Chapter 4: Portfolios Section I: Preparing to Use Technology

Chapter 4: Portfolios Learner Objectives At the completion of study, learners will be able to: –discuss the research related to the effective use of digital portfolios in learning –use basic terminology associated with portfolios. –distinguish the differences between working portfolios, assessment portfolios and showcase portfolios and the purposes of each type of portfolio. –describe the advantages and disadvantages of developing digital portfolios. –describe the supporting documentation that is included in a digital portfolio.

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Learner Objectives, cont’d At the completion of study, learners will be able to: –describe the types of artifacts that should be included in a portfolio. –collect supporting portfolio documentation and artifacts and convert them to digital format. –describe alternative assessment portfolios and discuss the advantages of using digital versions to document the progress of students with significant disabilities.

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Frameworks: What we know... A portfolio is an organized collection of artifacts or individual, tangible products that verify a teacher’s professional growth over-time. Portfolios serve as forms of alternative assessment that link curriculum and assessment. Used for authentic types of assessment that provide a record of growth over time allowing the comparison of work to the standards of the profession. Growing in popularity for practicing teachers and requirements for teachers in preparation.

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Basics: Professional Push Three professional associations concerned with teacher quality at various stages of a teacher’s professional life. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Basics: Types of Portfolios Different types of portfolios exist that have different purposes and contents. –Working portfolios Large collections of work over a period of time Includes lesson plans, unit plans photos, presentations, videos and other things that have been created during the time. –Assessment portfolios Outgrowth of the Working portfolio …a subset of the best work –Showcase portfolios Outgrowth of the Working portfolio…contents is chosen carefully. Typically used for employment purposes

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Basics: Types of Portfolios After the preparation period, the showcase portfolio can be redirected to a professional teaching portfolio. –Contains examples of teaching materials and artifacts from the teacher’s practice. –Includes student portfolios and artifacts. Voices in the Classroom Anissa L. Vega technology coordinator in elementary school

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Basics: Moving to digital Portfolios, in the past, have been print-based resulting in boxes of paper. Advantages of digital: –Portability –Digital can strengthen certain items –Can be seen by a larger number of people at one time. Disadvantages of digital: –Skill requirements –Support needed –Equipment and software –Time and energy –Requirements for viewer –Can overpower message

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Basics: Components Portfolios consist of elements in two major categories. –Supporting documentation Table of contents Personal information Credits Permission statements –Artifacts Resume Transcripts Educational philosophy Unit plans Lesson plans Videos of performance

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Basics: Components, cont’d The educational philosophy statement is a part of –what you believe about teaching and learning. Reflections –are very important to the portfolio –are a reaction to the work and the success of reaching the standard. –contain what is planned to meet the standard... the learning goals.

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Basics: Digital Commandments Kilbane and Milman (2003) developed 1.When in doubt, don’t throw it out. 2.Do it digitally. 3.Be organized, not frustrated. 4.Log it or lose it. 5.If it’s nice, save it thrice. 6.Be careful, not sorry? Pay heed to legal and security issues. 7.Give credit where credit is due. 8.Protect the privacy of your students and colleagues. 9.Create and stick to a timeline.

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Adapting for Special Learners Portfolios are used to show the progress of students who are not able to participate in state-level assessment systems even with special accommodations. –serve to increase motivation and a sense of accomplishment for the student. –alternative assessment systems are required by both IDEA and NCLB legislation

Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 4: Portfolios Questions????