This was my first year as an Ed. Tech STA, I embarked on two distinct learning goals, each aimed at expanding my skill set and understanding of emerging technologies. My first objective was to delve into full site editing within the WordPress platform, while my second goal centered around developing applications utilizing ChatGPT.
In my exploration of full site editing, I delved into the intricacies of WordPress blocks, mastering their effective utilization and the ability to edit multiple blocks simultaneously. This capability represents a significant advancement in web development, streamlining the process of adjusting themes, fonts, and formatting across entire pages. Presenting a workshop on this topic allowed me to share my knowledge and empower others to leverage these tools for personal and academic website projects.
Link for the website video: Website Check 1.mov
Simultaneously, I undertook the challenge of building functional applications with ChatGPT. Over the past two semesters, I successfully created a diverse array of apps, including a calculator, calendar, notes, alarm, and maps application. While I prioritized functionality over graphical aesthetics, opting to utilize the native GUI of Mac systems, I found that ChatGPT adeptly executed instructions, even from individuals lacking coding experience. Employing Thonny as my IDE and Python as the coding language facilitated development and experimentation.
Throughout this journey, ChatGPT emerged as a valuable ally, assisting with troubleshooting issues, and bolstering my confidence in the accessibility of app development for non-coders. Moreover, comparative analysis revealed comparable performance between ChatGPT and other leading chatbots such as Gemini (Google) and Copilot (Microsoft ).
This year was really rewarding to me when it came to helping students at the DMB and as I continue to grow my skills and refine them in WordPress and ChatGPT app development, I am excited to explore new avenues in emerging digital technologies.