As educators in Uganda continue to embrace digital tools amid evolving classroom dynamics, the February 3, 2026, session of UNICEF’s Digital Pedagogy Training Phase 2 offered essential guidance on establishing online presence. Organized by UNICEF and Airtel, and facilitated by the EDUTECH TEACHERS NETWORK, this module focused on building teacher blogs and sites to share resources, extending Phase 1’s content creation skills. Ideal for professionals seeking sustainable, tech-savvy platforms, this recap ensures even those who missed the live event can implement these strategies effectively.
Explore the complete recording for step-by-step guidance:
Session Objectives: Empowering Digital Portfolios
The goals were crafted to promote long-term professional development:
- Understand the advantages of personal teaching sites for resource dissemination and growth.
- Evaluate free tools including Google Sites, Blogger, and WordPress.com.
- Construct a basic site incorporating Phase 1 multimedia elements.
- Complete an assignment to publish a site, priming for the final showcase.
This aligns with Phase 2’s emphasis on sustainability through educator networks.
The Value of Educator Sites
These platforms extend Phase 1 tools (e.g., CapCut videos, Google Forms quizzes) by providing shareable hubs for lesson summaries, student portfolios, and community collaboration. They support Phase 2’s online/offline resource goals and prepare for Session 5’s integrated showcase.
Comparing Free Tools: Options for Every Need
A detailed overview highlighted accessible platforms:
| Tool | Ease of Use | Key Strengths | Limitations | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Sites | Drag-and-drop for beginners | Seamless Google Workspace integration, mobile-responsive, free custom domains | Limited templates, basic customization | Quick class websites or portfolios with embedded tools |
| Blogger | Intuitive blogging interface | Google-owned, strong SEO, free subdomains, ad options | Dated dashboard, less adaptable for non-blog formats | Chronological content like lesson recaps or reflections |
| WordPress.com | Versatile with themes and plugins | Robust community, SEO features, multimedia support | Ads on free plan, restricted plugins | Comprehensive sites with blogs, pages, and e-learning components |
Tool-Specific Features
- Google Sites: Drag-and-drop builder for embedding videos and quizzes, collaborative editing (credited to John R. Sowash).
- Blogger: HTML-capable post editor, organizational labels, mobile app for on-the-go updates; dashboard demonstrated in the video.
- WordPress.com: Gutenberg block editor, education-themed templates, plugins for forms and galleries; example site illustrated.
Step-by-Step Guide to Site Creation
- Sign up or log in (Gmail recommended for Google tools).
- Select a template or theme.
- Add core pages: Home, About, Resources, Blog, Contact.
- Embed multimedia: YouTube videos, Google Forms quizzes, Canva visuals.
- Customize with navigation, images, and SEO elements.
- Publish and share, adjusting privacy settings for public or private access.
Breakout Discussions: Progress and Challenges
Participants shared Kolibri successes, site concepts, and hurdles like time constraints, fostering peer learning.
Assignment: Hands-On Site Development
Using one tool, create a site featuring a home page, about section, resources page (with 2-3 Phase 1 embeds), blog (including a digital pedagogy post and Session 1 assignment screenshots), and contact. Test on mobile, set to public, and submit the link via Google Classroom.
Sustaining Impact Through Online Platforms
This session equips educators with tools for enduring digital influence. Access resources in Google Classroom and review demos. Upcoming: AI-aided planning on February 5.
Transforming education, one click at a time. 🚀
For inquiries, reach out to info@edutechteachers.org.
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