BLOGS
Showcasing Growth: A Creative Leap Into Learning & Development | June 2025
I have always enjoyed tapping into my creative side and exploring new technologies, so when I learned that we were required to create a portfolio, I felt genuinely excited and eager to take on the challenge. As I am transitioning into a career in learning and development, I recognize that having a portfolio is not just a requirement for many roles but also an essential tool to showcase my skills, experience, and creativity. I soon realized that I could not continue with the application process for certain positions without first presenting a professional portfolio. This motivated me to approach the task with both enthusiasm and a strategic mindset. When it came time to select a platform for my portfolio, my first instinct was to consider Wix. I had prior experience using Wix when I created my business website, and I remembered it being intuitive and user-friendly. That familiarity gave me confidence that I could build an effective portfolio without spending an excessive amount of time learning a new tool from scratch. The first step I took was to evaluate potential platforms based on how easy they were to learn and how effectively they would meet my needs. As I had already used Wix in the past, I felt comfortable with the learning curve. I also did additional research to ensure it was still the right fit. According to Harris (2023), Wix offers numerous benefits, including a wide variety of template choices, a user-friendly interface, strong customization options, reliable security, tool integration features, reasonable pricing, and responsive customer support. These advantages aligned well with what I was looking for in a portfolio platform. Of course, I also wanted to be aware of any potential drawbacks. Harris (2023), notes that Wix has certain limitations, such as the inability to change a template after the site is built, lack of flexibility in transferring a site to another host, no third-party plugins, and occasionally slow loading times. In weighing these pros and cons, I felt confident that Wix was still the best choice for my project, especially given its affordability and the ease of use that I valued highly. Initially, I planned to stick with the free version of Wix to minimize costs. However, as I progressed through the design process, I decided that I wanted my portfolio to appear as professional as possible. This led me to purchase a domain for a year. Gibbons (2025), explains that “a domain is the name of a website. Websites can be identified with IP addresses, but those aren’t convenient for humans to remember, so domains are used to make it easier to keep track of website names.” Investing in a domain felt like the right decision, as it elevated the professionalism of my portfolio. After purchasing the domain and selecting a template, I focused my attention on creating the homepage. I utilized ChatGPT to help me draft a professional summary about myself, ensuring that my introduction was clear, engaging, and aligned with my career goals. I also selected a professional image to upload, which helped create a polished and approachable first impression. Once the homepage was in place, I took time to pause and reflect on how I wanted the remainder of the website to flow, ensuring consistency in design and messaging. For anyone who is just starting out with building a portfolio, I would offer the following tips. First, prepare by thoroughly researching different platforms and carefully weighing their pros and cons before deciding. Preparation is key to avoiding unnecessary frustration down the line. Second, organize your ideas. Plan out how you want the website to flow, select a cohesive color scheme, determine the content, and think about how you want your audience to engage with your site. Third, I encourage being open-minded. Be willing to explore different tools and features that can enhance your portfolio and help it stand out. Lastly, be receptive to constructive feedback. Share your site with a few trusted colleagues or friends and ask for their honest opinions on how it can be improved. At this stage, I am proud of the creativity I have brought to the project, particularly in integrating features I had not previously used, such as embedding Canva presentations directly onto my portfolio pages. Because I was already familiar with Wix’s pricing structure and functionality, I have not encountered any significant frustrations so far. Instead, I feel motivated by the progress I have made and excited about continuing to refine and enhance my portfolio as I move forward in my learning and development career. References Gibbons, M. (2025). What is a website domain and how does it work?. WebFX. https://www.webfx.com/blog/internet/what-is-a-website-domain/ Harris, P. (2024, April 3). Pros and cons of using WIX - 13 factors to consider. data privacy compliance software for apps, websites, & SaaS. https://www.enzuzo.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-using-wix
Before diving into the benefits, it's essential to first define what a portfolio is. A portfolio is a purposeful collection of work that showcases an individual's efforts, progress, and achievements. In an academic or professional setting, a digital portfolio serves as a tool to display work electronically, document learning, and motivate individuals to take ownership of their development (Missouri Online, 2022). It not only organizes work but also highlights growth over time through curated artifacts and reflections. How Will This Help You Grow as a Professional? Building a portfolio contributes significantly to my professional growth. It encourages me to be more intentional and accountable in completing assignments. Knowing that my work will be publicly displayed motivates me to go beyond the minimum requirements and demonstrate creativity and thoughtfulness. I strive to conduct thorough research and produce high-quality work, but the added layer of visibility challenges me to present my best self. As Montclair State University (2025) explains, "By collecting academic and professional artifacts and combining them with self-reflection, students take more responsibility for their learning because it is more meaningful to them. They understand that a portfolio is not just a series of assignments, but a representation of personal and professional growth." Additionally, this process helps me grow by pushing me outside of my comfort zone. For instance, I'm now more comfortable recording myself and sharing my voice, both literally and figuratively, which is a key skill for many roles in today’s digital world. How Does This Help Others in Your Field? Portfolios are valuable not only for personal development but also for enhancing visibility in the professional world. In my career field, a portfolio provides colleagues, supervisors, or hiring managers with a more complete understanding of my capabilities. Unlike a resume that lists qualifications, a portfolio brings those qualifications to life through real examples of work, creativity, and applied skills. According to Watermark (2025), portfolios help demonstrate accomplishments and essentially allow professionals to "sell" what they bring to the table. This can inspire others in the field to create their own portfolios and set a new standard for professional presentation and self-advocacy. How Can This Portfolio Benefit You in the Future? Looking ahead, my long-term career goal is to transition into Learning and Development. In that role, I aim to design and deliver online learning experiences, mentor others, and integrate tools like simulations and virtual reality to engage learners (Dewar, 2024). My portfolio will serve as a visual representation of my qualifications, creativity, and readiness to contribute to this field. Additionally, I plan to pursue a career in professional counseling, particularly in delivering mental health information in non-traditional, accessible formats. My portfolio will showcase my ability to blend content knowledge with creative delivery methods, reinforcing my passion and commitment to both education and mental health advocacy. In summary, developing a portfolio is more than just compiling work, it's an active process of self-discovery, reflection, and professional branding. It empowers growth, fosters accountability, and opens doors to new opportunities across fields. References Dewar, J. (2024, March 17). What is learning and development?. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/learning-and-development/what-is-learning-and-development EPortfolios. (2025). EPortfolios – instructional technology and design services - montclair state university. https://www.montclair.edu/itds/digital-pedagogy/pedagogical-strategies-and-practices/eportfolios/ Lazenby, B. (2022, June 14). EPortfolios: The what, why, and how!. teaching. https://teaching.missouri.edu/blog/eportfolios-what-why-and-how
What Kind of Leader Do You Hope to Be, and Which Leadership Style Do You Identify with Most? Rather than aiming to fit a single leadership mold, I strive to embody a blend of styles that align with my values and strengths. I most identify with authoritative and servant leadership, which may appear contradictory on the surface but complement each other in practice. The authoritative leadership style, as defined by Creighton University (2024), is characterized by confidence in decision-making and a clear vision. It often involves setting direction and expecting others to follow. In contrast, servant leadership emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and a focus on helping others develop and succeed. While these styles differ in tone, they intersect in meaningful ways. For example, I use my authoritative qualities to provide structure, clarity, and motivation, especially during group tasks or high-pressure projects. At the same time, I draw on servant leadership principles to build trust, support team development, and celebrate others' accomplishments. In group projects or professional settings, a combination of direction and empowerment is often necessary. Being able to both lead decisively and uplift others ensures that goals are met while fostering a healthy and productive team environment. How Will You Apply Your Leadership Skills to Technology in the Workplace? With my background in education and my passion for transitioning into a learning and development role, I see technology as a vital tool for collaboration, creativity, and growth. In fast-paced, tech-driven work environments, deadlines and innovation often go hand in hand. My authoritative leadership skills will help me manage timelines, organize tasks, and ensure that technology is implemented strategically and efficiently. At the same time, my servant leadership approach will play a key role in encouraging collaboration, nurturing team potential, and facilitating knowledge sharing. Learning and development initiatives thrive on teamwork and continuous improvement, qualities that are rooted in empathy and service to others. Ultimately, my leadership style will allow me to not only drive technology-based projects forward but also support my colleagues in adapting to and embracing these innovations. The balance of structure and support will help me contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking, digitally proficient workplace. References Creighton University. (2025). The 8 most common leadership styles. https://www.creighton.edu/blog/8-most-common-leadership-styles College of Professional Studies. (2024). What’s your leadership style? https://cps.unh.edu/blog/2024/10/whats-your-leadership-style IMD business school for management and leadership courses. (2025). The 6 most common leadership styles & how to find yours https://www.imd.org/blog/leadership/leadership-styles/
Leadership, Growth Mindset, and the Power of Feedforward | July 2025
To me, a true leader is someone who remains open, teachable, and willing to learn from others, especially when those insights can lead to personal and professional growth. Effective leadership is not about always having the right answers or insisting that one’s way is the only way. Unfortunately, some leaders adopt a fixed mindset, which can hinder progress and innovation. In contrast, cultivating a growth mindset is essential for successful leadership. As McCracken (2024) emphasizes, leadership grounded in continuous growth yields numerous benefits, including increased productivity, enhanced employee satisfaction, greater adaptability, and a more positive organizational culture. Balancing effective leadership with a growth mindset is something I strive to embody. I view self-awareness and a willingness to grow as foundational to effective leadership. When I commit to developing myself, that growth has the potential to influence and uplift my colleagues as well. As a leader, it’s important to model the behaviors I want to see in others, such as embracing challenges, encouraging collaboration, and allowing team members to have the space to solve problems independently. These practices help to foster a culture of continuous learning and shared accountability (McCracken, 2024). Feedback has always been a familiar part of my academic and professional life. In the past, however, I did not always take full advantage of the feedback I received. I would skim through comments without making meaningful changes, often because I didn’t see the value in revisiting the work. Traditional feedback can sometimes feel more like criticism or evaluation than a tool for development, reinforcing performance-based behaviors rather than personal growth (Gonzalez, 2018). However, my perspective shifted when I was introduced to the concept of feedforward. When I received detailed, constructive suggestions for a major assignment aimed at helping me improve before final submission, I felt motivated and purposeful. Feedforward helped me view feedback not as a critique of what was wrong, but as a roadmap for improvement. According to Gonzalez (2018), feedforward focuses on future development. It is proactive, specific, empowering, and rooted in authenticity. This approach has transformed how I receive and deliver guidance, reinforcing my belief in the value of growth-focused leadership. My natural leadership style leans toward the authoritative. I tend to take the lead in organizing tasks, setting directions, and clearly communicating expectations. While this approach is often effective, I recognize the value of collaborative leadership, and I am actively working to develop this aspect of my leadership style. Embracing collaboration and practicing feedforward with my colleagues not only strengthens team cohesion but also fosters a supportive environment where everyone can grow. By creating space for shared learning and mutual support, I hope to contribute to a workplace culture that values development, not just results. References McCracken, J. (2024, November 30). Why a growth mindset is crucial for leadership. https://www.mccrackenalliance.com/blog/why-a-growth-mindset-is-crucial-for-business-leadership Gonzalez, J. (2025, June 14). Moving from feedback to feedforward. Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/feedforward/
My portfolio is more than just a collection of work, it's a representation of who I am, the dedication I bring to my craft, and the professional standards I uphold. As one of the first touchpoints potential employers encounter, it holds the power to open doors through interviews or close them through rejections. This makes the clarity, tone, and authenticity of my voice within the portfolio critically important. The voice I use in my portfolio is purposeful and intentional. I strive to maintain a tone that is both reflective and professional, one that not only communicates my capabilities but also conveys my values, growth, and commitment to the field of learning and development. It's essential that my portfolio doesn't simply showcase what I’ve done, but rather who I am as a lifelong learner and a future learning and development specialist. Throughout the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program, I’ve made an effort to infuse my portfolio with honest insights and meaningful reflections. These entries illustrate my evolution, highlight challenges I’ve faced, and celebrate the milestones I’ve achieved. According to Watermark (2025), a portfolio is often the first opportunity others must learn about you, making it vital to present yourself with professionalism, clarity, and organization. The tone you use can set you apart, it becomes your digital handshake. As I continue to grow professionally, my portfolio will evolve alongside me. Once I transition fully into the learning and development field, I plan to gradually phase out content related to my academic program and replace it with work that reflects my current projects, skills, and contributions in my new role. This ongoing process of refinement allows my portfolio to remain living, breathing reflection of my journey. Pappas (2024) emphasizes that a strong portfolio increases visibility, enhances hiring potential, and provides employers and clients with accessible, engaging, and personal content. It’s a tool that not only showcases your work but also tells your story. For me, that story is still unfolding, and my portfolio will grow with it. References Pappas, C. (2024, May 30). 7 reasons you need an instructional design portfolio. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/7-reasons-need-instructional-design-portfolio Watermark Insights. (2025). EPortfolios for students: digital portfolio tips & tricks for success. https://www.watermarkinsights.com/resources/blog/eportfolios-for-students-digital-portfolio-tips-tricks-for-success/
Guidance Goes Digital: The Future of School Counseling and Student Success | July 2025
How Can Technology Enhance the Effectiveness of School Counseling Programs in Supporting Student Well-being? While school counseling is often associated primarily with supporting students' emotional and behavioral needs, its scope extends far beyond that. A comprehensive school counseling program is built on four key components: guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services, and system support. According to the Texas Education Agency (2024), these pillars work collaboratively to promote students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development. •Guidance curriculum involves planned, developmentally appropriate lessons designed to help students acquire essential skills, attitudes, and knowledge. •Individual planning focuses on helping students set and achieve personal goals, including academic and postsecondary planning. •Responsive services address immediate student concerns through interventions like individual counseling, crisis response, and small group support. •System support includes activities that maintain and enhance the total counseling program, such as collaboration with teachers, staff, and outside agencies. Technology plays a critical role in enhancing each of these areas, particularly individual planning, where personalized, data-driven support is key. In the realm of individual planning, school counselors assist students in making informed decisions about academic courses, graduation endorsements, standardized testing, and post-secondary pathways. The integration of digital tools makes this process more efficient and accessible. For instance, technology can support the use of career assessment inventories, digital academic planners, and platforms for managing college applications. According to Team Simply Coach (2024), the use of digital tools enables students to take virtual college tours, participate in informational webinars, organize scholarship opportunities, and meet crucial application deadlines. This access fosters a sense of autonomy and preparedness in students, ultimately contributing to their long-term well-being and success. By incorporating technology into the counseling framework, students benefit from more individualized support, improved organization, and expanded access to resources that may otherwise be out of reach. Thus, leveraging digital tools can significantly enhance the effectiveness and reach of school counseling programs in supporting holistic student development. What Are the Challenges and Ethical Considerations of Using Technology in School Counseling? While technology can offer transformative benefits, it also brings several challenges and ethical responsibilities, particularly concerning student confidentiality and data security. One of the most significant ethical concerns is the protection of student privacy. Many school counselors now use electronic systems to document sensitive case notes, which may include information about a student’s mental health, home life, academic performance, or behaviors such as self-harm or suicidal ideation. Given the sensitive nature of this information, it is imperative to safeguard it appropriately. As Stone (2016) recommends, counselors should protect digital case notes using secure, password-protected systems. Additionally, using coded language, such as "A" for academic concerns, "P" for personal issues, and "CCMR" for college, career, and military readiness, along with student initials instead of full names, can further enhance privacy. These practices not only comply with ethical standards but also help build trust with students, ensuring they feel safe and supported when seeking help. Moreover, digital communication platforms used to connect with students must comply with legal and professional guidelines, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and, when applicable, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Counselors must remain vigilant about how student data is collected, stored, and shared. In conclusion, while technology significantly enhances the reach and impact of school counseling programs, it must be implemented thoughtfully, with a strong commitment to ethics, student confidentiality, and equitable access. Balancing innovation with responsibility ensures that students receive high-quality support in a safe and secure environment. References Team Simply.Coach. (2024, May 9). How technology fits into your goals & role as school guidance counselor. Simply.Coach. https://simply.coach/blog/integrating-technology-school-guidance-counselor-role/ Texas Education Agency. (2024). School counseling. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/school-counseling Stone, C. (2016, January 1). Legal and ethical technology imperatives. Legal and Ethical Technology Imperatives - American School Counselor Association (ASCA). https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Magazines/January-February-2016/Legal-and-Ethical-Technology-Imperatives
Out with Rows, In with Choice: Designing Classrooms for Modern Learners | July 2025
Out with the old traditions and in with the new. Growing up, I vividly remember classrooms designed with a rigid structure: rows of desks all facing the front, where the teacher led every lesson. Occasionally, we’d break into groups for special projects, but most of our learning was independent and worksheet driven. There was little collaboration, minimal student voice, and hardly any attention paid to individual learning styles. The expectation was simple, everyone was to learn the same way, at the same pace. However, as education evolved and I became a teacher myself, I began to see the importance of reimagining the classroom environment. The layout of a classroom is more than just furniture, it sets the tone for learning. When classrooms are inviting, colorful, and thoughtfully arranged, students feel a greater sense of excitement and comfort, making them more eager to engage. This is where flexible seating becomes essential. A flexible classroom gives students choices in how and where they learn, fostering collaboration, engagement, and critical thinking (Minero, 2015). Research supports the value of flexible classrooms, showing improvements not just in student grades, but also in overall mood and participation (Minero, 2015). Students tend to be more joyful, more willing to collaborate, and more invested in their learning when given these choices. Pairing flexible seating with technology only enhances these benefits. Imagine a classroom with dedicated stations equipped with iPads, Chromebooks, or other devices, these tools open doors to digital learning, research, and creativity. It’s the teacher’s role to manage these resources through organized rotations, ensuring that every student has access to these opportunities. Another critical shift in education is the transition from teacher-centered to student-centered learning. In traditional classrooms, teachers were the sole source of knowledge, and students were passive recipients. Today, we understand the power of student agency. When students take ownership of their learning, they develop confidence, creativity, and a deeper connection to the material. As Stanford (2025) emphasizes, "Student-centered mindsets view the learner as primary and unique agents of learning, engagement, and connection, as opposed to teacher-centered mindsets which tend to view learners as passive and uniform vessels." To foster this shift, McDowell (2023) identifies five key elements of student-centered learning: asking thoughtful questions, building a solid foundation, encouraging exploration, providing timely and corrective feedback, and cultivating a culture of “we do”, emphasizing collaboration between students and teachers. Ultimately, this approach empowers students to become responsible for their own educational journey. Incorporating technology also enhances how we address different learning styles, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. According to Emma (2018), teachers can support visual learners by creating dynamic presentations with diagrams, images, and charts. Auditory learners benefit from audiobooks, guest speakers, and read-aloud technologies, especially helpful for special education and English language learners who need accommodations. Kinesthetic learners thrive with interactive tools and educational games that allow hands-on experiences, many of which are readily available on educational websites. In conclusion, the modern classroom thrives at the intersection of flexibility, student-centered learning, and technology integration. When these elements come together, students are not only more engaged, they are equipped with the tools, confidence, and autonomy they need to succeed in a diverse and ever-changing world. References Emma. (2018, January 16). How to use technology for different learning styles. LearnSafe. https://learnsafe.com/how-to-use-technology-for-different-learning-styles/ McDowell, M. (2023, October 31). Blending direct instruction and inquiry-based learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/blending-direct-instruction-inquiry-based-learning/ Minero, E. (2015, August 4). Flexible seating elevates student engagement. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/practice/flexible-classrooms-providing-learning-environment-kids-need Teaching Commons. (2025). Teacher-centered vs. student-centered course design. Stanford University. https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/teaching-guides/foundations-course-design/theory-practice/teacher-centered-vs-student-centered
Innovate, Engage, Empower: The New Era of Corporate Learning and Development | July 2025
How Can Emerging Technologies Like AI and VR Transform Corporate Learning and Development for Diverse Learning Styles? Lifelong learning doesn’t end with K-12 education, adults are continuous learners, particularly within their workplaces. The Learning and Development (L&D) function plays a critical role in delivering engaging and relevant content that supports employees in their professional growth. This includes onboarding, skills training, leadership development, corporate universities, career progression programs, and ongoing compliance training (Association for Talent Development, 2025). Given the variety of learning opportunities, the question arises: how can technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) enhance these experiences for diverse learning styles? From personal experience, AI already plays a pivotal role in streamlining content creation, such as drafting learning materials, designing curricula, developing engaging presentations, and producing training videos, if prompts are effectively crafted. Boysen-Rotelli (2024) emphasizes that AI can further personalize the learning journey by creating tailored learning paths that adapt to individual preferences and proficiencies. This personalization is made possible through intelligent content curation, adaptive learning platforms, chatbots for instant feedback, gamification, and immersive simulations (Boysen-Rotelli, 2024). These tools not only cater to different learning styles but also create a more interactive and engaging experience. Meanwhile, VR, historically used in aviation training, is gaining traction in corporate settings. Virtual Reality can dramatically reduce the duration of training sessions while maintaining or even enhancing learning outcomes. For example, VR can condense a traditional two-hour workshop into a 30-minute immersive experience (PWC, 2025). Beyond saving time, VR-based training often leads to higher learner confidence, better retention, a lower-stress environment, deeper emotional engagement, and increased focus. While VR is unlikely to fully replace in-person or live virtual training, it adds valuable experiential learning options that can differentiate instruction and enrich the learning environment. What Are the Best Strategies for Integrating Technology into Professional Development Without Losing Human Touch? While technology can enhance professional development, maintaining human connection is essential for meaningful learning. One key strategy is ensuring that human facilitators remain at the center of instruction, guiding conversations, providing context, and fostering relationships that technology alone cannot replicate. Additionally, integrating digital collaboration tools into professional development helps preserve the human element. Tripathi (2025) notes that digital technologies can facilitate teamwork, open dialogue, and collaborative knowledge sharing. Benefits of digital collaboration include increased productivity, enhanced communication, greater flexibility, transparency, and more robust knowledge transfer. For example, professional development sessions can incorporate hybrid formats: participants might engage in VR simulations in one breakout session, while another focuses on collaborative problem-solving through gamification. This blended approach ensures participants benefit from technological innovation while still engaging in meaningful human interaction and peer-to-peer learning. References ATD. (2025). What is learning and development? ATD. https://www.td.org/talent-development-glossary-terms/what-is-learning-and-development Boysen-Rotelli, S. (2024, January 5). Harnessing the power of AI in training and development. ATD. https://www.td.org/content/atd-blog/harnessing-the-power-of-ai-in-training-and-development PWC. (2025). What does virtual reality and the metaverse mean for training? PwC. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/emerging-tech/virtual-reality-study.html Tripathi, M. (2025). Digital collaboration: The benefits, challenges, and use cases. INSTELLARS. https://instellars.com/blog/digital-collaboration-the-benefits-challenges-and-use-cases