day 8 readings

ePortfolios: Constructing Meaning Across Time, Space and Curriculum

This is a great argument for and definition of an ePortfolio. What is does is foster Metacognition in students and reflection and assessment for teachers'. The new era of technology and learning requires new ways to assess and reflect on learning. ePortfolios provide a way for the creator to compile what they have learned and accomplished, sort it out, reflect on it, and connect it all together into a snap-shot of what they have achieved and plan the path ahead. This product is another tool that lends its self to constructivism and really metacognition.

Electronic Teaching Portfolios

This article does a good job of defining an ePortfolio and giving its rational. The great majority of the article is a step by step description of how one could carry out and assess the quality of their ePortfolio. This would function both as a rubric and a step by step instruction on how to create and maintain a portfolio. For obvious reasons there is definitely a push toward more multimedia and web based products and presentations. This is a very forward thinking tool that tracks ones learning over time providing that learner with tools to reflect, assess, and improve their learning.

The Professional Portfolio

This article describes a different type of portfolio than the articles above. In this one there is video of lessons delivered, a resume, and letters of recommendation amongst other things. This version would be great for getting hired of just displaying what you have accomplished. It does, however, have the same general goal of perfecting the art of teaching through reflection and a constructivist approach to teaching and learning.

Preparing A Teaching Portfolio: A Guidebook

This particular article is aimed at professors in universities, but a lot of the same principles apply to school teachers. This one give a wonderful definition and rational for an ePortfoio. Which includes the observation that an ePortfolio gives a more public view of a teachers work. All of the articles stress that the work displayed is selected and reflected on in some way. The goal is to improve the art and outcomes of teaching. This also brings a measure of accountability in that the portfolio is view by any interested party. The portfolio also requires a display of technology skills. One would hope that any teacher who would create and maintain an ePortfolio would use technology in the classroom and encourage their students to create portfolios.