Day 12: Power of body language

While we are all aware that everyone communicates both verbally and non-verbally, I don't think enough training or consideration is given to the latter. Based on my experience, young students, specifically middle-school age, as compared to high school students seem to be much more in tune to non-verbal cues. I think training in the art of non-verbal communication should be added to new teacher trainings.

The idea in the article to video tape your presentations is definitely the most beneficial tip for becoming a better presenter. This was required as part of my entire student teaching experience and later I used video tape to improve the presentation skills of managers were I worked.

Day 12: Going on the Road

I find the information from Presenters University extremely well presented and very useful. Everyone who presents to young people need to read Jim Endicotts article. His points merit repeating. I have seen many adult presenters who have been contracted to present to our student body as a whole, fail miserably, not because they don't have a great message, but because they just don't understand how to present to high school students.

Have the Right Frame of Mind
Ignore Their Masks
Make It Come Alive
Know You’re On Stage
The True Power is in Simplicity
Audience Participation
Never Talk Down
Never Attempt to Be One of Them

Day 11: Portfolios and Assessments

I had never thought about there being 3 different types of portfolios. I have used documentation portfolios and product portfolios, but process portfolios are a new idea for me. Although I require that my students write reflections on their key assignments, it never occurred to me to include them in their portfolios.

I really appreciated the review checklist that was included in the article from Park University

Day 10: ePortfolios examples

Although Susan Silverman's examples were very creative, I really liked the example's of the student writing sample's from Dr. Christie because it's such a simple idea.

Day 10: Electronic Portfolios for Students

While I have always supported the use/idea of portfolios, admittedly, over the years, I have moved away from using them due to logistical issues such as limited space in the classroom to keep them. Using ePolios would certainly resolve this issue. They certainly provide a "bigger" picture of student progress and achievement versus test scores and that for me is the real benefit.

The most useful piece of information in the article, however, to me was the example of how Eastern High School in Jefferson County Kentucky used student power to implement the ePortfolios schoolwide. I can imagine how this exact model could be implemented at my current school. Although multi-media technology (to a basic extent) is available at the school, based on my experience last year, a very limited number of students actually know how to use it. Also, at one point, the technology teacher sent out an email offering the services of a number of his students, so they could get additional experience. According to him, I was 1 of only 2 teachers to respond to his offer. When I asked my fellow collegues why they didn't take him up on the offer, the response was that they didn't really have anything for them to do.

I'm excited to present the idea of my students using ePortfolios with the support of his multi-media class.

Day 9: Researching ePortfolios and Learner Engagement

This article very clearly adds the data driven rational that is critical in order for the initiative to encourage the creation ePortfolios to move forward. I believe most effective teachers and administrators are familiar with the traditional portfolios, whereas the concept of an ePortfolio is a more recent result of advancements in technology. Therefore, in addition to providing supporting research, I think utilizing the following information from the article is equally persuasive because it clearly explains that ePortfolios do not require re-inventing the wheel, just adding some piazzas to the spokes. To me, presenting an innovative idea in this way, softens the resistance.

Traditional Portfolio Processes include:
• Collecting
• Selecting
• Reflecting
• Projecting
• Celebrating

Adding Technology allows enhancement through:
• Archiving
• Linking/Thinking
• Storytelling
• Collaborating
• Publishing

Again, just more information for me to assist me in building a case to present to my district leaders.

Day 9: eLearnSpace

I found this article to be very beneficial because it also included the issues surrounding ePortfolios that I had not considered. After reading all these articles on ePortfolio's, I began asking myself, "why aren't they used more often?" Of course, my initial response was that they are still unknown to many. Now, however, I truly understand the complexity of the implementing ePortfolios. I am more inclined to take action on a good idea and resolve issues as they arise versus working out all the problems in advance. Unfortunately, I've seen many great ideas permanently tabled because no one was able to answer all the "what if's". I prefer to ask, "why not" and than consider the worst case scenario.