Expert Showcase: Dr. Helen Barrett on Electronic Portfolio Development INTRODUCTION
This exhibit provides educators and parents with an overview of using technology to document learning over time. A portfolio is often defined as a purposeful collection of student [or teacher] work that illustrates efforts, progress, and achievement in one or more areas over time. An electronic portfolio uses digital technologies, allowing the portfolio developer to collect and organize portfolio artifacts in many media types (audio, video, graphics, text). A standards-based portfolio uses a database or hypertext links to clearly show the relationship between standards or goals, artifacts, and reflections. The learner's reflections are the rationale that specific artifacts are evidence of achieving the stated standards or goals. An electronic portfolio is a reflective tool that demonstrates growth over time. This exhibit will illustrate many ways that Apple technologies can be used to create electronic portfolios for learners of all ages, from Early Childhood, through graduate school and into the professions.
I will be creating another exhibit to support teachers, students, and their family members to create these digital "heirlooms", in a partnership that goes beyond assessment and portfolio development. Schools who encourage teachers to involve parents in electronic portfolio development can address some of the Parental Involvement goals of the "No Child Left Behind" Legislation. The tools and skills necessary to create electronic portfolios can also be used to create oral histories and digital archives of family memories.
Author:Dr. Helen
Barrett School:University of Alaska Anchorage School of Education Organization:International Society for Technology in Education Credits:Support for developing this exhibit was provided by ISTE's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to use Technology Community & Assessment in PT3 Catalyst Grant.
