The Technology (TECH) competency observes an individual’s abilities to utilize digital resources and tools that promotes student learning, growth, and success. The TECH competency also reflects upon how technology can improve professionals’ practices. The ACPA & NASPA (2016) rubric lists four subsets that a professional can use to self-evaluate their proficiency in this area: technical tools and software, data use and compliance, digital identity and citizenship, and online learning environments. I believe that I am at an intermediate level of proficiency in this area.

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Serving on Fredonia’s Office of Residence Life Marketing and Media committee, technology essentially is the driving force of all that we do on the committee. I have been able to leverage technology and social media to boost the office’s social media presence. We have developed a Twitter page, Facebook page, and Instagram page to reach different audiences and to boost our engagement with students. On our social media, we try our best to use our platform to give concise and very important information to our followers. When posting on the social media platforms, we have to ensure that our digital identity is kept professional and that we are promoting specifics for our department. After an assessment of social media use, we have made changes to our content. We noticed that we get more interactions on our Instagram posts if we post actual people. With this in mind, we have been able to effectively do our job while giving our followers what they enjoy. Understanding the power social media and technology has is the first step to truly maximizing its usage. Shifting your perspective and viewing social media as a means of business rather than a means of digital fun will help others in using it effectively.

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Because of HEA 588, I have a Twitter specifically for higher education and student affairs purposes. I have been able to get my name out there amongst my peers and professionals through chats and discussions on Facebook and Twitter. Focusing on my usage of social media in regards to student affairs, I have been able to enhance different aspects of my life as a professional. Taking this course has taught me to be intentional with putting myself out there and connecting with professionals and colleagues. I have been able to connect with others through conference backchannels and weekly discussions on Twitter. Through the weekly discussions on Twitter and thought-provoking questions being asked on student affairs Facebook pages, I have been able to connect with professionals nationwide. 

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