Digital Portfolios

Showcasing the Learning in Grade 4

Students in fourth grade have been busy creating digital portfolios.  "A digital portfolio is a computer-based collection of student performance over time. Portfolios make classroom learning more accessible to parents, administrators, and other district support staff because they provide a window into student learning. A portfolio showcases both student achievement and student learning over time." - Melinda Kolk, "Building Digital Portfolios" For fourth graders at Spofford Pond, creating a digital portfolio is an opportunity to not only showcase their learning, but to also take a moment and reflect on their learning goals and their strategies for achieving them.
The tool we have been using to create our digital portfolios is Google Sites.  Google Sites is an application for creating websites.  Permissions allow the author to keep their site private, visible only to those with viewing rights and access to the link.
Creating a site of learning goals, achievements, peak moments and habits of mind has been a wonderful process for the students, the classroom teachers and myself.

Technology Essential Questions

How can we use this technology to keep a record of progress?

How does a digital portfolio help extend student thinking?

How can we use this technology to teach the art of reflection, curation and collaboration?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
3-5.CAS.a.3: 3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.CAS.c.5; 3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.4; 3-5.DTC.c.5; 3-5.CS.a