Workshops are a whole new world that I had the pleasure of jumping into for the first time today. I am not an expert, nor am I a Digicator (DePaul uses the e-portfolio platform Digication), but nonetheless I was able to jump in on two separate workshops aiding WRD 104 students in creating an e-portfolio for the upcoming end of the quarter.Most professors seem to want their students to use portfolios to show their work and especially their process of writing. If you had talked to me yesterday I would have said that the best way to do this would have been to stick any notes and drafts and finals essays in a well-organized folder and turn that in as a portfolio. I’ve always been a big fan of the tangible hard copy that you can turn in and feel finished with once it’s out of your hands. After doing the tutorial-workshops on how to setup a Digication portfolio that may not be my opinion anymore.
Like with any new media, Digication was confusing at first and I did not really feel like I knew what I was doing enough with it during my first workshop this morning. However, watching the students click around on the page and generally pick up everything so easily made me realize how simple Digication really is.
It’s all at your fingertips. Images, videos, scanned copies of drafts and papers, etc. Anything on the web or in documents on your computer can be added or linked to your Digication portfolio. There’s no printing of papers or limitations of the word. You can even choose who gets to see your portfolios.
Though it was a little nerve wrecking speaking in front of a class and leading a workshop, the instructions were simple and really it wasn’t too difficult. Becoming an expert in Digication is as simple as exploring the page in front of you and editing/moving things around on your pages. Not only that, but I learned techniques in the workshop from my fellow Digicators that I was not aware of before. Now my own portfolio will be fancier than ever and hopefully impress all those who see it. More importantly, I now know to stay on your toes and be confident in your abilities should anything unexpected come your way as a new tutor in the center.
If you find yourself needing one-on-one help with Digication, make an appointment with a Writing Center tutor today!