Week 7 KWL

Things I know about presentation portfolios:

• Presentation portfolios should be well organized and easy to read/navigate.
• Presentation portfolios should utilize dividers (if print based) or separate pages (if digital) for each class or topic discussed.
• Presentation portfolios should contain artifacts that are carefully selected to represent specific skills, standards or competencies.
  
• Presentation portfolios should not be a "scrapbook" or random collection of memories and work.
  

Things I want to know about presentation portfolios:

• What is the best way to organize and present my artifacts?
• What tools can I use to best help me create my digital presentation portfolio?
  

Things I learned about presentation portfolios:

• Presentation portfolios should contain a "portfolio at a glance" or basic table of contents or outline of what is contained in the portfolio. The "portfolio at a glance" helps to organize the portfolio.
• Portfolios at a glance help guide the reader to specific areas of content in your portfolio.
  
• A portfolio should be evaluated for effectiveness at achieving its purpose.
  

Week 6 KWL

What I know about standards:

• Standards are used to describe the methods or processes of a group or organization.
• Standards are used to ensure everyone is following similar processes or procedures.
• In education there are national standards, state standards and district or school standards.
• Arizona has state education standards for each grade level.
• Arizona also has 9 professional teaching standards.

What I want to know about standards:

• How standards play a role in the development of a portfolio?
• What standards will be useful in developing my portfolio?

What I learned about standards:

• The selection of materials to include in the portfolio should be governed by standards.
• Items should be chosen that demonstrate growth and development or mastery of a particular standard.
• Portfolios can be organized according to standards. This gives structure and importance to the portfolio.
  

Week 5 KWL

Things I know about writing with a purpose and reflective practice:

• It is always a good idea to proof read your writing for grammar, punctuation, mechanics, etc.
  
• Tone in writing is important, as is knowing your audience.
  
• Professional and scholarly writing should be different in tone, style and formality than personal and creative writing.
  
• Reflection is important for professional development.
  
• Professional reflection can improve your teaching abilities and increase your impact on students.

Things I want to know:

• What are the best methods for implementing and using reflective writings for professional development purposes?
• How can reflective writings be incorporated into my weekly/monthly teaching routines?
  
• What are the best ways to use reflective writings in my portfolio?

Things I learned:

• Reflection is a tool for learning.
• It may be a good idea to have someone else proof read your writing before posting it or using it in your portfolio.
• Reflection helps to justify why you have chosen to include a certain artifact in your portfolio.
• Reflective writing can show growth and what you have learned from an experience.
  

Week 4 KWL

What I know about educational safeguards:

• Because I work as a special education teacher, I am pretty aware of privacy issues for students. All of my students IEP information, educational goals and progress are to be kept confidential.
• Written permission is required to share IEP information with individuals outside the school.
  
• You need parent permission to use photographs or video tapes of their children.
• When sending emails discussing students, one should use only first names or student initials, to protect privacy.
• Student details, like contact information, birth dates, etc. should not be shared.
• Items shared on the internet can be viewed by anyone, unless you password protect them.
  

What I want to know:

• What specifically must be done to ensure digital portfolios are safe and follow privacy rules?
• What items in a portfolio are effected by the need to safeguard student information?
• How do you ensure information posted in a digital portfolio doesn't get "stolen" or misused?
• Are their standards or guidelines that exist for regulating electronic posting of student information?
  

What I learned:

• Student work can still be shared in a portfolio without using student names.
  
• Group pictures are a good option for sharing student photos.
• When sharing videos, be sure students names are not heard in the video.
• Create permission slips specific to items being posted online (pictures, videos, student work, field trips, etc.).
• Some sites make protecting information easier than other sites.
  
• Be aware of the potential effects of sharing student items. Always consider what information is contained and who could stumble upon this information.