A capstone assignment and learning tool

 A portfolio has traditionally been used by artists, architects, and photographers to assemble their best work to present to clients or a prospective employer.  Since then, many fields including education have started using portfolios both as a capstone assignment and as a learning tool.

 Before the digital age, most portfolios consisted of a binder or booklet in which a person arranged all of his or her work in a way that best showcases the person’s talents in hopes to get a job or persuade someone to use his or her services.  For instance, a photographer who hopes to be contracted by a couple to take their wedding photos would show them his portfolio to see if they were impressed with the way he takes pictures.

 Nowadays, with the help of the Internet, many people prefer online portfolios, that is, keeping all their work on a website.  This method saves paper, eliminates the need to have to lug a heavy binder around with you, and gives you a cutting-edge appeal to employers or customers.

 For this class, you will be making an online portfolio of your major assignments for the course.  We will first start making a hard copy version of your portfolio this semester, and then next semester you will be uploading your work onto the portfolio website.

 There are several reasons why we will have you do a portfolio in this class: 1. It will allow you to review your assignments to see what you’ve learned and how far you’ve come since the beginning of the year. 2. It will allow you to showcase your best work and give you a sense of satisfaction for all the hard work you’ve done! 3. It will give you practice in using technology to make portfolios in the future!

 Everything we’ve done in class has had a purpose, but we will focus on the major assignments so far for your portfolio: 1. Your comparative essay on The Book Thief and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 2. Your perspective essay on Hiroshima 3. A persuasive essay for your portfolio (we will do this later in the week)

 Traditionally, who has used a portfolio to showcase his or her work?

 Artists, architects, and photographers

 Name one reason why doing a portfolio is a good idea:

1. It will allow you to review your assignments. 2. It will allow you to showcase your best work. 3. It will give you practice in using technology to make portfolios in the future!

 For this semester, what three major assignments will be included in the portfolio?

1. Your comparative essay on The Book Thief and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 2. Your perspective essay on Hiroshima 3. A persuasive essay for your portfolio (we will do this later in the week)