Introduction to ePortfolios

This morning I introduced my students to the idea of using Google Sites for reflective journaling as well as a place to collect artifacts. I am also going to make cameras available in my classroom writing center so that students can document any projects they are especially proud of through the year.

After we talked about online journaling and saving artifacts, we watched VoiceThreads that 5th grade students at the International School of Bangkok created as a culminating project. http://tinyurl.com/c95jfu

After viewing the students' work, the 4th graders were very excited to get started! We decided it would be best to start documenting immediately in preparation for a smaller VoiceThread project at the end of the semester.

Student concerns included:
- being confused about what to do
- not knowing what to write in the reflective journals

I assured the children that I, along with our Technology Coordinator will help them every step of the way. I also let them know that I will provide sentence frames for the reflective journals.

Goals for Implementing ePortfolios in My Classroom

My goals for student ePortfolios are to create:

• a student centered classroom focused on collaboration, where the teacher is facilitator and guide rather then main source of information

• a vehicle for authentic documentation of student achievement by giving students the opportunity to “set their own goals, determine their own learning needs, and monitor their own progress”

• opportunities to integrate technology across the curriculum

• a collection of digital artifacts to share with parents and other members of our learning community