Why an e-portfolio?
I have completed this assignment because I really believe that it is something I will have my own students do. It is something that would be a running project from grade to grade and I would start doing it with the youngest grades that I am teaching. I feel that using this site - Weebly.com is very user friendly (even for students) and I feel that it provides a very nice, finished final project - something the students will feel proud of and something the students can carry with them once they leave high school.
As discussed throughout EDSE 495, we have constantly reflected on the importance of reflection! This project is the perfect outlet for students to do just that. It is a place for them to gather all of their resources and findings in the careers in which they are considering, and then reflect on the possibilities, the desires and the practicalities of pursuing the careers they have researched.
An e-portfolio is also very accessible and sharable! This format is something that students can very easily share with their parents and their peers in order to gain feedback and constructive criticisms. It is a format that is also easy to adjust should they decide to make changes or additions.
My collecting and reflection of various ideas and thoughts through this format, also provides the students with an excellent computer technology skill. This site can be manipulated to create any type of website completely for free, and this may be a major assets in their future endeavors. Students may start their own business, in which they could then create their own company website. Students may want to make personal or creative e-portfolios, and after having created this assignment, the student will feel comfortable creating one for themselves. It may also prove to be useful in a business or company they are working for because they would have the abilty and confidence to step and tell their employer that they have the knowledge to create something professional and amazing.
As discussed throughout EDSE 495, we have constantly reflected on the importance of reflection! This project is the perfect outlet for students to do just that. It is a place for them to gather all of their resources and findings in the careers in which they are considering, and then reflect on the possibilities, the desires and the practicalities of pursuing the careers they have researched.
An e-portfolio is also very accessible and sharable! This format is something that students can very easily share with their parents and their peers in order to gain feedback and constructive criticisms. It is a format that is also easy to adjust should they decide to make changes or additions.
My collecting and reflection of various ideas and thoughts through this format, also provides the students with an excellent computer technology skill. This site can be manipulated to create any type of website completely for free, and this may be a major assets in their future endeavors. Students may start their own business, in which they could then create their own company website. Students may want to make personal or creative e-portfolios, and after having created this assignment, the student will feel comfortable creating one for themselves. It may also prove to be useful in a business or company they are working for because they would have the abilty and confidence to step and tell their employer that they have the knowledge to create something professional and amazing.
Assessment
Because this would be a running project as the students passed from one grade to the next, I would set up certain aspects that need to be completed each year.
I would begin their e-portfolios by having them research and do some self-evaluation. In this example I have utilized the My Blueprint site, and so I feel that would be a great place for the students to begin their self-journey. This is something that I might have students complete at the beginning of each year- just to track and see if they have changed as they grow older and more mature.
This site profiles one career - a photographer, but in the younger grades I would have the students complete a profile of a career of their choice each year. Within that profile I would have students look at a CTS pathway they think would work for them, I would have them do several career investigations in that career, and I would have them showcase their projects and ideas that they have successfully completed that year.
Once the students got into the older grades, I would have the students begin searching for the schools that offered their career choice and have them list the various options.
Once in grade 10, I would have the students do a preliminary search into the cost and expenses involved in pursuing post-secondary education. I think it would be very valuable for them to have an basic understanding of what it is they are striving for.
At the start of grade 12 when they will most likely be starting to apply to schools, I will have them complete the process of listing schools and doing a more thorough search into expenses and options in regards to payment including scholarships and grants.
If possible, I would have this project count as a one credit project course. If the student profiled photography, then it would be considered a COM 1910- COM Project A if they were in grade 10. If a student in grade 11 profiled being a travel agent then their course would be listed as TOU 2910 - TOU Project B. Alternatively, I would include a mark for this e-portfolio within a project in a course.
I would begin their e-portfolios by having them research and do some self-evaluation. In this example I have utilized the My Blueprint site, and so I feel that would be a great place for the students to begin their self-journey. This is something that I might have students complete at the beginning of each year- just to track and see if they have changed as they grow older and more mature.
This site profiles one career - a photographer, but in the younger grades I would have the students complete a profile of a career of their choice each year. Within that profile I would have students look at a CTS pathway they think would work for them, I would have them do several career investigations in that career, and I would have them showcase their projects and ideas that they have successfully completed that year.
Once the students got into the older grades, I would have the students begin searching for the schools that offered their career choice and have them list the various options.
Once in grade 10, I would have the students do a preliminary search into the cost and expenses involved in pursuing post-secondary education. I think it would be very valuable for them to have an basic understanding of what it is they are striving for.
At the start of grade 12 when they will most likely be starting to apply to schools, I will have them complete the process of listing schools and doing a more thorough search into expenses and options in regards to payment including scholarships and grants.
If possible, I would have this project count as a one credit project course. If the student profiled photography, then it would be considered a COM 1910- COM Project A if they were in grade 10. If a student in grade 11 profiled being a travel agent then their course would be listed as TOU 2910 - TOU Project B. Alternatively, I would include a mark for this e-portfolio within a project in a course.
Blogging students
Having the students create and maintain a blog is very important because it is running proof that they are reflecting and contemplating their actions and their research. The blog is personal and it draws on their emotions, thoughts and instincts - and this could prove to be very beneficial to many students. Many times, simply voicing an idea can lead to many wonderful things and this would be an outlet both creatively and reflectively.
I would insist that the students are contributing to their blogs at least twice a week, if not more. I would also encourage the students to share the address to their blogs with their classmates and parents. This blog is in a controlled environment, that is password protected and so there will be better control for any acts of bullying or blasphemy that could potentially occur.
The Blog will also help students reflect on an job-shadowing they do throughout the course of the year. Any opportunities to participate within the industry can be noted in the blog, and other students can also comment on those experiences!
I would insist that the students are contributing to their blogs at least twice a week, if not more. I would also encourage the students to share the address to their blogs with their classmates and parents. This blog is in a controlled environment, that is password protected and so there will be better control for any acts of bullying or blasphemy that could potentially occur.
The Blog will also help students reflect on an job-shadowing they do throughout the course of the year. Any opportunities to participate within the industry can be noted in the blog, and other students can also comment on those experiences!
Investigations
This would be a page where students could collect their findings - findings that inspire and teach them about either themselves as a person or about the careers and opportunities they have researched. Students would be able to scroll back through the years of collection and recall why they might have included something, or why they had changed direction with what they were including within the investigations page. I think it would be very beneficial to have students take the time to browse and reflect at the beginning of each new year on the collection of data they have added and even present to classmates or the teacher why they have included what they have included.
It is also important that the student reflect why this source is important to them at the time of posting. You will notice that in each source there are 2 sections that the student should complete upon posting. "What is this? and What do I think?" It is one more opportunity for self-reflection. Students can understand what part of their career journey is affected if they reflect on why a source is important - they may even realize that it isn't as important as they originally thought!
It is also important that the student reflect why this source is important to them at the time of posting. You will notice that in each source there are 2 sections that the student should complete upon posting. "What is this? and What do I think?" It is one more opportunity for self-reflection. Students can understand what part of their career journey is affected if they reflect on why a source is important - they may even realize that it isn't as important as they originally thought!
Employment
This is a wonderful section to include because it can act as a storage space for all things that will eventually be useful to the student once they enter the work force. Having the students create a cover letter and a resume early on forces them to list their skills, achievements and talents. It puts their hiring potential under a magnifying glass and this would prove beneficial because the student could consciously look at where they would make improvements. Student would be able to add to their resumes as new things occurred in their lives such as win an award or join a volunteer organization.
This is also the page where they would collect their findings about new careers they have researched including job duties and earnable income for that career. This site only has one career listed - photographer - but by the end of grade 12, students would have several careers researched, and this hopefully would help them make a better, well educated decision about which path they should go upon graduation.
Students will also display information they have learned about their personality and their learning styles. This is important because students need to be aware of what situation they learn best in so as to gain their full potential in all classes. If a student understands that they are not as receptive in a chalk and talk classroom, then they can take preemptive measures to improve opportunities to learn the information in ways other than the teacher may present. Often talking with that teacher will help them come up with a plan as to what steps a student can do to manipulate the learning environment in their favor - if a student is not aware of their learning style, then they will never take the steps to change.
This is also the page where they would collect their findings about new careers they have researched including job duties and earnable income for that career. This site only has one career listed - photographer - but by the end of grade 12, students would have several careers researched, and this hopefully would help them make a better, well educated decision about which path they should go upon graduation.
Students will also display information they have learned about their personality and their learning styles. This is important because students need to be aware of what situation they learn best in so as to gain their full potential in all classes. If a student understands that they are not as receptive in a chalk and talk classroom, then they can take preemptive measures to improve opportunities to learn the information in ways other than the teacher may present. Often talking with that teacher will help them come up with a plan as to what steps a student can do to manipulate the learning environment in their favor - if a student is not aware of their learning style, then they will never take the steps to change.
Education
This is the place where students will collect their information they have found in-regards to post-secondary educational institutes they are considering. They can list all schools and the information including required acceptance classes, tuition and expenses, and graduate employment rates. All of these things combined in one location make it much easier for students to compare and contrast. There are numerous differences in each institution and each specific education course is different. In the case of this student - if he were to choose photojournalism he would most likely choose SAIT. If he would rather take a straight photography course then he may decide to attend NAIT. If he is looking for a more comprehensive post-secondary education and graduate with a degree, then ACAD is the school for him! Each institution has the pluses and minuses and looking at them all in one location makes for an easier decision.
Home page
For this e-portfolio, it showcases the career path of being a photographer. If I were to use e-portfolios in my CTS class, I would make the home page be about the student. I would have them do a mini showcase of themselves on the homepage and I would encourage them to really make it their own creation. If a student were interested in photography, then I would encourage them to have their photos plastered allover that page and make sure that all who would view it would know that it is distinctly that students! That is one thing that is great about using the Weebly site - it is very customizable and offers a very large selection of designs. A teacher could have a class where not one site would be alike and each site would be completely unique to each student!
Career Development
As noted in The Big Picture View of Career Development Theory , " No single theory of Career Development is comprehensive. As career practitioners, we need to recognize and be aware of any theory’s strengths, weaknesses and inherent biases. Theory works best when it’s integrated into our personal style and in accordance with a client’s unique situation and needs. Using a holistic approach to clients means pulling from a combination of career development theories and strategies (Canadian Career Development Foundation. n.d.)."
As I read through the different theories and consider this e-portfolio assignment, I find myself pulling various parts from each one. In the Trait-Factor Theory, it is noted that, "The closer the match between personal traits and job factors the greater the likelihood for successful job performance and satisfaction (Canadian Career Development Foundation. n.d.)." This seems like such a simple statement - it seems so logical...yet how many people find themselves in a very unfulfilled career doing menial tasks feeling completely detached from their work. Holland’s Career Typology Theory expands on the idea of characteristics and personalities and that there are methods to achieving the best possible match. As this theory also states," the closer the match of personality to job, the greater the satisfaction (Canadian Career Development Foundation. n.d.)."
So the big question for any teacher then, is how do we master this art of matching personalities and characteristics to skills, jobs and career paths. This is tricky business and can be potentially disastrous to the students we are guiding. It is not for the faint of heart! For me, I feel that utilizing a combination of Super’s Life-Span/ Life-Space Theory and Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory of Career Choice may hold a tiny key to the problem of career picking. These two theories suggest that people need to consider external influences, with Super's Life-Span/Life-Space Theory suggesting that a person will experience different life roles and various life stages, while Krumboltz's Theory states "the four main factors that influence career choice are genetic influences, environmental conditions and events, learning experiences and task approach skills (Canadian Career Development Foundation. n.d.)."
Every person will have a different background with unique experiences. The key to harnessing all of these differences is in self-knowledge and reflection. Both theories suggest that understanding one's own abilities, skills, and past experiences occurs best when that person is aware of all the differences and happenings that have occurred in ones life. That is where having a student complete a portfolio will come into play. It will serve as a perfect stage of recognizing their abilities, potential and skills. It can serve as a place for students to reflect on past experiences, new ideas and career options. If the key to finding a successful career indeed lies in self-knowledge and reflection then a portfolio will serve as an invaluable developmental tool in their career development journey
Canadian Career Development Foundation. (n.d.). The big picture view of career development theory. Retrieved July, 2013 from http://ccdf.ca/ccdf/NewCoach/english/ccoache/e4a_bp_theory.htm
As I read through the different theories and consider this e-portfolio assignment, I find myself pulling various parts from each one. In the Trait-Factor Theory, it is noted that, "The closer the match between personal traits and job factors the greater the likelihood for successful job performance and satisfaction (Canadian Career Development Foundation. n.d.)." This seems like such a simple statement - it seems so logical...yet how many people find themselves in a very unfulfilled career doing menial tasks feeling completely detached from their work. Holland’s Career Typology Theory expands on the idea of characteristics and personalities and that there are methods to achieving the best possible match. As this theory also states," the closer the match of personality to job, the greater the satisfaction (Canadian Career Development Foundation. n.d.)."
So the big question for any teacher then, is how do we master this art of matching personalities and characteristics to skills, jobs and career paths. This is tricky business and can be potentially disastrous to the students we are guiding. It is not for the faint of heart! For me, I feel that utilizing a combination of Super’s Life-Span/ Life-Space Theory and Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory of Career Choice may hold a tiny key to the problem of career picking. These two theories suggest that people need to consider external influences, with Super's Life-Span/Life-Space Theory suggesting that a person will experience different life roles and various life stages, while Krumboltz's Theory states "the four main factors that influence career choice are genetic influences, environmental conditions and events, learning experiences and task approach skills (Canadian Career Development Foundation. n.d.)."
Every person will have a different background with unique experiences. The key to harnessing all of these differences is in self-knowledge and reflection. Both theories suggest that understanding one's own abilities, skills, and past experiences occurs best when that person is aware of all the differences and happenings that have occurred in ones life. That is where having a student complete a portfolio will come into play. It will serve as a perfect stage of recognizing their abilities, potential and skills. It can serve as a place for students to reflect on past experiences, new ideas and career options. If the key to finding a successful career indeed lies in self-knowledge and reflection then a portfolio will serve as an invaluable developmental tool in their career development journey
Canadian Career Development Foundation. (n.d.). The big picture view of career development theory. Retrieved July, 2013 from http://ccdf.ca/ccdf/NewCoach/english/ccoache/e4a_bp_theory.htm
Resources
ISPWP. 2009. How wedding photographers really spend their time. [Pie chart] Retrieved from http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2011/12
/29/how-photographers-actually-spend-their-time/
Mike Baird. 2011. Sunset silhouetted photographer. [Image] Retrieved from http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences
/how-conservation-photography-is-a-political-act.html
DC Views. n.d..[Photograph of boy taking photo atop a mountain]. Retrieved from http://www.dcviews.com/
Brahm. 2013. Canadian money. [Image] Retrieved from http://sprocketink.com/canadian-money-to-remain-oh-so-serious/
Wallibs.com.2013. Dodge Viper. [Image] Retrieved from http://www.wallibs.com/desktopwallpaper/1024x768/dodge-viper-tuning-
muscle-cars-12200.html#chitika_close_button
Kootation. 2012. [Will Farrell and John C. Reilly Movie Poster.] Retrieved from http://kootation.com/brother-and-sister-tattoo-ideas-
02-jpg.html
Apply For Scholarship. 2013. [Graphic of dollar sign wearing graduation cap]. Retrieved from http://applyfor-scholarships.com/apply-
for-scholarships/
Ryan Leclaire. 2012. Piggy Bank and Blackboard. [Image] Retrieved from http://studymagazine.com/2012/09/24/stats-can-says-ontario-
dental-and-foreign-students-pay-more-tuition/
/29/how-photographers-actually-spend-their-time/
Mike Baird. 2011. Sunset silhouetted photographer. [Image] Retrieved from http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences
/how-conservation-photography-is-a-political-act.html
DC Views. n.d..[Photograph of boy taking photo atop a mountain]. Retrieved from http://www.dcviews.com/
Brahm. 2013. Canadian money. [Image] Retrieved from http://sprocketink.com/canadian-money-to-remain-oh-so-serious/
Wallibs.com.2013. Dodge Viper. [Image] Retrieved from http://www.wallibs.com/desktopwallpaper/1024x768/dodge-viper-tuning-
muscle-cars-12200.html#chitika_close_button
Kootation. 2012. [Will Farrell and John C. Reilly Movie Poster.] Retrieved from http://kootation.com/brother-and-sister-tattoo-ideas-
02-jpg.html
Apply For Scholarship. 2013. [Graphic of dollar sign wearing graduation cap]. Retrieved from http://applyfor-scholarships.com/apply-
for-scholarships/
Ryan Leclaire. 2012. Piggy Bank and Blackboard. [Image] Retrieved from http://studymagazine.com/2012/09/24/stats-can-says-ontario-
dental-and-foreign-students-pay-more-tuition/