Certifications & Skills
This page highlights the digital micro-credentials I earned during the Spring 2025 semester in EDUC-W200: Teaching with Technology at Indiana University, along with other professional certifications and key skills I have developed throughout my academic and career journey. Visitors can explore my ISTE-aligned technology badges, additional certifications like CPR and First Aid.
W200 Badges
During the semester, I earned micro-credentials based on the ISTE Technology Standards for Educators. These standards provide a framework for educators to use technology in ways that inspire student learning, promote equity, and support innovation. Each badge represents a specific standard and demonstrates my ability to incorporate that skill into teaching or counseling environments.
ISTE Standard 2.5 – Designer
Badge Earned: Designer (Graphic Design with Canva)
I used Canva to create an engaging and informative poster for a project about AR/VR in education and SEL. I explored formatting and design tools to create something visually appealing that could catch attention in school hallways or faculty rooms. This badge helped me better understand design for impact and how to use visuals to spark interest in innovative learning topics.
ISTE Standard 2.4 – Collaborator
Badge Earned: Collaborator (Miro Mind Map)
Using Miro, I created a collaborative digital mind map activity focused on how students use technology for wellness. This badge challenged me to create space for student voice and creativity using tech tools. I even considered how I might use this in a counseling setting—helping clients visualize emotions or thoughts they can’t articulate verbally.
ISTE Standard 2.6 – Facilitator
Badge Earned: Facilitator (Smore Newsletter)
Smore transformed the way I think about communication with families and communities. It’s more than a newsletter—it’s an interactive platform. I created a digital flyer for classroom announcements and events and plan to use this tool to communicate SEL topics, mindfulness activities, or even tech-based lesson recaps in future roles.
ISTE Standard 2.2 – Leader
Badge Earned: Leader (Innovator Badge)
This badge was inspired by the High Tech High documentary. As someone passionate about immersive technology in education, I reflected on how teaching must evolve with the times. My quote from the documentary—“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow”—truly resonated with me and my vision for incorporating AR/VR in classrooms to spark curiosity and problem-solving.
ISTE Standard 2.1 – Learner
Badge Earned: Learner (Scratch Coding)
While Scratch challenged me, this badge helped me reflect on the importance of digital empathy—not every tool is for every educator. Despite technical frustrations, I gave the tool a fair try and acknowledged its value for others, especially in teaching basic coding concepts.
ISTE Standard 2.7 – Analyst
Badge Earned: Analyst (ChatGPT for Education)
Using ChatGPT, I explored how AI can support lesson planning, student reflection, and creativity. I asked it to help me write a nature-themed poem, and then created an elementary lesson explaining how tech can influence health. This experience made me excited about AI’s potential to personalize and enhance learning—especially in SEL and mindfulness practices.
ISTE Standard 2.3 – Citizen
Badge Earned: Citizen (Digital Safety & Security)
In this badge, I learned about the importance of protecting digital identities and teaching students how to be safe online. One new strategy I found particularly useful was the concept of a passphrase instead of a password for increased security. I also became more aware of the evolving nature of scams and the importance of teaching internet safety early and often. I plan to implement student-led safety workshops and strategically place classroom computers for monitoring while empowering digital independence.
W200 Badge 8 – ISTE Educator
Badge Earned: ISTE Educator Overview
In this final badge, I explored ISTE’s full scope: from key initiatives like AI and STEAM to its standards for students, coaches, leaders, and educators. I was especially interested in their AI initiative, as it aligns with my goals to build immersive AR/VR environments for student wellness and regulation.
Technology Skills Growth
Course: EDUC-W200 | Semester: Spring 2025
Before vs. After – Tech Skills Survey
Throughout the semester, my confidence and skill in using educational technology tools grew significantly. At the start of the course, I was familiar with a few platforms like Canva and Word. By the end, I had experimented with a wide range of tools, including Miro, Scratch, Smore, and many generative AI platforms—each offering new insights into collaboration, creation, and critical thinking with tech.
My biggest growth area was using technology to promote student autonomy and engagement, especially through digital storytelling, visual design, and immersive platforms. I now feel more prepared to integrate tech tools meaningfully in my future role as a counselor and educational technologist.
