Reflections on COMM 305
a. Identify the most challenging aspect of developing your COMM Portfolio.
The most challenging aspect of curating an ePortfolio semester after semester is to keep it evolving. Since we initially start with designing the site, and are asked not to focus on the design in curating as much as the content, I personally feel strapped into a style that could be improved. Wix is continually developing new templates to work with, but without the option to curate a new format I just keep adding to the existing site. I believe there are much better options offered through Wix today than when I started my ePortfolio a few years back. These more modern designs represent me and my area of expertise, digital marketing, better than my current layout does. I think professors should offer students the opportunity to curate their sites through design as well as content.
b. In what ways do you think you have improved your professional presence after completing or curating your COMM 305 ePortfolio this semester?
In general, I would say that having a professional space to showcase your experience, expertise and uniqueness is a benefit and even an advantage over others. As a job candidate, sharing the site with a potential employer can put you a step ahead of the competition. It is as fantastic way to stand out in the crowd. Most people will not have a Wix site, unless they are a recent ODU student, so use it as a leg up! A great way to do that is to add your Wix ePortfolio site to your resume.
c. What advice would you give to future students about potential uses or designing a COMM ePortfolio?
For future students who will develop a Wix site, I would suggest being very thoughtful about the design you select. This design must be easy to navigate, understand and connect the audience with who you are and what you do. For example, someone who is a photographer should have a site design that allows them to show off their photography work. That means having lots of spaces to insert images and varying sizes and scales to demonstrate the artistic side of the business they are in. Other important tips are to make sure you review what you post in the "view site" setting. This allows you to see what a visitor (your professor) will see when they come to check your work. Be sure to test all of the links and ensure they work the way you expect them to work.
d. Which assignment in work-life communication was your favorite? Why?
My favorite assignment in COMM 305 was the ePortfolio Part 2 project, developing the research topic. I liked this part of the course the best as it allowed me to learn about various topics of my own interest that were also related to the course material. This helped me associate the course content with my own personal curiosity of a specific nature. I enjoyed researching different ideas and learning more about them to ultimately decide on the topic I selected; How technology effects professional communication and the work-life balance. There were other areas that sparked my interest too.
e. Is your view of work-life communication different than when you began the course? Why or why not?
My views on work-life communication have grown and changed due to this course. One theme I found particularly intriguing was corporate culture. There is so much surrounding a company's corporate culture and the ripple effects from it that could be a class unto itself. Since I have worked in a certain organizational culture for over 10 years, I can clearly see the components playing themselves out from that perspective. It was fascinating to me to go to work and think about everything we were learning through this course. I loved being able to instantly apply it to my jobsite.
