Webinars are a great way to learn more about teaching! You can get tips and tricks as well as make connections with other educators. Below you will see three key takeaways I got from the webinar "5 Things Most Teaching Candidates Do Wrong in Their Digital Portfolios" with Grove City's very own Dr. Sam Fecich! At the bottom of the page, you will find a button that will direct you to the webinar I listened to.
Takeaway 1: Why do I even need a digital portfolio? Dr. Fecich explains its importance beautifully. Future employers are going to want who you are and what you've done. A digital portfolio is the perfect way to show everything you've done. All of your work from college, along with your resume and certifications can be added here. This will give schools who want to hire you some day an overview of who you are and what you can bring to the table. Takeaway 2: Keep it simple. Your page doesn't have to be complicated. Keep your page simple so things are easy to find and look clean and professional. Your page shouldn't be cluttered; it should be organized in a logical manner and things should be easy to find. The information that you include is also important. Make sure to include not only your work, but also a little bit about yourself. Schools not only want to see what you've done, but also if you and your personality will fit into their school. Also, be picky with what you include; you don't have to add everything. Just add what is important and showcases your best work. Takeaway 3: Don't think about it as just another thing to do for class. This is a tool for you to use! I get to make this portfolio. It will do nothing but benefit me later. Make sure to take time to update it each month; even if it's just 30 minutes to add whatever you've done over that last month. Again, this is an amazing tool for you to use- take the time to take care of it. This will show employers how you have grown and changed over the years.