional tool rather than the

administrative and planning tool that it is now.

I also anticipate more demand for technology from students and parents. Mobile

laptop carts are becoming more popular in schools. I anticipate a shift from stationary

academic labs to the use of laptop carts. Laptops maximize instructional time and make

technology more seamless for students and teachers to use. I look for more web based

software support and hope for more teacher-created instructional web pages. The

Internet provides a powerful means of communication that many parents and students

have accessible at home.

Threats

One of the biggest threats to achieving the implementation of technology is school

budgeting. Lack of funding makes it difficult to embrace emerging technology. The

federal government and state government limit school funding, and parents and

community members feel they are already paying enough to support local school

educational systems. There are also problems with dealing with the bureaucracy of

school funds. It can be quite confusing to go through the channels necessary to spend

any funds that might be available.

Another threat to implementing more technology is selling the benefits to those

involved. Administrators have to be convinced that the cost is justified and committed to

promoting technology with the teachers. Teachers then have to be willing to climb the

steep learning curve for implementing new technology into their classrooms. It is far too

easy for teachers to stay in the same familiar path instead of stepping out and trying

something new.

Comment [A9]: What about learning opportunities in the classes you are taking? Online learning as well, eh?

Comment [A10]: So true!

Comment [A11]: Any personal threats for you?

Personal Technology 6

Goals

My personal technology goals are to learn more about web page design and

become more familiar with Macromedia Dreamweaver. I want to improve upon the East

Coweta High School web page and build an intranet site for my teachers to access. I also

want to learn more about emerging technologies such as personal digital assistants and

pod casting. Interactive whiteboards are another tool I’d like to utilize more. I know

how to use one, but the newer software versions allow for so much more than projecting

and tapping on the board. Once I improve my skills in those areas, I’d like to then focus

on getting teachers to do the same thing. I want to continue to encourage teachers to

design their own web pages and teach them to use web pages as an instructional support

tool. I also want to enlist some teachers who would be willing to experiment more with

whiteboards and pod casting.

My main plan for achieving my goals is through my coursework as I pursue my

specialist’s degree in media and instructional technology. I’m currently enrolled in the

advanced computer utilization class which I hope will strengthen my web page skills. I

hope some of my future classes will incorporate grant writing and funding options so that

I can pursue alternative routes to acquiring funds to purchase new technology that is

currently out of reach. I also plan to attend state technology conferences to familiarize

myself with new technology that is available and bring that information back to share

with my administration and teachers.

Comment [A12]: I used to be very excited about pod casting but I am starting to change my opinion.

Personal Technology 7

You are in impressive writer. You are one of the best I have seen here at UWG. You can

write at the next level if you wanted to. It is always a pleasure to get a well-written paper

that is easy to read. Very well done. Full points. 15 of 15.