"AHA" moments

I had several “AHA” moments in 2013 Implementing E-Portfolios in English Language Learning with Google Apps workshop with Dr. Barrett. I’m completely convinced of the need I have of developing technological skills in order to do a good job as a facilitator. I’d tried to learn how to use some technological tools before but I found it too hard that I just quit. It was really nice to see how easy it is to use Google Drive and Google Sites. Last semester I had my classes work with portfolios (traditional portfolios, I must say) and some students included some digital artifacts.  So, I can’t wait to start working with ePortfolios! Of course, I have to invest time and effort in order to be able to teach students to create their digital portofolios but I’m willing to pay the price to get there.

Another “AHA” moment was when Helen showed us examples of storytelling. They’re very inspiring and what I like the most is that they’re doable. I can see my kids working with their storytelling already! I also had an “AHA” moment when I explored some of the sites Dr. Barrett recommended. For example I’ve already registered in RubyStar because I’ve been using rubrics for quite a time now and it used to take a long to create them. As Dr. Barrett says we should make the most of the technological tools we have in order to make time to reflect on our teaching and improve every day. And that’s my most valuable “AHA” moment along the workshop: the importance of reflection from both students and teachers. That is something I’ve kind of done in my lessons but I can do better.

So, what I want to explore in the future are the sites and apps we saw in the workshop as well as the components of the ePortofolios. My next steps are: first, to learn how to use Google Drive and Google Sites proficiently. Then I want to learn how to use other apps or sites, especially the ones that are used to work with storytelling. I also want to encourage students to reflect on their learning on a regular basis and help them create their digital portfolios next semester.  As you can see I have lots of things to do, right? 

Helping students reflect on their learning

A recent trend in education which I find really useful is “reflective teaching”. Long time ago I attended a conference with a very well-known author of textbooks and it dawned on me how important it is to reflect on what we’ve done in order to keep making progress. 

Since we want our students to improve their skills, it is critical that they learn to reflect on their learning experience too. To start with, it is essential that they reflect on their goals so that they can develop a plan to reach those goals. If they don’t know what they want to get out of a class or course, they won’t have anything to keep them focused. Also, they should reflect on their learning on a regular basis. I think it is a good idea to have students keep a journal so that they can go back and see how much they’ve learned and how they’ve learned it. That way they will develop a sense of achievement and identify their areas of improvement to do better next time.

I can’t agree more with Dr. Barret: There’s no learning without reflection.

Reflection on Session 1

In today’s session we discussed the benefits of working with ePortfolios from both process and product. The ones that I find the most relevant out of the process are the fact that it helps students develop self-esteem and confidence as well as the practice they get in using a tool that can be used in life long and life wide learning quests. Moreover, this process helps students get used to self-assessment through reflecting their own learning. When it comes about the product, I’d say the most significant advantage of working with ePortafolios is that they will have a personal learning record that is completely portable and available no matter where they are.

As Dr. Barret says, we don’t need to push students to work with social networks. They just love it! That’s why creating ePortfolios could be really attractive for students. Motivation is a critical aspect for meaningful learning and I’d say most students are already motivated to work with technology. But that’s not enough. It is important that we help students see other benefits that working with ePortfolios offers.

 I recognize that usually students are more skillful than me when it comes about technology. That’s why I need to work hard to catch up with them. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with learning from your students. On the contrary, the way I see it it’s a great opportunity to build up a special bond with your class when you let them show and share their talents.

Today we saw many useful applications; so many that I feel kind of overwhelmed. But, at the same time, I feel enthusiastic about the challenge. I know I can do it!