Electronic Portfolios

After reading the article Electronic Portfolios as Digital Stories of Deep Learning, I found that I identified best with the 8th principal of Assessment for Learning (AFL). The 8th principal is AFL develops learner's capacity for self assessment so that they can become reflective and self-managing. I feel this principal should be the foundation for building an educational-based portfolio, or even a work-based portfolio. If a student or employee does not assess themselves, nor become reflective, then they have not learned or earned anything. We, as students, should desire to reflect on what we have learned in order to gain knowledge. Many students take classes and do the coursework only to get the grade. They exit the class and retain little to no information. Instead, we should strive to use what we learn. Education is priceless, and many take it for granted.

I love the idea of make portfolios for an additional purpose of assessment. I feel traditional assessment, pen and paper, should be secondary to proving what you have learned. Teachers are always looking for new ways to assess their students. We, teachers, are all very frustrated with the same style of standardized testing that takes up so much of our yearly lessons. By making and keeping a portfolio throughout the duration of the course/degree is not only proves what was learned but should also allow the student to feel gratified. We all know whether we put 100%, or 10% into something. By keeping the portfolio a student can see their progress along the way and take ownership and pride in their grade and/or success with a degree.

When I am able to start my portfolio (still waiting for the link to buy the program), I know I will be very proud to add documentation of my learning and growth throughout this graduate degree coursework. As an undergrad, I know I blew off many of my classes. I was a social butterfly who was more concerned about the campus events than completing homework with 100% effort. Many of my grades were C's because I knew I could still graduate with the bare minimum. My goal for my ETEC degree is a 4.0. I am 1.5 classes in, and am currently upholding my goal! Keeping a portfolio is an opportunity to say, "Heck yeah! This is what I did. I worked hard, and made the grade!"