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What are some of the uses for electronic portfolios?
o
To provide work history
o
To provide performance assessment overview
o
To showcase what a student or teacher has accomplished
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Why are electronic portfolios being used more and more
frequently in education?
o
Electronic portfolios provide an opportunity to view what a
student or teacher knows and is able to do.
o
E-portfolios provide maximum storage in a minimum amount of space.
o
E-portfolios are learner centered and make them extremely
accessible to anyone with Internet access.
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What are some of the barriers to the use of electronic
portfolios?
o
Students that have not explored the learning curve of software may
spend many hours developing the overall look of their portfolio and neglect to
include relevant content. Simplicity is essential to the efficacy of the
technology. (Waters, 2007) Using an e-portfolio creator makes far more sense
than using coding or an html program.
o
Not all students/learners have access to current technology
(digital divide issues)
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One researcher noted that it may not be long before colleges
and universities ask students to share their electronic portfolios for college
admittance. Discuss the impact
that this will have on assessment in K-12 education.
o
Providing e-portfolios for college admission, much like e-resumes,
provide a much more rapid picture of what the individual has to offer. Use of
digital video and audio can provide insight to the person that is applying for
positions within the university or company.
o
The overall reflection of a studentÄôs work and ability will be
clearer in an e-portfolio than in a set of SAT scores. The cumulative nature of
such a portfolio provides a more complete picture of that individual.
o
Assessment K-12 will need to include items that clearly show what
a student knows and is able to do. Tying assessments closely to state and
national standards will provide a more equal educational picture nationwide.
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What is the potential of electronic portfolios for changing
teaching and learning?
o
Tracking assessments electronically will become a necessity for
even the most reluctant educator.
o
Students will need to begin taking charge of their own learning
early in their education in order to provide artifacts that display their
abilities.
o
Clear targets will be necessary for all involved in order to
complete a portfolio for college admission.
Reference:
Waters, John K. (2007,
April). E-portfolios: making things e-asy. T.H.E. Journal, 34 no. 4, Retrieved
Aug 20, 2007, from http://thejournal.com/the/magazine/archives/viewissue/?issdate=4%2f1%2f2007
