Think before you click!

I am pleased to announce the publication of my very first blog post. While I have thoroughly enjoyed reading numerous blogs online, particularly cooking ones, due to my passion for cooking Mexican food. I have never previously had the opportunity to share my own thoughts or experiences—likely because I was uncertain about what topics to write about or if people would even be interested in reading what I have to say.

*Please continue reading; while this may be my first blog post, I assure you that I have valuable and cost-saving information to share!*

I am now enrolled in a Master’s Program that requires for students to maintain a blog (two blogs post per week) and I am excited about writing about my journey with blogging for the first time. 

Initially, I was unsure where to begin. As a technology newbie, I decided to purchase (yes, you read that right) a website that would serve as both an e-portfolio (a project for another class that I am enrolled in) and a blog for a project. Unfortunately, I realize too late that this may not have been the most well-considered decision, as I did not thoroughly assess the monthly or initial costs involved. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, my priority was to ensure I had a website ready to submit to my professor by Sunday night, so I clicked “add to cart” without reading the fine print. I told myself, "Gotta keep up with those deadlines!” After being out of school for 5 years, and being an educator myself, I did not want, to turn in a late assignment on my first week for the lack of not knowing how to create an e-portfolio. 

After some (a lot) of research and discussions with classmates, I opted to create my e-portfolio and blogs using the FREE version of Wix.com. Yup, a FREE version!

However, I have already incurred an out-of-pocket expense of $49.99, with no refund option available when I decided to purchased the first website. I did mentioned that I had some valuable money-saving information, right? 

Anyways, you may wonder why I chose Wix.com?

Wix provides the flexibility to create more than just an e-portfolio; it can also be utilized for blogging and even managing a business! The possibilities are endless. The platform offers a step-by-step guide on creating both a blog and an e-portfolio for newbies like me. With numerous features available, I am eager to share updates on my journey. If you, too, are new to blogging or creating an e-portfolio, I encourage you to follow along for insights based on my experiences with Wix.com. I will try to be as detailed as possible to help anyone who is just starting. 

For those just starting, I recommend conducting thorough research first. There are various free website options available like Wix.com although many offer premium versions as well (with a lot more features). Some sites may focus exclusively on blogging or e-portfolios, so it's important to find what works best for you and your wallet. Right now I have the free version for my e-portfolio, if I need more features, I may add the premium package to my current free package. 

I highly recommend consulting with someone who has already created either option, as they can provide valuable recommendations and insights based on their own experiences before you purchase or spend time creating something that you might not feel it’s right for you or if you do not know where to start, ask questions, it is better to ask than waste time trying to figure out how to work the website. 

One interesting observation I have made while reviewing different e-portfolios is that each reflects the individual’s personality, almost like a "virtual" representation of them. This personal touch allows readers and viewers to understand the creator’s personality and the overall tone of the blog. Therefore, I encourage you to make your blog and e-portfolio distinctly yours.

I plan on having two separate e-portfolios in the future, once I complete my master’s program—one focusing solely on my professional accomplishments and the other on my personal interests. While I wish to present my authentic self, I understand the importance of maintaining a professional portfolio for potential interviews.

I also aspire to share my personal e-portfolio with friends, family, and students, as it may inspire my students to create their own in the near future.

As of today, I still feel somewhat overwhelmed by the various features, but I am committed to progressing one step at a time. It is essential for me to practice patience as I navigate this learning curve, given that I am not yet proficient with technology. You might think that I am since I had to teach during COVID, but reality is that I struggled teaching during COVID.

The simple act of blogging brings me a sense of accomplishment, as I previously deemed it unnecessary and I was intimidated by it. However, this class requirement has highlighted the value of tracking my personal progress. Blogging will not only enhance my technological skills but also improve my writing abilities. 

Regarding my e-portfolio, after dedicating nearly two hours to its creation, I felt both exhausted and accomplished. My main tasks included updating my photo, modifying the background/theme, and adding a few sections. Given the amount of options available, I made sure to do my research before selecting a theme, learning from my earlier oversight. However, this was a difficult task, since I liked more than one theme. 

Although this project is coursework-related, I believe that developing this e-portfolio will foster my growth. Had I known about e-portfolios sooner, I would have created one long ago to showcase my skills during interviews, as well as blogs.

While I have always felt relatively comfortable with technology, discovering the extensive capabilities of an e-portfolio has made me realize that I have much to learn and many opportunities for growth ahead. I have literally questioned how much “tech savvy” I am. 

I encourage you to be patient with yourself if blogging or creating an e-portfolio is a new endeavor. I recognize that it may not look perfect initially, and there will be ample room for improvement, but that is the beauty of this course. You will have the opportunity to create something that is uniquely yours, refining it as you progress and striving to make it perfect for your needs.

My objective by the end of this course is to confidently create an e-portfolio and blog. For individuals who may not be as familiar with technology, the most intimidating aspect of this projects is ensuring that everything functions effectively. I welcome challenges, as I believe they contribute significantly to my resilience and personal growth. So we will see how this goes.

Once I have developed expertise and knowledge in creating these two tools, I intend to integrate them into my teaching practice, particularly blogging, as it will enhance my students' writing skills. The e-portfolio will provide my students with a sense of ownership, which is an aspect I am particularly excited about. 

As an educator, this approach will allow me to view my students with a difference lens, beyond just their assignments and tests. Additionally, it will empower my students to gain confidence and share their ideas with their peers.

To summarize, if you wish to create an e-portfolio or a blog, please consider the following tips and tricks:

• 1. Conduct thorough research; avoid selecting the first website that appears in your search results. Learn from my mistake! Do not spend the money, when there are plenty of free websites out there. 

• 2. Start with a free version to see if it meets your needs. If you find it good enough for you and wish to add more features, you can then upgrade to a premium version. I hope one day, I become an expert and need the premium version.

• 3. Personalize your portfolio! Let it reflect your unique personality. However, be mindful of your audience; for a professional e-portfolio look, choose a more calm theme that highlights your professional achievements. If it’s meant for sharing with friends and family, feel free to let it represent your personal style by adding more fun items.    

• 4. Practice patience with yourself, especially if you are new to creating an e-portfolio or blog. Gaining proficiency will take time, and it’s normal not to feel like an expert right away. This does not mean you will not be a pro eventually.

• 5. Establish clear goals. Consider what you hope to achieve with your e-portfolio or blog. Will you be utilizing it beyond this course? If so, jot down ideas on how to integrate it into your teaching or business plans. This could be a life saver.

I hope this blog proves helpful to those just beginning their journey in blogging or creating an e-portfolio. We may not be there yet, but we are making progress. Do not let AI and technology itself intimidate you if you are not an expert. We all have to start somewhere.

Cvetković, A. (2025, January 5). 11 digital portfolio examples and how to make

yours. Wix Blog. http://www.wix.com/blog/digital-portfolio-examples?

utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21334177617%5E168715657411%5Esearch%2B-%2Bdsa&experiment_id=%5E%5E726621877918%5E&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy8K8BhCZARIsAKJ8sfSZWj7wLOwAdrrzcRPfRYxctngLuclnfDRHyWJlXn3ITyUWYs_IneIaAnoAEALw_wcB

Wix, W. (2006). Wix blog: Adding and setting up your blog: Help center. Wix.com.

https://support.wix.com/en/article/wix-blog-adding-and-setting-up-your-blog