While I don't have a class of my own, as an instructional coach I am responsible for helping teachers improve their practices, as well as implement new practices. I am intrigued with the use of technology for reflecting on student work. Being reflective in my own work, and a huge advocate of formative feedback and assessment, I think portfolios, more precisely, electronic or digital portfolios are essential for 21st Century learning. I asked a third grade teacher if she would be willing to let me try some things with her students as the school year is winding down, she obliged.
I've researched how to get started, as well as observed students blogging to get a sense of what they already know and are able to do. I also had some A-Ha moments as I interacted with students blogging. A few key lessons we need to make sure we address; citing sources properly, plagiarism, and knowing your purpose for blogging. This particular group of third graders that I will work with in a few weeks is going to be using their blogs to reflect on learning this year. Because it's the end of the school year, I've asked their teacher to help them identify 4-6 assignments or projects they'd like to include in their eportfolio. Naturally though, you'd want to set the portfolios up at the beginning of a school year so students can choose work to reflect on and get feedback on throughout the year. While eportfolios can serve multiple purposes, we're going to begin using them for learning... meaning students will choose artifacts to post on their blog, reflect on the work, get feedback, and set goals for improvement. I want the focus to be on the process, rather than the product, especially at the elementary level.
I've researched how to get started, as well as observed students blogging to get a sense of what they already know and are able to do. I also had some A-Ha moments as I interacted with students blogging. A few key lessons we need to make sure we address; citing sources properly, plagiarism, and knowing your purpose for blogging. This particular group of third graders that I will work with in a few weeks is going to be using their blogs to reflect on learning this year. Because it's the end of the school year, I've asked their teacher to help them identify 4-6 assignments or projects they'd like to include in their eportfolio. Naturally though, you'd want to set the portfolios up at the beginning of a school year so students can choose work to reflect on and get feedback on throughout the year. While eportfolios can serve multiple purposes, we're going to begin using them for learning... meaning students will choose artifacts to post on their blog, reflect on the work, get feedback, and set goals for improvement. I want the focus to be on the process, rather than the product, especially at the elementary level.