Embedded Files
Planning:
eP Site Selection Rationale
& My eP Rubric
eP Construction Rationale & Reflection
Site Selection: Why Google Sites?
During the first few weeks of ETEC 590 I learned about MET competencies, assessment rubrics and how to analyze e-Portfolios. Learning what needed to be included in our graduation e-Portfolios and what pitfalls to avoid from the extensive reviews I had been doing enabled the transition of analysis to creation quite seamless as I felt ready to embark on my e-Portfolio creation journey.
I had viewed many different sites created by different platforms including: WordPress Weblogs, Wikis, Wix, Weebly, Google Sites and iWeb, so I was introduced to many different formats but I had to decide which one would host my e-Portfolio. The importance of this selection process was reminding me to keep in mind Anderson’s (2008) suggestions for online interactions and similarly Bates & Poole’s (2003) SECTIONS framework. As a result, I modeled my e-portfolio after elements of Bates & Poole’s (2003) SECTIONS framework to ensure user-friendliness. Accordingly, my e-Portfolio is clearly laid out and easy to navigate and read. I designed and structured my e-portfolio purposefully to be professional, yet personal enough to allow visitors to my e-portfolio to engage in my learning journey and join my MET Trip exploring all my artifacts and reflections (Beetham, 2006).
I had initially planned to use a WordPress Weblog as I’m more familiar with WordPress (Tutkaluk, 2011). But I wanted to try something new. I was slightly familiar navigating around Google Sites but hadn’t created a site of my own yet although it seemed manageable. I also considered trying Wix because I like the look of the sites one can create but I was not at all familiar with Wix other than viewing a few e-Portfolios from previous MET students. But… I needed to consider which would be easiest to download, upload and access on many different devices, including mobile devices, as well as which would possible continue to be offered free. As a result, I ended up selecting Google Sites to host my e-portfolio since most devices and platforms can access Google quite easily (Tutkaluk, 2011).
Note: Yes, I wanted to try something new but I didn't realize that trying something new could have consequences - I created this e-Portfolio using the Firefox web browser, actually, the Beta version. I had no idea it could create so many issues. Through feedback and personally trying to open this eP using various other web browsers, I was informed that this site does not render well using other web browsers. There's lots of code issues and largely due to the fact that it's the Beta version I'm assuming. As a result, this site, my e-Portfolio, should be viewed using the Firefox web browser!
Coconut Bowling
in Fiji:
My eP Rubric
One of the most fun activities I tried in Fiji was coconut bowling. It was a huge hit at the two resorts I went between. It looks much easier than it really is. Those coconuts are oddly shaped and roll in every direction but the one you want. I finally figured the trick to using the flat sides not the pointy sides and to throw quite hard or it doesn’t go very far.
I used the 590 rubric guidelines and the checklist I created from my eP analysis at the beginning of the course to guide my eP rubric development. I tried creating my eP rubric on paper and on a word doc but I felt stifled. I then figured out the trick I needed – I decided to use my digital skills to make my rubric in Google Forms as a click button survey. I’m very familiar with Google Forms so this was a natural fit for me to create my eP rubric as a survey. Again, due to really valuable feedback from my 590 CoP, I made necessary revisions to my rubric before embedding it on my eP site.
Link To Fiji for more ETEC 590 Reflections!
References
Anderson, T. (2008). Toward a theory of online learning. In T. Anderson & F. Elloumi (Eds.) Theory and Practice of Online Learning, Chapter 2 (pp. 45-74). Available online at: http://www.aupress.ca/index.php/books/120146
Bates, A.W. & Poole, G. (2003). Chapter 4: A framework for selecting and using technology. Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success. New York: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Beetham, H. (2006). E-portfolios in post-16 learning in the UK: developments, issues and opportunities. Retrieved from http://www.jisc.hosting.eduserv.org.uk/media/documents/themes/elearning/eportfolioped.pdf
Lorenzo, G. & Ittelson, J. (2005). An overview of e-portfolios. Educause learning initiative paper
1: 2005
Moon, J. (2001). PDP working paper 4: Reflection in higher education learning. Learning and Technology Support Network (LTSN) Generic Center. Retrieved May 10th, 2011 from https://www.elearning.ubc.ca
Tutkaluk, E. (2011). E-Portfolio Proposal. Unpublished graduate essay, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
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