Jul 05
“A reflection of the student as a person undergoing continual personal development – not just a store of evidence” Helen Barrett
I have been involved with the development of digital portfolios before, but am about to start fresh with a new group of students. In the time since my first try, Web 2.0 has taken over and the possibilities and potential of these products has increased. Helen Barrett says “the boundaries between portfolios and social networking are blurring”.
Previously, we chose to use familiar and easily available software as the tool (MS Powerpoint). The results stayed on the school server with no real audience until parents maybe saw them when they were taken home at the end of primary school. Nowadays, the world of blogging appears to be the tool of choice and immediately this brings ePortfolios into a different light – the potential worldwide readers with the responsibilities that that entails and the potential of feedback from a wide audience.
There is an enormous array of material available and examples of success stories abound.
http://jonathan.mueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/portfolios.htm
Basically, my aim will be for the students to create an electronic record of their learning – reflective in nature, including work samples and written or oral reflections. My experience tells me that the hardest part is encouraging thoughtful reflection in the children. The mechanics of scanning and photographing work samples and adding text etc is simple.
Some of these questions I know the answer to, while others I need to answer
I also add my own further wonderings
- How to include the whole school in the process?
- How to establish criteria – or should we allow major personalisation?
- Which tool to use? If blogs, how to manage with younger children (passwords etc)
- Where to start ?
- How to encourage the language of reflection required with the students?
- Do we include goal setting?
- How do teachers/parents/readers provide feedback
I have bookmarked many amazing resources while I am planning, pondering and researching and they can be found on my Delicious account.
Anyone out there with any ideas or experience to offer?
July 5th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Celia is this happening for Prep??
Very exciting!
July 5th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
What a thorough post. All of your questions are interesting and I wonder what answers the students (and parents) would give and if they would be any different to your thoughts and those of your colleagues. What about school policy? Anne Mirtschin would be a good person to ask. Good luck and I’d love to know how you get on.
July 7th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Hello,
I have been using e-pearl electronic portfolios in my Grade 2 classroom for the past 4 years. I think it is something that you would be very interested in looking at.
http://grover.concordia.ca/epearl/promo/en/epearl.php
twitter rmcdonald.17
July 7th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Great post Celia with interesting and valuable questions to consider. Reading this is very timely for me as I’m just considering starting eportfolios with my Yr 6/7 class. Thanks.
July 8th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Hi Celia, I understand your situation as I was there about 2 years ago. I documented my journey on my blog if you are interested http://lietze.org/?cat=12 I shared my research into different ePortfolio platforms, reflections on our progress and presentations I have made. I do hope it helps you as there are lots of things to consider (like the questions you have written up here).
Jamin
July 18th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Hi Celia, What a wonderful post – I would like to add the video to my own blog (I will credit your find!). Like you, I have done digital portfolios before – PowerPoint, iWeb, and I am now en route towards a new ePortfolio experience. Your questions are so well thought out and relevant, and I would love to dialog/reflect more about this with you, if you’re up for it. I am wavering between Google Sites and a blog, but leaning more towards a blog – I think it has great potential and can evolve with the students as they grow. Also, we have a very transient community, so a blog is something kids can take with them, or share with family overseas. It is an exciting learning journey, congratulations on capturing the “packing” part of the trip so exquisitely!
July 26th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Hi Celia – Take two – enjoyed this – lots of food for thought – Had already submitted comment – but link was broken – let’s see if this gets thru.
July 26th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Recounting Take 1 – I wonder if the day of having to perform a task which is not intrinsically pleasing is dead and buried -or are we just hopeful that the rest of the world catches on –
I know that Google has a new world view to work spaces – flexible work hours providing a happy feel good environment and has had most interesting and most encouraging outcomes – something all work places and employers should take note of.. his topic was featured on the ABC Lateline Business with Tiggy Fulleron – did a segment on it last night – worth a look. -
I have no doubt that Harris is on the money with long held premise of student engagement and intrinsic value being an absolute goal. The trick still remains though how to motivate people – students,teachers and people in general to perform when the task doesn’t always suit or enthuse -
July 26th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
I also agree with Helen Barrett’s views -