Friday, April 2, 2010
1:30 PM-3:45 PM
Abstract:
Learn how to construct longitudinal, web-based portfolios using a relational methodology and off-the-shelf blogging tools (WordPress, an open source system and RapidWeaver, a Macintosh application). The Relational Portfolio Model (RPM) uses Web 2.0 techniques to construct more sophisticated portfolios in which artifacts, rationale, and reflections are constructed and organized in a relational structure, instead of as static web pages. Educators will leave the workshop ready to continue development of professional portfolios for themselves and with their teacher education students or in K-12 schools. Assessment options will be demonstrated and models will be provided for implementation of the RPM model in teacher education programs.
Objectives:
Objectives
1. Educators will learn about the RPM model and its relevance to developmental portfolios.
2. Educators will create at least a WordPress-based portfolio or a RapidWeaver portfolio (for Mac users)
3. Educators will upload at least one digital artifact to their portfolio
4. Educators will practice assessing the portfolios within a rubric-based assessment technology.
5. Educators will learn about implementation options in teacher education programs and in other professional development options.
Outline:
1. Overview of common digital portfolio models
• Discuss reflective and developmental portfolios
• Discuss portfolio components: Framework (standards), reflections, artifacts, and rationales
2. Overview of relational portfolio model (RPM)
• Show relational database conceptual diagram
• Discuss blog architecture as appropriate and sufficient approximation of relational design
• Discuss blogging technique as easy method for high-frequency construction of artifact rationales
3. Building RPM portfolios with WordPress (on BYO PCs or Macs or Macs provided)
• Creating a WordPress blog site
• Creating framework pages for standards and reflections
• Creating rationale as blog posts
• Adding categories and tags to organize artifact relationships
• Linking framework pages to blog categories
4. Building RPM portfolios with RapidWeaver (Macintosh lab computer or BYO Macs)
• Installing RapidWeaver
• Creating a RapidWeaver project file
• Creating framework pages for standards and reflections
• Creating rationale as blog entries
• Adding categories and tags to organize artifact relationships
• Linking framework pages to blog categories
• Working with media files
5. Assessment options
• Logging and creating a course
• Working with sample portfolio rubrics
• Assessing an RPM portfolio within an online rubric system
6. Next steps:
• Work time with portfolios
• Sharing portfolios
• Strategies for implementation
Prerequisites:
Intended for teacher education faculty, educators working in K-12, technology coordinators, and professional developers. Attendees should have general awareness of digital portfolios in teacher education or K-12. The presenters will bring some Macintosh laptop computers but the RPM solution is platform independent. All teachers are encouraged to bring their own laptops, either Macintosh or Windows. The Mac-specific option of the workshop (RapidWeaver) will be in the last hour. The trainers will provide non-Mac users with continued hands-on support during the last hour with WordPress’ advanced features for RPM portfolios.
Other requirements:
• WordPress.com account
• Web hosting space with FTP (for Mac users)
• Windows computers need IE 7 or Safari 3+
• For Macintosh computers, need Leopard or Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.5x or 10.6x).
Intended Experience Level:
Beginner
Instructor Qualifications:
The lead presenter is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology and the Director of a center for educational technology at a mid-sized public university. The lead presenter developed the RPM model with the second presenter and other undergraduate teacher education students in 2006-08. From 1999-2003, the lead presenter was co-principal investigator of a $3M PT3 project funded by the U.S. Department of Education. That PT3 project involved campus- and school-based technology initiatives that included the implementation of digital portfolios in teacher education. The lead presenter’s research interests include assessment technologies, digital and representational literacies, and technology in teacher education. His Ph.D. is in Educational Psychology with emphases in learning, cognition and technology.
The second presenter is a Library Media Specialist in a small town middle school. She also holds a teaching license in computer education. As an undergraduate student at the same institution as the lead presenter, and three other students lead the development of relationship portfolio model for the University’s teacher education portfolio requirement.
Megan Noel is a First Grade teacher in the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township in Indianapolis, IN. She has conducted training on rGrade for teachers in Indiana and in Virginia as an educational consultant. Ms. Noel earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Educational Technology from Ball State University. She also holds a master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. She is presently pursuing a Ph.D. in Elementary Education at Ball State University while continuing to teach. Ms. Noel's research interests include poverty and urban teaching environments, early childhood and elementary teacher preparedness, developmentally appropriate practice, effective teaching/assessment strategies and educational technology in practice.