EDITH HERNANDEZ
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Welcome to my digital portfolio, where I showcase a variety of educational technology projects. Explore how these tools can be used in classroom settings and adapted into lesson plans. Each section includes links to help you create your own versions. Featured projects include Voki, Word Clouds, and Copyright resources.
Introduction
Voki is a web-based tool that lets you design animated characters who can speak. It’s great for making websites, presentations, or school projects more fun and engaging. My Digital Portfolio
I picked a unique avatar to welcome visitors to my site. Hear the Introduction
Click the avatar image above to listen to the greeting. (Be sure to link the image to your Voki tiny URL!)
Make Your Own Avatar
Want to try it out? Click the button below to start creating your own talking character at Voki.com.
Word Cloud
A word cloud is a visual tool that displays a group of words in different sizes and layouts. The more often a word appears, the larger it looks. You can customize the shape, colors, and fonts to match your theme or message.
Take a look and explore the words I selected! Create Your Own Word Cloud. Click the button below to make your own using WordClouds.com or another word cloud generator.
Copyright
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Copyrights protect original work and give credit to creators. They make sure that writers, artists, and designers have control over how their work is used, shared, or copied. Respecting copyright helps us honor creativity and avoid plagiarism. Check the Footer
You’ll find the copyright notice and citation at the bottom of the page. Learn More About Copyrights
Click the button below to explore copyright basics through Creative Commons, a site that helps creators share their work legally and safely.
EDITOR
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I am Edith Hernandez, an educator specializing in Early Childhood Education with a strong interest in instructional design and technology integration. My academic focus centers on creating developmentally appropriate activities that align with how young children learn best. I believe that when learning theory and technology are thoughtfully combined, educators can support every child’s growth and potential. In my classroom, I apply this by designing interactive, bilingual activities that foster exploration, emotional connection, and inclusive learning. This page includes my professional profile, resume, and certifications highlighting my commitment to joyful, culturally responsive teaching.
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My Profile
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PowerPoint is a presentation tool used to create slideshows with text, images, audio, video, and animations. I made a PowerPoint called “All About Me” to share fun facts, photos, and my favorite things. Click the image to view it, and use the button below to explore a beginner tutorial.
A resume shows your skills, experience, and goals. It helps employers learn about you and decide if you’re a good fit.
These tools make it easy to create a resume. Just be careful not to share personal info like your address or phone number online. Download My Resume
Click the image above to view my resume. (It’s linked as a PDF with private info removed.)
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Awards
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Awards and certificates help highlight your achievements and qualifications beyond work experience. They show dedication, skills, and milestones you've reached. I earned a certificate from HH Childcare Training for completing the course “A Thoughtful Approach to Children's Mental Health,” which focuses on supporting emotional well-being in early childhood settings. This certificate reflects my dedication to children's mental health and professional growth in early
education.
Click the image above to view my certificate.
Resume
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PTE-LESSON
My lesson plan focuses on thoughtful instructional design and effective teaching strategies. It includes the core lesson, technology tools, and support materials aligned with learning theories and standards. This section highlights how I create engaging, standards-based instruction that meets student needs while integrating educational technology. You can explore my Lesson Redesign, QR Code activity, and Quizlet/Pinterest projects on this page.
Magnet Properties
Our group revised an existing lesson to make it more engaging and inclusive. We added technology tools, strengthened the learning goals, aligned the content with educational standards, and improved the step-by-step instructions. We also applied Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to support all learners by offering multiple ways to access, engage with, and show understanding of the material.
Magnet Worksheet
Quick Response (QR) Codes are scannable images made up of squares that store digital information. When scanned with a phone or tablet, they instantly open a link or display content no typing needed!
This QR code links to a worksheet focused on magnet properties. The activity includes questions about magnetic poles, attraction and repulsion, and materials used to make magnets.
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Quizlet: Exploring Magnets
Quizlet is a study tool with flashcards, games, and quizzes. I created a set on magnetism with key terms like poles, attract, repel, and magnetic field to help students review science concepts.
Click the button below to view my magnetism flashcards. Click the button below to create your own set using Quizlet.
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ACTIVITIES
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Well-designed activities strengthen lesson plans, boost instruction, and support student learning. They help make lessons more interactive, meaningful, and fun. Technology plays a key role in bringing these activities to life. On this page, you’ll find my Digital Storytelling and Coding projects.
Digital Story:My Techno-biography
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A digital story is a short video that shares a personal experience using images, voice, and text.
My Techno-biography shows how technology has shaped my life and learning.
I created it using Microsoft Clipchamp, which helps combine slides, narration, and recordings into a video. Click the image to watch my story. Click the button to make your own!
Coding Scratch Jr
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Coding is a way for children to give instructions to computers, helping them think creatively, solve problems, and build digital stories or games. Scratch Jr is a kid-friendly app that lets young learners create animations and stories by snapping together blocks of code no reading required!
For my project, I made a short, animated story using characters, backgrounds, and simple code blocks to show movement and dialogue. Click the image above to watch my Scratch Jr Story. Click the button below to explore Scratch Jr and start creating!
RESEARCH
Educators are always growing, staying current with new teaching methods, classroom tools, learning theories, and behavior strategies. I plan to keep learning about inclusive practices, bilingual education, and how technology supports early childhood development. In addition to attending professional development workshops, I actively research key topics in education. On this page, you’ll find my Technology Review, research on Assistive Technology and Differentiated Instruction, and reflections on the value of unplugging.
Technology Review: BRAINPOP JR.
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My team and I evaluated BRAINPOP JR by looking at its strengths and challenges, how it supports the 4 Cs, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity and whether it follows the “Do No Harm” principle. We also discussed how useful it can be for teaching and learning in the classroom. Click the image above to see the Technology Review of Tool Name.
Click the button below to explore Tool Name.
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PADLET: Assistive Technologies & Differentiated Instruction
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Padlet is a digital tool for creating interactive posters or boards. You can add text, images, links, videos, and voice recordings. It’s great for collaboration or sharing presentations. My Research Topic
For this project, I explored Assistive Technologies (AT), which help students with diverse needs access learning, and Differentiated Instruction (DI), which adapts teaching to support different learning styles and abilities.
Tap the image above to explore my Padlet on Assistive Technology (AT) and Inclusive Teaching (IT). Click the button below to start creating your own board at Padlet.com.
Reflection: The Benefits of Un-Plugging from Technology
While technology supports learning and makes life easier, it can also be distracting, overwhelming, or lead to too much screen time. Taking breaks from devices can help us feel more focused, calm, and connected to the present moment.
For this project, I stepped away from all technology for a few hours each day over the week. I used that time to journal and reflect. Overall, the experience helped me recharge, think more clearly, and appreciate quiet moments without digital interruptions.
Click the image above to open my journal about unplugging from technology.
Click the button below to explore an article on screen time risks.
THEORY
Strong lesson plans are built on solid educational theory. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) helps teachers meet the diverse needs of all students by offering flexible ways to learn and show understanding. Technology is used to support and adapt instruction for every learner. The TPACK model highlights the importance of blending technology, teaching methods, and subject knowledge to create effective lessons. On this page, you’ll find more about UDL and TPACK.
UDL Assessment Design
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Digital annotation tools let students add notes, images, videos, and voice recordings to online content. These tools often include helpful features like text-to-speech and translation. Students can save or print their annotations and use them as study guides. Sharing their work builds understanding, encourages collaboration, and supports inclusive learning through UDL principles.
TPACK Framework
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STANDARDS
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When creating lessons and planning curriculum, it’s important to follow a variety of educational standards. These include grade-level content goals, technology skills, and developmental readiness. My lesson plans are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the ISTE Standards for technology use, and the NAEYC guidelines for early childhood education. On this page, you’ll find more information about CCSS, ISTE, and NAEYC.
CCSS
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The CCSS site explains the Common Core State Standards, which guide what students should learn in school. It covers subjects like English Language Arts and Mathematics for grades K–12. The site helps teachers, families, and leaders understand grade-level goals and how to support student success. Click the button below to learn more about CCSS.
ISTE
The ISTE site shares technology standards that help students and educators use digital tools for learning and teaching. It offers guidance on how to build skills like creativity, collaboration, and responsible tech use. There are two sets of standards—one designed for students and another for educators—to support growth in both learning and instruction. Click the buttons below to explore ISTE for Students and Parents.
It Covers Kindergarten to Grade 12 in ELA and Math, with added literacy standards for Science and Social Studies in grades 6–12. Support teachers in:
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Using technology to design engaging lessons
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Modeling digital citizenship
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Collaborating and analyzing student data
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Leading innovation in the classroom
It includes 10 standards that guide quality care and education for children birth to age 8. They support the whole child, strong family partnerships, effective leadership, community connections, and developmentally appropriate classrooms.
NAEYC
The NAEYC site shares standards that support high-quality early childhood education for children from birth through age 8. It offers guidance for teachers, students, administrators, families, and communities to help young children learn and grow in safe, nurturing environments. The standards focus on developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum, assessment, and family engagement.
Click the button below to learn more about NAEYC.