Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Discovering your "something"

Today, President Obama said:
Every single one of you has something you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That's the opportunity an education can provide.
He also told students, "stay focused, find something you're passionate about... set goals and work hard to achieve them." I would add: How will you know what that "something" is? We all need a space where we discover, explore, and document what we are good at... what we have to offer. What better place for than exploration than a reflective portfolio, to highlight our strengths and passions? In an online journal/portfolio, we can share our goals and dreams with ourselves and our teachers, friends and family. That's an opportunity an ePortfolio can provide.

2 comments:

Ray Tolley said...

Dear Helen,

Yes, you are so right. And an e-Portfolio is so very much that 'private place' where, very often, the observations of peers can be so much more helpful or conversely hard hitting, than any tutor or family member might want to put into print. This is where the reflection really comes into its own, when understanding the contributions of others.

Mrs. Susan Kline, Instructor said...

Dear Helen~

I was thrilled to find your research about ePortfolios!

I'm preparing to teach a 3-unit Computer Applications course completely online next semester. I have taught this course for five years in a face-to-face manner and required printed portfolios of their Microsoft Office documents (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). I'm hoping that students will be able to compile a portfolio, albeit online.

I'd appreciate any tips that you can share! ~Susan Kline
Merced College: kline.s@mccd.edu