Discussion Post #2 (E-Portfolio)
Hello Cornerstone Students, I hope all is well. I would like to take this opportunity to initiate Blog post #2. This week, the focus of our discussion will be on the E-portfolio. A digital record of our academic work and achievements throughout the degree process. It is an interesting concept, that I didn't even know about until I took the cornerstone course a year ago. The initial process can seem difficult, but it is important to keep in mind how the E-Portfolio broadens a graduate's job prospects. An employer has the opportunity to know a person, and a person's work, without ever meeting them. Of course, all of this is true for any student in any major, but how does the E-Portfolio demonstrate the interdisciplinarity of our degrees?
I have noticed that many of use have difficulty even explaining our degree programs to people we know, how can we, not only explain it, but convince a potential employer that we have excelled in our chosen disciplines? In my opinion, it is all about the visuals aspect of one's E-Portfolio. However, it is important to know who will be looking at your portfolio. How will they interpret what they see in your E-Portfolio? For example, I have studied political science and history, so for me, I want my research to show through. So, I focus my E-Portfolio around papers that reflect good research and analytic skills. This focus point will be different for everyone. What is your interpretation on how your audience should interpret your portfolio?
How can we show that we, as IDS students, have mastered our areas of study in a short E-Portfolio? I believe that showcasing work involving two disciplines used to solve a common problem, which should be easy to find in your academic history, would make for the best examples.
The definition of an E-Portfolio is not exremely simple. It can be used for showcasing one's work, or presenting ideas. Take a look at Bucknell University's definition and guidelines for an E-Portfolio at http://www.bucknell.edu/x46468.xml. Now look at San Franscico State University's definition and guidelines http://eportfolio.sfsu.edu/stud_overans.php. The two websites give great examples, and instructions, but I believe that each portfolio needs to be as unique as the individual presenting it. A basic structure seems to be good, but a well planned, unique E-Portfolio is much better. It is that extra amount of creativity, such as personal stories relating your discipline to real world situations. Does this seem important to your E-Portfolio? Well, I invite all comments, so that we can discuss the E-Portfolio.
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As with Ben, I had no clue what an eportfolio was until I took the cornerstone class in the spring of last year. I fully enjoyed the class and enjoyed beginning my eportfolio with the assignments that were required. As I was starting my eportfolio I was frustrated at times because I wondered when will I ever use this but once I started to understand who could potentially be looking at it I tried my hardest to make it the best it could be.
ReplyDeleteFor me I feel like the eportfolio demonstrates the interdisciplinarity of my degree because it captures all of my areas of study. I have something from each of my areas that contributes a great deal to my eportfolio. It shows me as a person and a student and will allow potential employers a good insight into who I am and what I did while earning the IDS degree. Do you feel like it shows who you are as a person or will it in the future show who you are?
Showing that you have mastered your areas of study is crucial in the development to the eportfolio. Without being able to show work at the mastery level, your degree is pointless. You must show that you have a full understanding of your major and your areas of study to get the full benefit of the portfolio.
Has anyone had any troubles with your own or became frustrated in the process? I know it is a little early in the game for the capstone students to fully grasp what the eportfolio is but I would like to lend a helping hand when you do start in depth with the making of yours. It can be a difficult process and it's always good to have someone who has experienced it if you have any questions.
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ReplyDeleteFor me as a future math teacher, I think I will be using the e-Portfolio to showcase my education minor, my mathematics area and to a lesser extent my behavioral science area. I'll do this by listing what math courses I have taken, by showing off what volunteer work and service learning work I've done in the college of education and whatever else I may do within the next few years that employers should know about my achievements.
ReplyDeleteSince my audience is to be potential employers, namely school districts, I intend for them to see my e-Portfolio as an augmented professional resume. I will not boast or include superfluous information. This must contain only that information which showcases how I will be an effective educator. I may use some graphics and colorful page work to stand out but I am mostly going for a professional tone.
I agree that posting work done in our areas is a good way to demonstrate our knowledge and aptitude. This seems especially true for education, where, as I stated earlier, the classroom experience I'm getting now is particularly important.
I also agree that the e-Portfolio must be personalized in order to convey the uniqueness of the user. As such I will be using a personal biography and a few other touches. I will not make it too much about me insofar as my personality is concerned, rather I will try to keep the focus on my professional abilities and qualifications.
Jaime Pazos
ePortfolio Response/April Dilio
ReplyDeleteFor me, the eportfolio is completely new as is this degree. After reading your essay/posts I am so impressed with how focused you all are and defined in your career goals, I still don't know exactly what I want to do or what my exact career dreams are (emabarassing and frustrating)so my eportfolio will probably be more visual, maybe some of my previous work with hopefully by the end of this class, a more defined degree/career objective.
I agree that it must be personal also but I want to direct down a professional path and geared more towards a displaying of related achievements or skills.
Technologically I am not so savvy but I want to add images eventually.
Is this the same area to discuss the Inter.Research Project and if so when are we going to start, Roles, Topics etc...
ReplyDeleteA bit confused on this project, Please let me know.
Jamie, I think it is great that you know already how you wish to setup your portfolio. As a potential teacher it is a very important aspect of the hiring/interviewing process. Don't be afraid to let a little bit of yourself show through, you what to use this to "sell" yourself to your employer. And don't forget it should be fun! :)
ReplyDelete-Amanda Anthony
I suppose you have a point, Amanda. I also suppose that I find it a harder to be more personal and fun rather than strictly business. It seems like a difficult balance to strike between professionalism and personality. That is something I will be working on.
ReplyDeleteOh, and April... You'll find the message board you're looking for on the class website in the discussion area. That was a couple of days ago so I hope you already got that straight.
I am afraid that I am becoming a "10 second person", you know the one who is perenially either 10 seconds ahead of you or 10 seconds behind you in a conversation. In either situation, it is a problem for the dialogue. If they are ahead of you, they probably are not listening to your response because they are already formulating their next comment or if they are behind you, the drag down the dialogue, because they can't get past their earlier comments.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I may have inadvertently already answered most of Ben's prompts in earlier posts, so I will do a better job of looking ahead to the next series of prompts so I can stay on task. But, at the risk of boring you while insuring my participation level, here goes:
Because I am nearing the end of my worklife and my plans don't include grad school, at present (though I have actually started envisioning the extra set of initials after my name), the eportfolio was a bit of a mystery to me. I thought it was a fine project for people at an earlier stage of life, but I was puzzled at what application I could find for me.
I love the stories of other's lives and I thought that I could find a way to develop a community education program that would help senior citizen's learn the e-portfolio concept in order to tell their own stories. Earlier this summer, faced with a little extra time on my hands, I enrolled in a community program at our local senior center (it's actually open to all residents of my community, regardless of their age), on creative writing. I was generally impressed with the writing ability in the group, (though I suspect some of them may have been present at the origin of the written word!), and quickly realized that most were, in some way, telling their own stories within the assignments of poetry, essays, short stories and sample chapters.
Many people have declared something along the lines of "When I write my book..." or "I could a book..." when talking about their lives, but few actually get written.
I think, therefore, that it a natural blending of two skillsets, writing and electronic media, along with two character traits, ability vs. procrastination. I am convinced that elders could pass on wonderful snapshots of days gone by, not only for their families, but also for the historians of the future. Many seniors have a fear/distrust/misunderstanding of computers and applications, so there is a significant learning curve that would need to be incorporated into the process. Once that hurdle is overcome, however, I think we would have terrifically created electronic memory books for use in their own health (as a guard/prompt against dementia-related disease)and as a way of creating an environment for family end-of-life discussions (my "model" includes an obtituary where the senior participates in the creation of their final life story.
This is a great way to utilize the components of my IDS degree, (Behavioral Sciences and Health Services Administration, along with the complement of Public Affairs, as the new health care initiatives call for increased participation by an individual in end-of-life discussions).
Additionally, the Public Affairs portion will come into play as the most significant funding for this project will have to come from government grant sources. I intend to write a grant to cover the purchase of laptops for class participants, rental fees for training sites, instructional fees (anybody want a job?) and material costs. The goal would be that seniors on fixed incomes would be able to access this training and the resulting product without a financial contribution on their part.
Does anybody see the value in this? I would love to have your imput.
Gail Weinstein
Jamie, one of the issues that I have with the dreaded math homework that I sometimes have to supervise and review is feeling that I'm going to get it wrong and look pretty stupid in front of the student.
ReplyDeleteMy nephew travels for work frequently, so I take care of my grand-nephew, a fifth-grader, when Cory is out of town. That means I have to take out my very rusty math skills and appear that I know what I am talking about.
I don't think I am alone, at least among parents and other care-givers who are not continuing their own educations. Maybe your e-portfolio could demonstrate a couple of strategies for helping parents understand math topics so they can provide useful input at homework time.
You might remember from your behavior science exposure that adults clearly learn differently than students and placing a worksheet (sometimes with unfamiliar terminology and unpracticed skills) in front of Mom, Dad, Auntie or Gramps requires a special approach.
Gail Weinstein
Jamie, Congrats on choosing the educational path as a career. I feel like teaching can be so rewarding and it is a very respectfull job! It seems like you have a good grasp on what an eportfolio actually is and how it can help benefit you in your career. Showing the math courses you have taken and your volunteer work is a very good idea. It will show many positive sides of your education and extra activities. My mother actually works in the school system and thinks that the eportfolio is an amazing idea for up and coming teachers to show employers the unique side to them as well as the hard working side.
ReplyDeleteYou said that you do not want to make it too much about your personality but I feel for a sucessfull portfolio your personality must shine through a great deal. You must show how unique of a person you are and how you can stand out from any individual.
You have the right idea, I hope for you it all works out when you finally put it together!
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ReplyDeleteApril, try not to become to frustrated with yourself because you may not know what you want to do with your degree or what career you want in the future but I have to tell you, it will all fall into place eventually. I was in your position for about 3 of my 4 years here at UCF and it caused me great frustration but speaking from experience it isn't worth the stress. You are actually taking the time to become an educated individual and that is more than many people can say in this world. I applaud you in that aspect.
ReplyDeleteWhen it is time for you to make your eportfolio, even though you are not "tech savy" im sure it will still turn out wonderful, and I am always here to lend a helping hand!
Stephanie Hart
April,
ReplyDeleteIt's okay to take the time you need to find the right career path. Going to college is potentially the biggest consumer decision you will make and it is appropriate that you do the research and take the "test drives" that you would do with any other consumer decision.
I find myself, just in the last week, becoming an interdiscipliary "geek" - I see opportunities for an interdisciplinary approach in so many things that I never paid attention to in that way before! This is, remember, a complete about face from where I was a few short weeks ago. If this keeps up, I may become an interdisciplinary disciple!
Gail Weinstein
I consider the e-Portfolio a great way to showcase what I've achieved up until this day thus far from all different aspects of my life. It can show my educational background, personal and professional experiences, as well as everything in between. That's why I feel its a good tool to demonstrate any students interdisciplinarity. The e-portfolio I will be creating in this class will be attached to my application to Pharmacy school this year. I think it's a tool that will make me stand out more than the rest. I chose to use it to enhance my application because I feel as though that's the best way I could make use of it. Because I am gearing it towards Pharmacy schools, I would like it to really show my academic background and pharmacy experience I have gained over the years. They both show how serious I am about my future and about Pharmacy in general. I'd also like my achievements over the years to stand out as well. My two areas of study are physical and biomedical sciences will be included under my academic background. My minor in Judaic studies would represent me as being a person of diversity in a way I feel. Its another subject I am passionate about as I've said before. As evidence, I would showcase my grades, scholarships, awards received, leadership positions, and experience I've gained while in college. I'm looking forward to seeing the final product!
ReplyDeleteApril, I COMPLETELY agree with Stephanie and Gail. I remember coming to college and majority of my friends didn't know what they wanted to do. You should consider yourself lucky because our major gives us the freedom to take whichever classes we want to and discover what we are passionate about. I know so many people who are in majors they hate and it really sucks because they don't know what they want to do after college and they only know one specific area because that's all they've been taught in college. We get the chance to step outside the box and learn what we want too! Don't worry, your not alone :)
ReplyDeleteJaime, I agree it is tough trying to balance professionalism and personality but that's what makes you stand out when you do! I think it's important to add points on your e-portfolio that do reflect your personality because in the end, that's what makes you you. People always say that for grad schools, the interviews are what can make or break you...you should always try to let your personality shine yet stay professional :)
ReplyDeleteLeeron Franco-
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that the Judaic studies program will give you an edge in the professional world. As a fellow Judaic Studies Minor I have taken several classes with Professor Hanson (If you have not taken any classes with him as of yet, DO IT! He is great!) Anyway, every semester he tells the story about one of his students who was premed with a Judaic Studies Minor; During his interview for Medical school he thought he was going to be asked about the math classes and science classes he had taken but the interviewer looked at his degree audit and talked to him about the Dead Sea Scrolls class he had taken in his undergrad... He got into Med school though! ;)
The personality and varied interests are usually a big factor now! Especially with the 'Grade Inflation' debates that persist. Good Luck!
Gail-
ReplyDeleteI think the training idea is fabulous! I know several people who could benefit from that! My fiance is a techy guy and he taught my grandparents how to make the computer work for them as well as how to use it for gain. My grandmother loves to draw and so they started making greeting cards and using the computer to scan the images and print them and sell them. Although it sounds super easy to us, they were amazed and have even talked my mom into making them a website to sell them from! http://www.madelinecreations.com/ (I know, shameless plug ;) )
I would love to see more older people putting their talents to use and using the internet/computer/etc. to get their ideas out! Genius!
-Amanda Anthony
It was in this course that I first heard about an e-portfolio, and after reading about what it was I am actually excited about making one. I too, like Leeron, am planning on applying to pharmacy school, and my two main disciplines are chemistry and biology. When I think of pharmacy I think about the different medicines and chemicals in it that interact with our bodies, so that is why I chose those two subjects. The minor I chose is business administration because I would hopefully like to run, if not own, a pharmacy. I believe that resumes are so black and white, and simply boring, but these portfolios elaborate more and add some color and life to whoever we are presenting to. My intended audience will be pharmacy schools, and I know this will add a little bit more to my application.
ReplyDeleteGail,
ReplyDeleteI have to say, that I think your idea is wonderful. I have talked to so many people, and heard so many great stories, and it would be amazing to be able to share that with others via the computer. There seems to be a trend that when one ages, one becomes wise of the ways of the world. There are so many lessons, and stories, and good/bad times that should be shared with others.
It seems that I always hear the phrase, "Back in my day things were different," yet I don't believe that is completely true. There are so many parallels between generations, and so many relevant experiences that should be shared with younger generations. We all go through the same things..... childhood, coming of age, marriage, love, heartbreak, money, jobs, travel,etc....and you know that someone has been there before. Often we can ask our parents, realtives, etc, but it is always good to hear from others. Hear their struggles and their triumphs. You are essentially immortalizing a person's life. It will be very rewarding work. I wish you the best.
Felicia,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see that you have clear goals for the future. That is extremely important when you start your E-portfolio. You can then tailor your portfolio around you goal, and your target audience more effectively. A simple resume will never capture your true understanding of a subject, or how much you really want to attend pharmacy school. The E-portfolio will allow you to expand on how each class, each research assignment, helped you develop the level of understanding that you will have when you graduate.
I am also a Business Administration minor, and understanding Business Administration is really important, no matter what you end up doing. Understanding how an organization works, and how you can work within that organizaiton is essential. I work for a non-profit right now, but the things I learned in Managment, econ, finance, and even marketing, are very applicable. The day to day operation of any organizaiton is extremely difficult, especially when you start running your own pharmacy. If you think about it, even the military is an organizaiton that requires the knowedge of managing a structure. The things you learn in your business classes will be very important later on.
For me, the e-portfolio is something completely new. I had seen a few of my friends' e-portfolios and thought they were really nice, but had never thought I could make one on my own. Now that it is becoming a reality, I am excited to be able to showcase my achievements and goals. Since I am not a very tech savvy person, I am very pleased that our class walks us through the process and gives us a template to work with.
ReplyDeleteIn my e-portfolio, I am going to focus on how my areas and minor blend together. Not only am I an education focus, but I am also communications, which will come in handy when I am working directly with others. It is still all a huge learning process for me, but I am excited about it. Hopefully my e-portfolio, and all of ours, will turn out to be a very useful tool in the search for the right job.
Joanna Goldonowicz
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI am in the same boat you are, although, I will probably showcase my areas pretty evenly. Since our potential employers will be school districts, we should probably showcase our academic qualifications and interpersonal relation skills relatively evenly. Like you said, our e-portfolio will serve as a professional resume, and should also be tailored to our talents without being overly boastful. I hope both of our e-portfolios end up turning out the way we planned. Best of luck with yours and your career as a math teacher!
Joanna Goldonowicz
Gail, I like what you had to say about the learning styles of adults and the need to make sure they're as up to speed as my future students. I don't know if the e-Portfolio is the right venue for that, however. I am likely going to have a webpage when I am teaching and could perhaps put a math primer for parents on that. That webpage would mostly be for their benefit anyway. It could be under the title "are you keeping up with your child's education" or something. Insuring caregivers are able to understand the material as well as or better than the students would go far in furthering the kid's education. You have given me a good idea, thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteJaime Pazos
Like many of you, I wasn’t sure of what an e-portfolio was until I started taking the cornerstone class this semester. The e-Portfolio will allow others to view my academic history and achievements, without the hassle of trying to look up all my information or having it sent through mail. I can now better understand the purpose and use for the e-portfolio and how it will benefit me. By using the e-portfolio, it will allow people to view my different areas of concentration and what they consist of.
ReplyDeleteUsing an online source can be a lot more continent and less time consuming to employers who are looking for employees. It will give them access to my past work and experience and give them and idea of what I would like to do without meeting me in person. Getting the e-portfolio started is going to be somewhat difficult at the beginning but by the end of the semester I’m hoping to be able to understand and navigate the e-portfolio with no problems at all.
Like lauren said, I think it will be easier for employers to view someone as a potential employee through his/her e-portfolio. I like how it gives a personal touch and a splash of creativity to an otherwise dull resume. I just hope, like Lauren said, I will be able to navigate and understand the e-portfolio. As of now, I think it's going pretty well and am excited to see the final outcome.
ReplyDeleteJoanna Goldonowicz
Ben,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I was thinking about minoring in health administration first, but when I thought about it I realized that it was too narrow. Even though business administration is very broad, I can apply it to anything, what if in the future I choose not to do pharmacy, or anything at all in the health field? It's kind of a back up, but it can also work with the health field. Another reason why I chose business administration is because I would like to possibly own different real estate properties and that minor will definitely help.
Joanna,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, I hope I can navigate through it all. I am also excited to see the final product. Even though these are professionals, I'm pretty sure that they would enjoy looking at our portfolios. I understand that sometimes they might want something short and straight to the point, but I know that some schools look for someone with not only the academics down, but someone with personality, and diversity. These portfolios will definitely help them to better see how "colorful" we are.
I'm interested in seeing the final result as well since I don't know what to expect. Hopefully then, I will be able to use the e-portfolio in a more advanced way than I am able to now. It’s also nice to have the insight from the capstone students since they have the experience with the e-portfolio and know how to navigate it. I like how Felicia said it would, “help them to better see how "colorful" we are.” Our portfolios are our own personal document thoughts and information, and each once is going to be different from the next.
ReplyDelete