Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Reflective Blog #3

Portfolios

Portfolios can be created for a variety of purposes. Whether personal, business, academic or some other setting, a portfolio can organize ideas efficiently. In Dr. Helen Barrett’s article, “Electronic Portfolios as Digital Stories of Deep Learning” the tenant I most related to was that “Assessment for Learning (AFL) should be part of the effective planning of teaching an learning. If a teacher is going to use an electronic portfolio, it should be part of the curriculum. Students need proper feedback on an ongoing basis in order to improve. The implementation of an AFL cannot just be a “Here you go, fill in the blanks” in order for true learning to exist. Entries should be made into the portfolio and they should be regularly monitored and discussed with the instructor.

Portfolios have great potential. They can be used as an alternative assessment for students, or showcase professional skills. In the business world, for small companies that do not have networked computers, an online portfolio can house the information needed to conduct business. When away from home, a small business owner can have a private on-line portfolio containing all the contacts, important links, information, presentations and more.

The creation and development of a portfolio is helping me to organize areas of my life in a relevant manner. People are complex and have a variety of interests. I will likely have a portfolio for my teaching of English, another for technology, another for my on-line business and likely another for family and friends with an all-together different subject matter. These portfolios can have meaningful and limitless applications.

1 comment:

  1. I like the idea of creating multiple portfolios for organization, Mark

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