Rachel+M's+EP+Work

====I'm really appreciative of the help that Bethany provided during the workshops. As for now, my tentative plan is to use Google Sites to house my EP. This is something I became familiar with in ECI 205 and feel very comfortable using. However, I don't like how much Google Sites limits my creativity. I have my Google Site created, have adjusted the settings, and have created all of my digital folders. I've been stumped trying to develop additional categories, so I've been thinking about things I have done or will do in the spring to incorporate, such as a philosophy of teaching. I know I want my theme to be unique, yet professional. Possible ideas are: connecting the global to the local, growth (as in nature), or something related to community. ====

====Today, I looked into using Weebly because I've been discouraged by the lack of freedom to personalize on Google Sites. Weebly will allow me to be more creative, but since I'm not familiar with the site, I'm a little hesitant to use it. Today I made a Weebly site with all of the required categories and explored the possibilities to personalize the site. I also started looking at photos for my EP and decided I'd like my theme to be community, ranging from a global connection to locally. ====

====I decided to definitely use Weebly to house my EP. I'm encouraged that most people are using it, meaning I'll be able to find help if I end up having problems with the site. I got more of my artifacts together that I've done in previous classes (ELP 344 SIP Project, Philosophy of Teaching, and English and History papers). I also began the search for a professional photo of myself, but it looks like I'll have to specifically have one taken for me. I also worked on my resume a little, since I know I will need it soon and plan to put it on my EP as well.====

====Today's workshop was undoubtedly my most productive yet. I settled on a theme - global awareness, found photos that represented my theme (which was actually more time consuming than I had anticipated), and continued brainstorming ideas and gathering artifacts. This is also the first day I've felt any sort of personal connection to my EP. Up until this point, I was simply focused on what was required. However, today I felt proud of my accomplishments and realized that this portfolio showcases all of the hard work I've put forth in the last 6 (yes, 6) years.====

====Today I really began to visualize my portfolio in its final state - though it is FAR from complete. However, I placed some of my artifacts in their spots (content, pedagogical, collaboration) and began annotating those works. The annotations are brief right now, but I plan on going back and adding in detail and using a more professional voice. I also created my two additional categories. One will focus on a literary circle that I will be leading at Exploris in the spring, and the other will discuss my job working with youth athletics for Raleigh Parks and Recreation.====