What are the strengths? Things you found useful.

I loved the ability to customize my blog any way I wanted, from layout, to colour, and even to size. All these little things make up the big picture of how a blog represents in reality, you the creator. The fact that I’m able to write things in little sections together or rows instead of having everything in a Microsoft Word Layout idea was very intriguing. I really like the individually this plug-in sells to people. A couple specific things I found useful were the the ways I could actually see what I was changing and editing, through the editing page of the old to new version of the plug-in, and even to the on site visual editor; however, each with its consequences. On the other hand, the idea that I am able to input almost anything I wanted was great, from an “Accordion” to a “Blurb” I was the one in control of how my blogs comes out visually instead of the site itself as per usual. In the end, I think the variety and options are the greatest strengths of this plug-in.

What are the  weaknesses? Things you found could be improved.

While trying to edit my blog and specifically my “About Me” page I found it quite difficult to use the plug-in itself, in the beginning, yes things will be difficult, but to a certain degree I would say. At first I wasn’t able to figure out where all the work I did initially on my blog disappeared to; however, it was just written and placed in a different way. So after the thoughts of panic I started experimenting with different views of the blog. As I said before, I love the variety of how you can edit your blog with Divi Builder, but it was confusing as different views encapsulated so many different things, even though they’re supposedly the same thing. This ability to have all the power over my blog was intimidating honestly. Furthermore, I found it difficult to do “easier” things such as alignment within sections and rows so that videos or photos are centred and in the middle, these things had to be done manually and for most people who aren’t the best with technology or this advanced, it’s definitely hard. Overall, I believe this plug-in sells a good idea of creativity and individuality, but it falls short for the people who aren’t as advanced in technology which causes a lot of struggle.

How can this plugin be used in a classroom setting to enhance student learning? Would you use it and/or recommend it?

At the moment, I would not recommend this plug-in unless it’s for a technology-based class either from beginning levels to advanced ones. This is because I believe to fully understand how to use Divi Builder and not get frustrated would need a classroom where people are learning about it and where people can get help from others  instead of just being let free to try anything with the plug-in. I think this could be used for visual arts programs as well if they’re working on technological things at that time as this way two worlds can collide allowing art people not only to express themselves how they want, but learn a skill on the way. In the end, through my experiences with Divi Builder if this was just readily available to students to use, the ones who want to try and learn from it will, but others who just have the opportunity could; however, if it becomes challenging they will just stop as it can become quite discouraging and frustrating even through it’s a great idea of sparking creativity on people’s personal blogs.