It's time to create Digital Portfolios!
A goal of mine is to implement student digital portfolios school wide. Yes! A very lofty goal, but I am definitely moving closer - taking one step at a time.
I believe digital student portfolios are becoming more important now than ever! Our students are creating and remixing information like never before - and where is all that fabulous work going? And who is seeing it?
I found the most amazing student portfolio creator - The Seesaw Learning Journal - it is both app and Web based. I stumbled upon this app through research in late February and introduced it to my kindergarten teachers in early March. I knew for it to be successful, I had to take baby steps and only begin with one class.
It took time - there is no doubt about it. Students had to be introduced in small increments and students aren't use to "reflecting" about what they did and why they did it - especially when you are 5 and 6 years old. I worked with students in pairs for several months with the idea of getting a few students savy who then could help get two more on board etc.
I'm excited to say that most kindergarten students are independently choosing what pieces of learning they want to upload to their student portfolios, they are audio recording their reflections, AND we are connecting these student portfolios to their parents digital devices so parents can get notifications when a new entry is posted. We have had nothing but great comments back from parents who are participating in their child's learning experiences.
This "pilot class" has encouraged me to keep moving on. My kindergarten teachers, two kindergarten students, and myself will be presenting the student digital portfolios at a technology conference in June and July.
I am excited to say that I am also an official Seesaw Ambassador! This opportunity will allow me to keep learning and have input into future releases of the app.
So why not have a lofty goal of school wide student digital portfolio implementation.
Why? Because........
We MUST Archive Student Work
Students are creating amazing work in both analog and digital versions. It is becoming more crucial that students learn how to curate their best work to share it with a larger audience other than the teacher.
Empower Students to Create Their Own Digital Footprint
Students are building their own personal web presence with each post and status update they share. Many students give little thought as to how this might impact them in the future. We need to set the stage for allowing kids to see the power of creating and populating their own digital footprint by having students share their work in an online portfolio. Students can learn to curate their work and thoughtfully and reflectively choose the best pieces to showcase.
Students Can Expand on Work as Their Skill Base Improves
Can you imagine the impact on student learning if a student could take a story they started writing in the fourth grade and expand on it later – in 9th grade – when they had a better grasp of writing mechanics, word choice and voice.
Reflection, Reflection, Reflection
Students need to reflect on work, not just take tests where they are required to recall facts and regurgitate information. Digital Student Portfolios allow students to do just this. This process can spark curiosity and ignite passion and should be part of every great unit of learning.
A Place to Show Growth – Not Just Talk About It
With digital portfolios, parents can “see and hear” student growth from the beginning of the year to the end. This is awesome! We can bridge the gap between home and school much for fluently. Parents can get instant notifications on their digital devices when their child has posted a new entry to their digital portfolio. Parents can comment back on their child's posts - which opens up even more opportunities for student/parent communication at home.
I have a great start! I'm excited for next year when our prep-3rd grade classes will get onboard as well.