Alexis Morales

Reflection Paper Assignment

EDT Section D
April 24, 2019

Goals and Achievements

Excel was probably one of the most challenging programs that I have learned to this day. Before

EDT 180, I had little to no knowledge of how to carry out formulas, use data, and utilize the

many features on Excel. It has made my life in data and grading, so much easier. I learned how

to properly use Excel along with its many features and although I have much more to learn about

the program, I can use what little I know to benefit me in large ways. When I started this

program, it just looked like a blank sheet with lines on it. Similar to that of a graphing piece of

paper. Now I can look at the program’s blank starting point and visualize the final product and

what the outcome may look like. Excel is great tool for all future educators to use, especially

since I will be working with a second-grade class, this is the crucial period to build relationships

with your class. I would rather spend time building relations with my students, rather than

spending time writing out everything. Now that I have learned how to use Excel and use it to my

advantage, I will not be discouraged when a job application states that it needs a tech-savvy,

Excel user. Something I found truly intriguing was when I understood how to take data from one

sheet and put it into a formula on another sheet. This was my lightbulb moment. In my research

project, things were not adding up nor making sense so once I figured this out, I felt untouchable.

Photoshop was a common program that I have heard about since I was rather young. It was not

until I got my hands on the program that I realized the kind of drastic changes one can make to

setting, person, or body. I always saw a difference in celebrities when portrayed in magazines

and photoshoots. I found myself constantly asking, “when did she get so tall? How did her eyes

grow and change color?” Finally, once I realized that technology played a huge part in all of my

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Alexis Morales
Reflection Paper Assignment
EDT Section D
April 24, 2019

insecurities, I felt a newfound sense of confidence. I learned that with photoshop and all of its

amazing, magic-like features, one can truly be anything on the screen. I learned how to make

one’s hair longer, teeth whiter, eyes a different color, and so much more. I started by feeling

confused and unsure how to use background pictures, making new layers, and selecting what I

wanted to change. Once I got the hang of it, it made photoshop a fun and interesting tool. In my

future, I hope to take my own pictures of weddings, seniors, and so much more. Hopefully, I can

pursue this idea as a side job for when I become a teacher. With this information and knowledge,

I feel more empowered when taking photographs and editing them to my liking or to others

liking. I enjoy this sense of confidence when I am given a new task on technology, I enjoy

finding a way to do something and understand on my own.

Word has been a constant factor in my education-life. Whenever I had to write a paper, I tended

to lean more towards Word, rather than Google Docs. This was due to the fact that I have been

more familiar with Word since I was younger. Word has always been my go-to for multiple

assignments. I understood the ins and outs of this program…or so I thought. Once I came to EDT

180 and Mr. Lewallen made it clear that I did not know all that there was to know about Word. I

became aware of all the short-cuts that ran under my nose and slipped by me. This was an

extremely eye-opening moment since I felt as if I knew all there was to know about Word. This

knowledge will help me in my career by submitting essays or types of documents to my

superiors and higher-ups. I feel as if I know more than ever when it comes to Word, thanks to

Mr. Lewallen.

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