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Using ePortfolios in the classroom
Using ePortfolios in the classroom
ePortfolios are gaining momentum in elementary schools. They are proving that they are useful tools in sharing authentic student work to teacher and parents in real time. Students are using ePortfolios to create work, self-reflect on their work, and collaborate and evaluate others. It is a wonderful feedback tool in the classroom and at home. Three app and web based ePortfolio tools are provided with pros and cons to each.
ePortfolios are gaining momentum in elementary schools. They are proving that they are useful tools in sharing authentic student work to teacher and parents in real time. Students are using ePortfolios to create work, self-reflect on their work, and collaborate and evaluate others. It is a wonderful feedback tool in the classroom and at home. Three app and web based ePortfolio tools are provided with pros and cons to each.
Sesame is an app and web based ePortfolio free tool. It is compatible with most devices, such as the iPad, iPhone, and iPad Touch. Teachers are able to use this tool to create lessons and assessments, as well as prepare report cards and parent teacher conferences. The tool, which is meant for school to home communication has privacy features embedded, like scan capable codes that link to individual student accounts. The “Snap App” allows students and teachers to add photos and videos and can easily consolidate all learning material into one spot. The main downfall of using Sesame seems to be when teachers are using it to export student assessments. It presents a time challenge that can be time consuming.
Sesame is an app and web based ePortfolio free tool. It is compatible with most devices, such as the iPad, iPhone, and iPad Touch. Teachers are able to use this tool to create lessons and assessments, as well as prepare report cards and parent teacher conferences. The tool, which is meant for school to home communication has privacy features embedded, like scan capable codes that link to individual student accounts. The “Snap App” allows students and teachers to add photos and videos and can easily consolidate all learning material into one spot. The main downfall of using Sesame seems to be when teachers are using it to export student assessments. It presents a time challenge that can be time consuming.
SeeSaw is presented as a portfolio for starters and is encouraged to use with students as young as Pre-K. This ePortfolio is an app and web based technology tool. SeeSaw’s privacy settings include a class join code to individual codes to share with parents. All features in SeeSaw are designed to capture evidence. There is a free version that can be used for up to 10 classes and a paid version called SeeSaw Plus $120 per year. The paid version has more options, especially in downloading and saving student work from year to year, and there are more activity features within the paid version. This may be the main con within this tool. The add on is well worth it but the price is steep to pay each year.
SeeSaw is presented as a portfolio for starters and is encouraged to use with students as young as Pre-K. This ePortfolio is an app and web based technology tool. SeeSaw’s privacy settings include a class join code to individual codes to share with parents. All features in SeeSaw are designed to capture evidence. There is a free version that can be used for up to 10 classes and a paid version called SeeSaw Plus $120 per year. The paid version has more options, especially in downloading and saving student work from year to year, and there are more activity features within the paid version. This may be the main con within this tool. The add on is well worth it but the price is steep to pay each year.
Fresh Grade is a multimedia tool recommended for students in grades 3-9. This tool is meant to provide a more comprehensive view of student achievement. Students can add photos and video to capture their learning and be able to instantly share with teachers and parents. This is free and can link parents to student work using an email address. Fresh Grade is a multi-purpose tools that can be used for an ePortfolio, a grading tool, and a learning management system. The biggest con in using Fresh Grade is the lack of tool features that the other two have, like no drawing tool or voice recording device.
Fresh Grade is a multimedia tool recommended for students in grades 3-9. This tool is meant to provide a more comprehensive view of student achievement. Students can add photos and video to capture their learning and be able to instantly share with teachers and parents. This is free and can link parents to student work using an email address. Fresh Grade is a multi-purpose tools that can be used for an ePortfolio, a grading tool, and a learning management system. The biggest con in using Fresh Grade is the lack of tool features that the other two have, like no drawing tool or voice recording device.
Overall, using an ePortfolio can be an effective way to communicate with parents and students as well as offer and gather feedback. The Constructivist theory would support the use of ePortfolios in that they can be used in all learning styles, teacher is seen as a facilitator, and there are opportunities to collaborate with others. I believe the most valuable take away from using an ePortfolio is the learner takes ownership of their learning and can show the process of learning and not just the product.
Overall, using an ePortfolio can be an effective way to communicate with parents and students as well as offer and gather feedback. The Constructivist theory would support the use of ePortfolios in that they can be used in all learning styles, teacher is seen as a facilitator, and there are opportunities to collaborate with others. I believe the most valuable take away from using an ePortfolio is the learner takes ownership of their learning and can show the process of learning and not just the product.
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