Cirtique and Readings

http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/fellows/Spencer/webquest/lasindex.html

The background they chose for this page is horrible. It clashes with the words and looks like a 3-D mind puzzle. Other than the use of clashing backdrops, the page does outline some of the principles that an e-portfolio should have including:
* a brief biographical sketch
* include your resume, copies of documents, licenses, tests, etc.
* a description of the classes you've taught (don't include everything, be brief), include grade level
* describe your teaching philosophy, your teaching style, and include why you teach
* demonstrate your continuing education and creativity
* include copies of recent lesson or unit plans you have used with photos of class engaged in the activities; student papers, even a video clip of you in action, and photos of classroom
* letters of commendation, evaluations, recognition or honours you've received

Not unlike all of the other resources given to us already, this webquest also includes some resources and examples that might come in handy when creating an e-portfolio.


http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech111.shtml

This article discusses the value of e-portfolio's in k-12 classrooms. The use of e-portfolios for students gives a good example of what they students have accomplished so far and also gives them some ideas of how they should be structuring their writing. By using an e-portfolio the students can go back and modify their work after they have completed. This gives them the ability to use their work as a resource for work to come in the future, and also allows them to use it as a permanent resource. The students can create a library of their own work, or choose to display their best work, or choose work that is beneficial for them in order to get a job or scholarship. They are also good resource guides for reflection that gives the students the skills to evaluate what they are writing or doing and how that effects them and others.

I think the addition of e-portfolios to the students curriculum is a great idea, it helps link the work they have done with actual results they can see.


http://electronicportfolios.com/balance/index.html

This site reinforced, again, the importance of reflection and learning. It further defined the relationship between e-portfolio's for learning / reflection and showing knowledge. The graphics at the top of the page are rather quite confusing, a simpler less busy graphic might be more suitable.