Even if we experience something that has happened to us before, it is hard to make meaning of it unless it engages our emotions. Eportfolios allow us to attach our emotions and feelings to our work which adds meaning to the work we create. As teachers, we experience so many different emotions during a school year, and an ePortfolio forces us to think reflectively about these experiences and discover ways to grow from them. I like how Janice McDrury and Maxine Alterio reference the importance of storytelling to enhance learning. I believe teachers have the greatest stories that need to be cherished and shared. In addition, Mattingly goes on to say, “ That stories reveal the way ideas look in action. The narrative provides an explanation.” An ePortfolio gives teachers and students a platform to share their stories and receive feedback from others. With our ever-evolving technology, learners can use audio and video to record these narratives. I think especially for students, the ability to record themselves is much more motivating. It almost becomes another source of social media for them.
Through my six years of teaching, I have come to realize that a teacher’s job is always evolving. Just when I think I have settled into my curriculum, something changes and I adapt my teaching. The make-up of students changes every year and their needs also change. Our profession is one that forces us to keep learning year after year. An ePortfolio is such a great tool to capture this growth. As teachers, we are constantly reflecting on our practice and pedagogical knowledge and I can imagine, tracking all of that through an ePortfolio would be extremely beneficial. As my years of teaching increases, I would love to be able to look back to a few years ago and read about myself and my reflections or experiences as a teacher. An ePortfolio gives teachers the opportunity to track their progress. This includes professional development work, memorable lessons, and vital reflections that have been collected over years of study. John Zubizaretta said, “Primary motive of a learning portfolio “to improve student learning by providing a structure for students to reflect systematically overtime on the learning process and to develop the aptitudes, skills, and habits that come from critical reflection.” The word systematically sticks out to me because it shows how an ePortfolio can help teachers to reflect in an organized and regular way. In my busy days teaching, having one place to reflect regularly and receive feedback from other teachers will absolutely make me a better teacher.
Comments