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My innovation plan is using ePortfolios in the Pre-K classroom. Technology is the way of the future, and we have to teach proper usage to our students at a young age. “Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan,” is a quote by Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This is what comes to mind when thinking about the innovation plan of using ePortfolios in the Pre-K classroom that I began to develop in December 2018. It is important to be flexible and willing to make changes as needed when implementing an innovation plan. Collaboration, communication, and feedback are key components when making changes.
The previous literature review covered using ePortfolios with the COVA approach and a growth mindset. This review will examine literature to show how ePortfolios can be used in all grade levels to support learning and reflection.. The literature is open to different grade levels, in many subject areas, and regions of the world. This review will not cover the specific needs of the different grade levels.
By using an ePortfolio instead of a paper portfolio, it turns the old way of doing something into a new modern way with additional benefits. Collecting data and work samples from students is part of the regular educational process for teachers and students, but with today's technology there is a different way to approach this necessary task by using student ePortfolios which students can create, change, and update themselves.
GLOBAL RESEARCH
My current call to action slideshow highlights the things that worked and some things that did not work when implementing an innovation plan.
5314 Call to Action - Google Slides.webmMy current literature review covers details of the positives aspects of the ePortfolio usage in all the grade levels. It includes many subject areas and regions of the world. It does not cover the specific needs of the different grade levels.
The use of the ePortfolio in schools are a popular educational tool that is gaining a great deal of popularity among educators and students. The ePortfolio can be used in all grades to help show the personal educational growth, characteristics of a student's personality, reflection of previous knowledge, and showcase the work samples of students. An ePortfolio allows the student to take an old boring idea and make it refreshed and new again.
5314 LIT REVIEW, A. HerringWHAT WORKED FOR OTHERS
The research agreed in the positive usefulness, effects, and results in using ePortfolios with students and teachers. The ePortfolio can be used in all grades, for different reasons, with different subjects, and diverse purposes. Students who have technology skills are able to create their own ePortfolios. (Brown, 2017).
When implementing an innovation plan such as ePortfolios, it is imperative to have a plan in place that can be worked and reworked. Reviewing research is a necessary process so we can learn from others successes and failures.
Learning from one another is part of the innovation plan process. It is important to stay focused on the end goal and adapt the plan as needed. There will be distractions along the way, but having the students and their needs at the front of the project is very important.
Over the last several weeks, I have done an enormous amount of research. I discovered what has worked in other innovation plans, encountered possible issues, and perhaps what can be improved with incorporating ePortfolios in classrooms. I will apply these lessons to my own innovation plan.
LEARNING FROM THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS
We want to avoid mistakes when possible. During the LA’s iPad problem many mistakes were made when they rolled out their innovation plan. In order to avoid the same mistakes we must learn from what others have done wrong. It is important to acknowledge more time is needed for research and what will be done with the items purchased when starting an innovation plan. Although it is tempting to get caught up in buying new shiny items it is important to stay focused on the goal and the reason for the innovation plan. (LaPowsky, 2015).
Also, when initially rolling out an innovation plan, it is important for all the teachers, administrators, and involved personnel to be on the same page, of the same mindset, agree on goals of the project, and understand what is required of the innovation project. The communication among all involved is key to the overall success of the plan. The teachers and everyone involved will need proper training and support. (Drury, 2006).
The time element can also be a challenge. However, the hours spent to build and collect educational samples are time consuming. The initial amount of time required to build an ePortfolio will save time later when it is time to showcase work and share with others. (Theodosiadou & Konstantinidis, 2015).
APPLYING LESSONS LEARNED
When beginning an innovation plan, it is necessary to conduct research globally and learn from others successes and failures. An innovation plan is always changing and evolving while moving forward.
The advantages of an ePortfolio outweigh any of the negative challenges students and teachers might face with ePortfolios.
UPDATES
When implementing my updated innovation plan for next school year, I need to stay focused on the students and not on the devices. All of the teachers involved need to meet and be on the same page. The students need to understand what they are doing and the reason for what they are doing. We will involve the parents and get feedback from them on how they view the usefulness of the ePortfolios. We can also get feedback from the teachers and how they are using the ePortfolios in their classroom.
UPDATE ON GRADE FOR WEEK 5:
GRADE for whole course: 500 out of 500, which is 100/A.
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