Digital portfolios are hypermedia
documents, consisting of a set of screens or "pages," according to
the software applied. Digital portfolios are used for demonstrating the skills
and knowledge of the students and exhibiting the vision of the individual
schools. They help the students to know about the quality that would be
expected from them. Digital portfolios are ideal for assessing a student’s
individually, by the school committee and deciding whether he or she possesses
the necessary qualities. A close look at all the systems, including the
curriculum, scheduling, administration, and pedagogy is required, to evaluate
the students, properly.
Instead of judging the students through abstract
test results, these portfolios help in the true assessment of performance, by
recording their interests and accomplishments in art. Digital portfolios
usually begin with the student's identity, discussing the various achievements
of the student, including photographs and videos. It is actually a computerized
process of saving the work of the student, allowing the viewer to go through
the entire portfolio. A digital portfolio makes it very easy to view the work,
as many times as desired. The displayed instructions guide the users in
navigating through the different sections of the portfolio.
Pros
of using Digital Portfolios for student work
1. Digital portfolios expand on the
collection of techniques available to students and educators to demonstrate
learning. Pictures, videos, and audio recordings are added to the typical paper
and pencil tasks students complete.
2. Struggling students (i.e., writing,
reading) are given alternative modes of expression and means to demonstrate
learning. This can lead to increases in self-confidence and achievement.
3. Increased accessibility. Parents no
longer need to find time to visit the classroom to see a collection of their
children’s work, and educators no longer need to chase after students to return
their paper portfolios to class.
4. Development of 21st-century skills. One
of the seven survival skills of the 21st century focuses on effective oral and
written communication. Digital portfolios can help engage students in
practicing these crucial abilities.
5. Digital portfolios allow students to
track and demonstrate their growth over longer periods of time. While paper
portfolios get stored or discarded at the end of a term or school year, digital
portfolios can remain available and easily accessible to students, parents, and
educators.
Cons
of using Digital Portfolios for student work
1. Digital portfolios require students to
know or learn how to use computers, cameras, scanners, photo and illustrating
software, and other tools. Though mastering these tools is a positive learning
experience, it requires class time on a regular basis.
2. Students may also need teacher support
in building a portfolio template, determining what to include in it, and
deciding how to describe it.
3. Also, not everyone in the hoped-for
audience of parents, families, other teachers, and peers will view each
student's digital portfolio. Students may be disappointed when they do not get
feedback from readers.
4. Some portfolio builders may spend more
time to fashioning the "look" of their portfolio than highlighting
the substance of the academic learning.
Bottom
Line
Students are growing up tech-savvy. They
have a fantastic ability to play with technology and figure out how to use it
to their advantage and to meet their needs. The goal of a digital portfolio is
to hand over the reins to the students and allow them to become responsible for
demonstrating their learning and reflection.
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