Blair Morden April 2006

What is a Portfolio? "In a very basic way, a portfolio is a collection of work that a learner has selected, organized, reflected upon, and presented to show understanding and growth over time: “A purposeful collection of student work that illustrates efforts, progress, and achievement in one or more areas” (Northwest Evaluation Association). Additionally, a critical component of a portfolio is the combination of a learner's reflection on the individual pieces of work (often called "artifacts") as well as an overall reflection on the story that the portfolio tells. The material to be collected and the story to be told can vary greatly depending on the purpose of the portfolio and how the portfolio is being evaluated.“ Helen C. Barrett Researching Electronic Portfolios and Learner Engagement: The Brief

Questions To Ask Before Getting Started What is the purpose of the portfolios? There are three basic types: 1. Developmental 2. Assessment 3. Showcase

The developmental model shows how student skills have advanced over time. These are considered works in progress and include areas for students to assess themselves as well as receive feedback from teachers and others. Developmental

Assessment The assessment e-portfolio is all about evaluating student performance and competence as defined by program standards and outcomes.

Showcase A showcase e-portfolio highlights exemplary work of a student and is often shown to potential employers or college admissions offices. It is important to note that many e-portfolios are hybrids, a blended model that serves a variety of purposes.

To determine what your school needs, start by asking these seven fundamental questions: 1.Vision: What do you want a student to know and be able to do? 3.Audience: Who will be the primary readers of the portfolio? 4.Tech: What hardware, software, and networking are in place? Who will support it? 2.Purpose: How do you intend to use the portfolio? Source: Coalition of Essential Schools

5.Logistics: How will students select work? How will they gain access to the equipment? When will there be time for reflection? 6.Culture: What else has to change in the school to make the portfolio possible? 7.Assessment: How do we as a community decide what is good enough? Source: Coalition of Essential Schools

Key characteristics of a student portfolio include… Selection, charting growth over time Reflection, both on individual pieces and holistically (metacognition) Presentation

Paper vs. Electronic Portfolios Paper Collecting Selecting Reflecting Projecting Celebrating Electronic Archiving Linking/Thinking Storytelling Collaborating Publishing Student Engagement Application of Technology Skills Longevity of Portfolio Accessibility/Storage

Equipment Needed Computer Scanner and/or Digital Camera Multimedia Software Program –Microsoft PowerPoint –Microsoft Word –Any web authoring program Additional multimedia devices –iPod –Digital Video Camera Worcester, Tammy. “How To Create an Electronic Portfolio.”