Thursday, July 15, 2010
CEDO 599 - Post #2
So I've been thinking about the portfolios and last post I had asked for other tools to create websites (thanks Ryan A and Melissa!). I just had a kind of "aha" moment. I can create the tutorials I need for GoogleSites and create the training tool in GoogleSites but that doesn't have to be the tool students choose to use. I'm planning on an annotated list of great tools to use in the classroom so why can't I just give the options to the students and let them decide? I figure that the students who are least comfortable may stick with GoogleSites as a fallback but I'd bet there are many in my district who would be willing to go out on a limb and try other creation/editing tools like blogs, wikis, Weebly etc. to create their portfolio. I mean, isn't that the whole idea? Get them using the digital tools... why predetermine what they have to use? The one drawback I can see right away is the lack of formatting or templating that using the same tool could provide to the reviewers of the portfolios. It may be a bit taxing on some of those individuals who don't have the experience or comfort in the digital setting to have to search around 20 different kinds of portfolios to determine if required elements have been met- in that case, sticking with one tool may be very beneficial. Hmmmm... any one want to weigh in on this one?
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Ann, I see your point, and on the surface I would agree with your approach.
ReplyDeleteThe issue you have to consider is your building, the people who are going to have a role in determining whether or not your project succeeds or not. You have stated that it may be a bit taxing on some. I think you may be underestimating the reaction of teachers who are less than tech savvy to having multiple types of formats to deal with.
I know in my building, as we have moved forward with a similar project, there is always a concern about monitoring these projects as well as assistance with development. With multiple platforms there is not going to be one way to do anything and this could be discouraging to some and may reflect negatively on the portfolio idea.
Now you can say, they should learn the tools, we want people to be adaptable, using multiple tools could add variation to class projects etc... This is all likely true, but I think in this case you are better off selecting one format, warts and all, then over time add layers to the process.
I hate to be a naysayer, but my opinion is that you would be better off to move at a slower pace for the benefit of the portfolio project.
I love your project idea, Ann! I only teach little kids, and I'm already trying to think if I could use Google Sites for the middle schoolers as a way to get that portfolio going. Why wait until they're in high school? In fact, now that I have a daughter who is a senior, I really, really wish she had created one way back. Even at the middle school level, she was doing all sorts of community stuff and creating some great projects. It would have been a great way to store her info.
ReplyDeleteI also like your idea of not restricting the kids. There are always going to be those who want the security of what's introduced in class, but there are also going to be a large amount who want the adventure of trying something new. I have to say, however, that Jason does offer a great suggestion of layering over time.
I think you're on the right track and could make an "Technology Makes Me Anxious" list as an option. This could be a subset of the "Techonology Is So Simple" list. The 'anxious' list could be one that only offers one option for each tool you expect the students might need.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comments! Jason, I really like your idea of layering in options over time. I tend to jump in off the deep end too often and scare the fish away so to speak. Easing everyone into the portfolios is looking more and more like the way to go. In fact, the Career Cruising website that the school is using has options for linking and filing documents so the first year, that may be all that is needed. Then, the second year, I could add the GoogleSites information and start offering more choices to students and teachers alike. Thanks again for the great feedback!
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