Ads for Adobe Portfolio claim that it is free to use. However, pricing plans on the site stress that it is free if one has a Creative Cloud account. The Creative Cloud All Apps account is $54.99 per month while the Creative Cloud Photography account is $9.99 per month. Both plans require a one year commitment. Currently, the All Apps account, which includes over 20 apps, has been discounted to $39.99 per month. As an instructor, I qualify for the All Apps discounted rate of $19.99 per month for the first year and $29.99 per month for the second year. A school or university can request an institution-wide license and fee.
I consider myself as being somewhere between beginner and intermediate in terms of tech savviness. However, sign-up to Adobe Portfolio (simply completed by signing in with my Gmail account) took a few seconds, and I was immediately on the site. The portfolio examples are impressive. I chose a theme named Ludwig, but a simple click allowed me to seamlessly switch to another one. With one click, I created a page where I could easily upload a video or audio link, photos, or social media profile link icons. I have previously worked with Canvas, Blackboard, and Google, and the few minutes I spent with Adobe Portfolio made it seem one of the easiest and most manageable. The only drawback I see in using this product is cost.
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Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is no longer confined to the realm of science fiction novels and movies. As other technologies have entered the classroom and workforce, so has AI. In any educational setting PreK to pose-secondary, AI can be found in a variety of computer management programs, the curricula, and hands-on activities designed to encourage higher order thinking skills.
AI will continue to expand its use in all aspects of the world. If we are to prepare our students to be productive citizens, then it is our obligation as educators to use and embrace AI in our instruction. Ironically, the challenge for many instructors may be finding the time to incorporate more AI into the curriculum. AI can save teachers hundreds of hours a month by eliminating many of the mundane traditional tasks mentioned above. Saving that amount of time will allow the teacher to spend more time with the students, possibly encouraging more personalized, one-on-one instruction. Another benefit will be less stress of having to complete so many tasks that can lead to burnout and job satisfaction. As a welding instructor, I am seeing more AI incorporated into our field as companies are using robotic welders. Robotic welders are used to help alleviate personnel shortages as some robotic welders can operate with minimal, if any, human supervision. Although these welders are quite expensive to install and program, companies can experience a cost savings in a short amount of time. Robotic welders can assist human welders when the welding project could prove to be hazardous or extremely challenging to accomplish. Some companies are purchasing robotic welding training equipment for welding schools to encourage their use. Having companies willing to provide such equipment to us will be a lifesaver as our budget is already spread thin. I took this title from the Katy Perry song "Firework." But I'm not talking about Katy Perry. I'm talking about my girlfriend, Mallory, who is now my fiancee. I proposed to her on July 2, 2022. My mom, dad, and aunt (who happens to be my dad's twin sister) decorated a wall in my barn/shed for the pictures. But being in the middle of an Alabama heatwave, it was as hot as Hades in there. Mallory thought we were going to Texas de Brazil for her dad's birthday, and that they were just going to swing by and pick me up. That way, I had an excuse for her parents to be there, too. Cause it was so hot and cause I'm not one to waste time, as soon as Mallory walked in and saw the decorations, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. None of that Bachelor rose ceremony crap for me. Of course, she said, "YES." I think she was suspecting a proposal, but she just didn't know when. Afterwards, we went to Avalon Social, a small event room in Muscle Shoals, where her aunt had prepared food. We took a lot more pictures from my house near Town Creek back to the Shoals. The food was so good that her aunt is going to cater the wedding. The date is March 25 (Spring Break), and we will probably have the wedding at a wedding event center on Rose Trails near the Alabama-Mississippi line. Yeah, I guess I will have to wear a tux.
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