Module 7 Reflections

E-Portfolio

UGH! I am doing two final projects at the same time and trying to cram two weeks into one since we leave for our family cruise and I will be gone the last week of class.
I am trying to not take the easy way out and create two great web pages for my final projects. I am trying to implement all the great web tools and information that I learned to make the project as authentic as I can.
I have found that I really could benefit from taking a web design class. Google's page creater is very simplistic but there are still concepts of web design that I know I am missing. I am excited about all I have learned and created and have shared many of the links with my family. I am also very glad that we do not have much reading as I am focusing all my attention to creating a solid final project. I am worried that I will submit mine for feedback and then I will be without internet connection to respond and continue working on making adjustments. The cruise ship does have an internet cafe but I am not sure that the connection will always be there, how expensive it will be, and also that I want to be spending time on the internet when I should be with my family. Balance will be the key...as long as their connection!

What's the value?
I see the value to e-portfolios as endless. I can see them being of value to students, families, potential employers, and more. I am a huge supporter of portfolios in general so to have the opportunity to learn and create my own e-portfolio has been really fun for me. I am thankful to have all of my "highlights" and "good ideas" going to one place from this class. I have also created a link to add my other course that I am taking and will continue to do that. WIth this course, there has been a wealth of knowlege shared and gained that I am grateful to have one location that I can store it on and go to for the info. when I want/need it. I could see this as being a great addition to interviews and placing a the web address on a resume for a head start on getting to know an individual or for sharing information about yourself. As I am thinking about this my mind keeps spinning with new ideas, I will need to start a list! I really have liked this organizational tool!

How might this investment of time pay off in the future?
Purely looking at it organizationally, I see it being a great time saver. If I am looking back for an idea, thought, or activity, I can look at one place rather than going through hundreds of posts!.....that is too say though that I need to create a link that houses good ideas, activities, etc. As a student, it seems like many things are time consuming in the beginning but can save time, stress, and headaches for future classes. This can also help when compling info. on experiences, knowledge, etc. The time has been spent on the learning of the information, many of the activities have been completed, it is just linking it all to one place. Lastly, I am such a visual person, I enjoy seeing my works and other peoples works, rather than hearing about them. I think this adds value to the e-portfolio and also helps with the time management piece of sorting through information.

What barriers to success do you foresee?
As with all things, some people will find a barrier. To be honest, I am struggling finding one for myself. I can see this being challenging for those who are not as comfortable with technology. It is always difficult to have some try something new and different as there will always be resistance. I am sure that just as some educators are told to have portfolios or brag books to bring to an interview, the wave of the future will be to have an e-portfolio....I have yet to be able to present my portfolio in an interview setting! I love having mine though to showcase my work and to remind me on those not so great days, why it is what I do.
I can see a safety issue be a concern as well with posting personal information on the web. I get excited about all this new stuff and forget to "test the water and not jump in with two feet"! I am sure more barriers will come to mind, especially as I read all the other posts!

I have really enjoyed working on my e-portfolio and would love to integrate this in an elementary classroom someday...if I get back there! Otherwise, I would surely have this in a college course setting!