Portfolios

Portfolios are a great way to gather and share pieces of work. They are often used for job interviews and things of that nature, but I am excited to be learning how useful they can be in the classroom as well! I had not really considered this idea until class, but now love it! What a great way to motivate and assess students. Working on a portfolio sounds collaborative and a less daunting task to the students. It also is something they can be proud of and use. As a teacher, a portfolio can show progress and be used a tool for assessment. It is an opportunity to work with students to revise and reflect on their work. It is also an opportunity to revise and reflect on your teaching. Overall, I think it is a great tool to use in the classroom, and I plan on doing so!
As for an electronic portfolio, I think it is a little progressive still, and am not sure the extent of its use. I think it needs to be more widely used before we can be absolutely comfortable using it in the classroom. Some entities may not be able to use an online portfolio, while others may abuse an online portfolio. Safety is a huge concern when involving children, and I am leery of putting kids under such scrutiny. I know I would not want my earlier schoolwork out there posted for all to see. Overall, I like the idea of an electronic or online portfolio, I just think it should be more widely used and adjustments should be made before incorporating it in the classroom.