Creating Electronic Portfolios

Creating An Electronic Portfolio

by Lisa Spencer

Introduction

Teacher portfolios are invaluable. They provide important insight into a teachers' individual talents and beliefs about education. The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards requires portfolios from experienced teachers seeking national certification. Some principals are also requiring portfolios from their teaching staff. With this process, teachers have gained valuable experience in selecting the types of materials they collect as well as ways in which to store the information. Teachers are no longer confined to maintaining a portfolio in a binder. One option being electronically. Teacher electronic portfolios are concise, annotated collections of teacher work and things they have accomplished, in and outside the classroom. What makes them very different from traditional portfolios is that they can include scanned or digital photos, video and sound clips, animations, recordings of students, text, traditional writings and drawings. Teacher portfolios are a collection of work produced by a teacher. The portfolio is designed to highlight and demonstrate the teachers' talents, knowledge and skills in teaching.

The Task

This WebQuest is designed to assist you in creating your teacher portfolio electronically. Your portfolio is to display your teaching talents and proficiencies demonstrating your knowledge and skills. The question that you should ask is "What am I trying to tell the reader about myself?" How you answer this question depends on your targeted audience. Remember, your portfolio is a personal reflection. It should look very professional and should include the following: (What is actually included will vary depending on how you intend to use your portfolio.)

a brief biographical sketch
include your resume, copies of documents, licenses, tests, etc.
a description of the classes you've taught (don't include everything, be brief), include grade level
describe your teaching philosophy, your teaching style, and include why you teach
demonstrate your continuing education and creativity
include copies of recent lesson or unit plans you have used with photos of class engaged in the activities; student papers, even a video clip of you in action, and photos of classroom
letters of commendation, evaluations, recognition or honors you've received

Resources

Nice samples presented here by educators. To view, click on Electronic portfolios at the bottom of the first page. Web publishing of electronic portfolios.

When deciding what to put into your portfolio, here's a site you may want to browse to help you gather your ideas and materials.

This site gives you a good overview of what's needed to get started on creating your own electronic portfolio for teachers and students.

Here's a good site for information on electronic portfolios. It also gives you an idea of what you will need to get started.

A collection of Bookmarks that deal with Electronic Portfolios. This is Dr. Helen Barretts-links portfolio pages.

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The Process

To accomplish this task, you will need to use a multimedia software program such as HyperStudio or a Web Authoring program such as Netscape Composer. Other equipment needed includes a scanner for scanning pictures and documents, a digital camera or photos so that you can scan into your portfolio. For storage of your portfolio you will need CD's that allow you to write, floppies, or Zip cartridges. Click here for assistance creating your portfolio.

incorporate a photo of yourself by inserting image
include your resume by insert a file or scanning a document
describe the kinds of classes you have taught (recent classes summarized briefly)
describe your teaching style
incorporate copies of documents, state licenses, tests, etc. Include graduate classes or in-service seminars you have attended (recently)
demonstrate your continuing education and creativity
write a short essay about your teaching philosophy on how you teach and why
Include copies of recent lesson plans or unit plans you have used. Include photos of class engaged in these activities
Include creative handouts you have designed, student paper you have graded showing your comments, etc.

Evaluation

Click on this link to access the rubric checklist to evaluate your portfolio. This is to be used as a guideline. Remember, what you decide to include in your portfolio depends on its' intend to use.

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a professional electronic portfolio that shares your talents, accomplishments and skills with your administrators, colleagues and friends.

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