With all good intentions, paper scrapbooks sometimes get misplaced and as our children grow older, we often become lax at keeping it up. With the aid of computers, teachers can work with students to create a permanent digital scrapbook that students take with them at graduation time. Students' skills and talents are permanently showcased in a digital portfolio. Of course, for the teacher, the digital portfolio has the added advantage of focusing on the student's developing skills. As such, a permanent record is readily available to assist teachers in reviewing student progress and in providing guidance to the student for improvement and for placement in additional coursework if the student desires.
Students are very enthusiastic about the portfolio program.
Cyndy Currier is director of technology for Kearsarge Regional School District in New Hampshire. It allows students to reflect on their work and pushes the teachers to have more interaction with students and parents concerning evaluation. Grady Profile, an electronic portfolio tool, is the program's centerpiece. Teacher Sally Hodges agreed. Our parents have been excited to see actual work samples, hear their child read, and learn what teachers look and listen for.