The Technology (TECH) competency area refers to one’s awareness and strategic use of technologies and resources to enhance student learning and success and advance the profession of student affairs (ACPA & NASPA, 2015). Student affairs educators should explore different resources that can help enhance their knowledge of higher education trends, methods for measuring student learning, and tools that support more effective communication among students and colleagues. With the rapid pace at which technology is evolving and bringing new resources and possibilities to students, staff, and faculty, it is important to learn about new developments and understand the value, benefit, and other implications in adopting technology at a personal, divisional, or institutional level. ACPA and NASPA (2015) reference the development of “digital literacy” and “digital citizenship” for all populations within a college or university setting (p. 33).  These terms reflect a forward-thinking approach about incorporating technology into one’s practice to enhance teaching and learning, as well as training students and others on responsible technology use.

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I have several years of experience working with student affairs educators and supporting their initiatives to assess student learning outcomes. My career path into the field of higher education was relatively nontraditional and began at a technology company. In my position as an assessment onboarding consultant, I most commonly work with department or division directors, assistant directors, assessment coordinators, and associate provosts. It is my responsibility to understand unique campus goals and processes for multiple levels of planning, outcomes frameworks, program review, accreditation, and student and staff assessment methods. Through talking with campus partners and building an understanding of their culture and practices, I am able to reinforce the value and benefit of utilizing specific technology and develop and deliver a training plan for the site administrators. As a result, my experience and skills in various TECH areas are weighted toward the intermediate and advanced outcomes.

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My competence in technical tools and software is intermediate, as I work with multiple assessment modules daily and regularly troubleshoot questions and issues.  I also have knowledge of software outside of the company, which includes a general understanding of what our competitors offer in the areas of assessment, student engagement software, and faculty course evaluations. I have developed a foundational level of knowledge and experience in data use and compliance over the last eight years through exposure to campus regulations and best practices outlined by our chief data security officer. I also have experience in more advanced areas, such as supporting and promoting a “culture in which information is valued and scrutinized prior to its use” (ACPA & NASPA, 2016, p. 33), both for campus partners and within the workplace.  In the areas of digital identity and citizenship and online learning environments, my role requires skills in intermediate and advanced competencies to support campuses in the successful implementation and adoption of new technology. I have experience maintaining an appropriate and professional digital presence, participating in professional development opportunities for continued learning, contributing resources such as live and recorded training webinars for a nation-wide network of higher education professionals, and providing leadership and guidance on best practices for implementing and adopting technology.

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Additionally, I utilize personal social media and networking accounts, participate in online HESAA program networking and engagement, and regularly use school technology resources such as Blackboard Learn. In my graduate internship, I gained experience with using new technology such as Pave for documenting and reporting conduct cases and Canva for creating brochures and marketing flyers to promote programs and services. In HEA 624: Supervised Practice I and HEA 625: Supervised Practice II, I learned how to create a Wix website to build an e-portfolio and professional brand complete with my background and resume, professional competencies, artifacts, philosophies, and blog reflections.

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