Portfolio Central

This website is dedicated to the people, places, books, poems, songs, sports and hobbies, and ideas in my life that have influenced me and that help me aspire and get me inspired."

This year we just completed our first Ideal Bookshelf project. Students ...

One question I can keep asking myself is "How can I keep growing into myself more fully this year?" Knowing the sources of my inspirations and my influences can help me develop and aspire to grow into this person. -- Mr. Chamberlain

The concept and plan:

Someday I'd like to have my students develop a website along these lines. The website, created on Google Sites, which is available if one has a gmail account, would not be "open to the world" but would be by invitation only; that is, students would share their webpages very selectively by typing in the email address of that person or people in the "Share Menu" area; clearly their parents would be invited, I as their teacher would be; and particular friends or group or class members. If a student wrote about a favorite relative, that person could be invited, etc. Right now, I've chosen the setting to make this "available to the world," but that's so I can have parents and administrators get to know this concept, so we can consider using this format.

In class, students will be cautioned about internet safety and necessary permissions (although keeping their webpages non-public and by "email invitation only" will provide guards) and will be instructed on how to set up their site, then create and edit webpages such as these (Google makes this pretty easy). Students will be encouraged and expected to edit their writings to move it toward a final draft status. Although I will provide oversight, students will be responsible for their content.

The goal of this electronic portfolio is to generate creative writing and personal narratives, to encourage students to evaluate and reflect on their learning, and to develop, demonstrate, and document craftsmanship in writing, moving from process writing to a form of published or shared product. This is a work in progress. Please take a look at this for a sense of where this student website concept could be taken. I am open to your suggestions and feedback. -- Mr. Chamberlain

For Google's introduction to Google Sites, you can see their YouTube video here: