Mr. Golden Business Education & Future Business Leader's Of America (FBLA): ALL CLASSES

Creating An Electronic Portfolio

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction
Definition of Electronic Portfolio:
“A portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that exhibits the student's efforts, progress, and achievements in one or more areas. The collection must include student participation in selecting content, the criteria for selection, the criteria for judging merit, and evidence of student self-reflection.” – Northwest Evaluation Association
Uses for Electronic Portfolios:

Learning
Assessment
Professional Development
Web Publishing
Personal Resource Organizer
Others?
Student portfolios are invaluable. They provide important insight into a students' individual talents and beliefs about education and career choices. Some colleges are requiring portfolios from students seeking admission. With this process, students have gained valuable experience in selecting the types of materials they collect as well as ways in which to store the information. Students are no longer confined to maintaining a portfolio in a binder. One option being electronically. Student electronic portfolios are concise, annotated collections of student work and things they have accomplished, in and outside the classroom. What makes them very different from traditional portfolios is that they can include scanned or digital photos, video and sound clips, animations, recordings, text, traditional writings and drawings. Student portfolios are a collection of work produced by a student. The portfolio is designed to highlight and demonstrate the students' talents, knowledge and skillsets.
TOOLS FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
"Developing personal portfolios incorporates many different technology tools," Bergman told Education World. "But it is also a process of self-reflection and personal growth. The process is very personal -- a story of self that involves a great deal of self-reflection and thought. "Kids really take ownership and pride in the portfolio process," Bergman added, "developing particular aspects of their portfolios based on what is important to them, their unique knowledge, and their unique skills. Demonstrations or displays in the portfolio include an explanation of the context of the material, where the demonstration was done, why it was done (its purpose), and what learning or capacities are demonstrated through its inclusion. Some students demonstrate a capacity for written expression, for example, while others highlight mathematical ability. Some illustrate leadership qualities, while others showcase musical talent."

NOT A DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK
"Many people emphasize the electronic side of electronic portfolios," Barrett said. "I tend to emphasize the portfolio side. People often approach electronic portfolios as a multimedia or Web development project and lose sight of the portfolio component. Reflection, however, plays a critical role in the development of a portfolio. An electronic portfolio is not a digital scrapbook." Bergman sees electronic portfolios as a natural extension of the technology that today's K-12 students are growing up with. "This is an exciting time for digital technologies and digital tools and today's kids are tuned into this environment," he told Education World. "Digital portfolios are a natural fit."

The Task

This WebQuest is designed to assist you in creating your portfolio electronically. Your portfolio is to display your talents and proficiencies demonstrating your knowledge and skills. The question that you should ask is "What am I trying to tell the reader about myself?" How you answer this question depends on your targeted audience. Remember, your portfolio is a personal reflection. It should look very professional and should include the following: (What is actually included will vary depending on how you intend to use your portfolio.)

a brief biographical sketch
include your resume, copies of documents, licenses, tests, etc.
a description of the classes you've taken (don't include everything, be brief), include grade level
describe your educational philosophy, your learning style, and include why you learn
demonstrate your educational creativity
include copies of recent projects or work you have done well with photos of the activities; quality papers you've written, even a video clip of you in action, and photos of classroom
letters of commendation, evaluations, recognition or honors you've received

Resources

Nice samples presented here by educators. To view, click on Electronic portfolios at the bottom of the first page. Web publishing of electronic portfolios.
When deciding what to put into your portfolio, here's a site you may want to browse to help you gather your ideas and materials.
This site gives you a good overview of what's needed to get started on creating your own electronic portfolio for teachers and students.
Here's a good site for information on electronic portfolios. It also gives you an idea of what you will need to get started.
A collection of Bookmarks that deal with Electronic Portfolios. This is Dr. Helen Barretts-links portfolio pages.

Portfolio Helps

Versions of my Online Portfolios

Apr 17, 2010 ... 20 MB or server limit on self-hosted server. Tool. Custom-designed Electronic Portfolio. Free Online Server Space. Open Source Software ...
electronicportfolios.com/myportfolio/versions.html - Cached

The Process

To accomplish this task, you will need to use a multimedia software program so search for free electronic portfolio websites. I have a scanner in the room... Equipment needed for scanning pictures and documents, a digital camera or photos so that you can scan into your portfolio. For storage of your portfolio you will need a jumpdrive that is large enough to allow you to write large documents.Your portfolio could be a powerpoint if you are careful with how you create it. Click here for assistance creating your portfolio.

incorporate a photo of yourself by inserting image
include your resume by insert a file or scanning a document
describe the kinds of classes you have taken (recent classes summarized briefly)
describe your teaching style
incorporate copies of documents, state licenses, tests, etc. Include outside skills and training
demonstrate your continuing education and creativity in the various softwares you have become familiar with (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc)
write a short essay about your educational philosophy on how you learn and why
Include copies of recent lessons you have enjoyed or learned a lot from. Include photos of class engaged in these activities
Include creative handouts you have designed, papers you have had graded showing your teachers comments, etc.

Evaluation

Click on this link to access the rubric checklist to evaluate your portfolio. This is to be used as a guideline. This is a rubric for teachers having created a portfolio. Your rubric is coming. This is a guideline. Remember, what you decide to include in your portfolio depends on its' intend to use.

* Be realistic about your design and expectations.
* Make use of relevant models.
* Own the process of creating the portfolios.
* Keep up with implementation strategies and timelines clearly.
* Be selective in design and strategy.
* Allow for continuous improvement and growth.
* Incorporate assessment stakeholders in all phases and components of your efforts; that is, make sure portfolio content meets the needs of those assessing the work.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a professional electronic portfolio that shares your talents, accomplishments and skills with your potential college administrators, coaches, colleagues and friends.

ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES ABOUT ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIOS

Electronic Portfolio Resources
This site, created by a professor of education at the University of Vermont, provides links to resources about online portfolios for K-12 students, online portfolios in higher education, selection of portfolio software, and online articles about electronic portfolios. Sample electronic portfolios are included.
Electronic Portfolios
This summary of what an electronic portfolio is and how to create one includes listings of relevant print and online resources.
Electronic Portfolios
This page from Tammy's Technology Tips for Teachers explains what electronic portfolios are and how to create them. The site also includes sample portfolios.
The Power of Portfolios
Scholastic Online offers this excerpt from an article that appeared in the February 1999 issue of Early Childhood Today. The article explains the benefits of student portfolios in early childhood education.
Using Electronic Portfolios: A Description and Analysis for Implementation in SIGNET Classes at Woodbridge Middle School, Virginia
This paper describes the portfolio system in general, the differences between paper and electronic portfolios, and the implementation of electronic portfolios. The page includes a discussion of hardware and software, an extensive list of references, and a rubric.
Create Your Own Electronic Portfolio Using Off-the-Shelf Software to Showcase Your Own or Student Work
Helen Barrett defines what an electronic portfolio is and discusses different software and hardware tools.