White Oak Independent School District (WOISD) wanted a way to showcase student learning and faculty skills. Commercial options did not offer a flexible platform that would leave with the student to college. They turned to free, open source Wordpress MU for the platform and other free Web 2.0 tools for media hosting. Participants in this session will learn the process WOISD went through to choose open source software that provides the students and staff a portable electronic portfolio. They will also hear about the implementation process with both students and staff, meeting the needs of current and future state requirements to prove technology proficiencies. Other tools, skills, and content to be discussed: audio and video podcasting, osTube (for hosting audio, video, photos, and documents), ePortfolio hosting, tech proficiencies gained from the process, curricular changes made, portfolio assessment training, and our Hit and Miss list of lessons learned.

Outline

Content
We will share the process of creating valid ePortfolios. We will share our goals of both the student content and the staff content. It is imperative that we present the choices we had, the decisions we made, and the processes we employed in order to engage the audience in this worthwhile endeavor to build 21st Century Skills in our school district.

Time
Software Options: 15%
Professional Development: 50%
Samples of Final Products: 15%
Q&A: 20%

Process
We will offer links to each of the solutions as we discuss them so that the audience can view them personally. Asking for questions throughout the presentation will be key to engagement as well. Showcasing both student and staff products in the closing will lead into a Q&A session for attendees.

Supporting Research

Dr. Helen Barrett - www.electronicportfolios.com
Dr. Gary Stager - www.stager.org
Sylvia Martinez - www.genyes.com
Elizabeth A. Hebert - The Power of Portfolios
NCLB - 8th Grade Technology Proficiency
NETS-S
NETS-T
NETS-A

Presenter Background

I have taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. All students want to show their skills off academically. They have just never had an avenue for that. My work as the gifted and talented director and 12 year literacy instructor has given me a strong background in portfolio use. In my current position as district instructional technologist, I have the opportunity to practice on a larger scale with all levels of students.