Reflection

Reflection - Digital Portfolio (Ed Tech)

Educational Technology, has been a redundant yet fun course. Educational technology introduced us to some new platforms along with some others which may have been explored from the secondary education level. Platforms like Wix.com, CreateWebQuest.com, and Podbean.com were key factors in this assignment, and my approach as an educator has been positively altered due our exploration. In integrating these tools, I found a connection with the ISTE NETS (International Society for Technology in Education - National Educational Technology Standards) for teachers, enhancing both my instructional strategies and the learning experience I aim to give my students.

The assignment asked for a digital portfolio which was in the form of a website. To create this website, I chose to use Wix.com. Wix served as a versatile blueprint for creating a dynamic and appealing website. Designing a classroom website allowed me to address the ISTE NETS Standard for Teachers related to "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity”. This platform aided in providing students with a centralized hub for resources, and interactive content. The visual appeal and user-friendly interface of Wix facilitated an engaging and accessible virtual environment, aligning with NETS standards focused on creating learner-centric experiences.

A WebQuest, was another component of the assignment and to create this CreateWebQuest.com was utilized. Utilizing CreateWebQuest.com was a game-changer in promoting inquiry-based learning, connecting directly with the ISTE NETS Standard. The tool allowed me to craft an interactive and collaborative webquest, encouraging students to explore, analyze, and combine information. By incorporating this technology, I could foster critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and collaborative problem-solving.

Podcasting was a first for me, as I would mostly avoid placing my voice in any material created. This assignment however, required that I did so. Thus I decided to make use of Podbean.com, to create my podcast. Podcasting on Podbean.com was ohk given the platform was easy to use and user friendly, it also aligned with the ISTE NETS Standard of "Model Digital-Age Work and Learning”.

In conclusion, the integration of Wix.com, CreateWebQuest.com, and Podbean.com into my digital portfolio has been quite the learning experience. Using these platforms, I've been able to create a digital portfolio of my liking.