“Ever wondered how technology can transform a classroom? Here’s what I discovered during my EdTech journey.”

Reflection on EdTech Training: 

Introduction

During this EdTech training, I explored various digital tools and strategies to enhance teaching and learning. Each day introduced new platforms and approaches, from Nearpod and Poll Everywhere to VLE, screen recording, blogs, and collaborative tools like Padlet, Kialo, and Wiki. This blog reflects my experiences, learning, challenges, and how I plan to apply these insights in my future teaching practice.

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Daily Reflections

Day 1: Introduction to Blogging and VLE

On the first day, we focused on the importance of blogging and using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for teaching. I learned how to navigate VLE, upload resources, and interact with peers online. Tools like screen recording, Loom, and Snipping Tool helped me document my learning process. This day highlighted the importance of digital organization and consistent engagement with online platforms.

Day 2: Interactive Lessons with Nearpod

We explored creating interactive lessons using Nearpod. Activities included polls, quizzes, collaborative boards, and matching exercises. I realized how these tools actively engage students, making lessons more dynamic. I also practiced screen recording and blog updates to reflect on my learning, which strengthened my understanding of integrating technology in teaching.

Day 3: Collaborative Tools and Peer Engagement

Day 3 emphasized collaboration using Padlet, Kialo, and Wiki. I participated in discussions and created posts summarizing group ideas. Writing constructive comments required me to think critically, not just respond superficially. I also experimented with screen capture tools to create evidence of my learning. This day helped me understand the value of collaborative online learning.

Day 4: Assessments and Question Banks in VLE

We explored designing assessments using VLE question banks and interactive evaluation tools like Poll Everywhere. I reflected on how these tools can make assessments more efficient and engaging. I also faced challenges in organizing content online but learned to use formatting tools, headings, and bullet points to improve readability and clarity in my blog posts.

Day 5: Reflection, Blogging, and Future Applications

The final day focused on reflection and consolidating learning. I combined all the tools—Nearpod, Poll Everywhere, VLE, screen recording, Loom, blogs, Padlet, Kialo, Wiki—and reflected on their professional applications. I recognized the need for time management, critical reflection, and consistent blogging. I also identified challenges in technical skills and peer engagement and explored practical solutions.

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Challenges and Solutions

• Maintaining consistency – Set a posting schedule and use a simple template to make blogging manageable.

• Developing critical reflection skills – Use frameworks like Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle to move from descriptive to analytical writing.

• Technical and design challenges – Maintain consistent formatting, headings, and bullet points for readability.

• Engaging meaningfully with peers – Write structured comments that acknowledge ideas, share insights, and ask reflective questions.

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Personal Takeaways

This training strengthened my digital literacy and confidence in integrating technology into teaching. I learned that reflective blogging is not just an academic task—it is a tool for professional growth, self-introspection, and improving student engagement. Moving forward, I plan to use these tools and strategies in my classroom, creating interactive, collaborative, and reflective learning experiences for students.

                                                                          💪lets drive in kookie💪

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Benefits of Blogging for Teaching

 

Blogging for Teaching

For teachers, blogging serves as a powerful reflective and professional tool. It allows educators to critically analyse their teaching practices, document classroom experiences, and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional strategies. Blogging also supports professional growth by encouraging continuous reflection and adaptation.

Benefits:

• Supports reflective teaching practice
  Teachers reflect on lesson outcomes, student engagement, and areas for improvement, leading to more effective teaching.

• Enhances lesson documentation
  Blogs function as a digital teaching journal that records lesson plans, activities, and the ICT tools used in class.

• Facilitates differentiated instruction
  Teachers can provide additional explanations, resources, and follow-up content to support diverse learner needs.

• Strengthens teacher–student interaction
  Blog posts and comments extend learning beyond classroom hours and promote ongoing academic dialogue

  
  
  

Benefits of Blogging for Assessment

Blogging for Assessment

Blogging can also be effectively integrated into assessment practices. Unlike traditional exams, blog-based assessment captures ongoing learning, reflection, and skill development. It allows educators to assess both the learning process and the final outcomes, making assessment more holistic and meaningful. 

Benefits:

• Enables continuous and formative assessment
  Teachers can monitor student progress regularly through reflective blog entries.

• Assesses higher order thinking skills
  Blogging evaluates analysis, evaluation, and application rather than rote memorization.

• Provides evidence of learning over time
  Blog posts document academic growth, conceptual clarity, and improvement throughout the semester.

• Encourages academic honesty
  Personal reflections reduce plagiarism as students write based on individual experiences and understanding.

  
  
  

Benefits of Blogging for Learning

 

 Blogging for Learning

From a learner’s perspective, blogging promotes deeper understanding and self-reflection. It encourages students to move beyond memorization by analyzing concepts, questioning ideas, and making meaningful connections. Blogging also supports independent learning and fosters a habit of continuous reflection.

Benefits:

• Encourages critical reflection
  Students analyse what they have learned, how they learned it, and why it is important.

• Supports self-paced learning
  Blog entries can be revisited anytime, helping students reinforce concepts and clarify doubts.

• Builds confidence and independence
  Expressing ideas through blogs helps students develop confidence in sharing their perspectives and managing their own learning.

• Promotes collaborative learning
  Reading and commenting on peers’ blogs exposes students to diverse viewpoints and encourages academic discussion.

  
  
  

Benefits of Blogging in the Classroom

 Blogging in the Classroom

Blogging in the classroom transforms traditional learning spaces into interactive and reflective environments. Instead of limiting learning to textbooks and lectures, blogs provide students with a platform to document their understanding, share opinions, and connect classroom concepts with real-life experiences. This approach encourages participation, creativity, and meaningful engagement in day-to-day lessons. 

Benefits

• Encourages active student participation
  Blogging shifts students from passive listeners to active contributors by allowing them to express ideas, opinions, and reflections in their own words.

• Improves communication and writing skills
  Regular blogging helps students organise thoughts logically, improve language accuracy, and develop clarity in written communication.

• Promotes digital literacy
  Students learn responsible use of digital platforms, formatting content, inserting links or media, and understanding online academic etiquette.

• Creates a learner-centred environment
  Blogs give students ownership of learning, allowing them to explore topics at their own pace and reflect personally on classroom activities.