Information Technology Reference
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brainstormed and assets are collected, then students are guided towards
creating pages. Students get linked to a Web space application in which they
acquire the server space needed to post the Web portfolio. As mentioned
earlier, the site offers numerous resources and tutorials to help students create
Web pages and post them using industry-standard software including
Macromedia Dreamweaver. There is even a section on design of Web pages.
This is coupled with numerous resources to help students create visually
compelling, well designed Web portfolios. Web portfolio examples are pro-
vided, but no templates are available. I agree with this methodology. When
templates are the exclusive method of design, all the Web portfolios look the
same and lose their creative punch as well as the individuality of the author.
Lastly, students are encouraged to reflect continually on the artifacts exhibited
in the Web portfolio. Sharing the author's thoughts with the user/reader of the
Web portfolio with regards to projects, processes, and positive attributes is
highly recommended on the Penn State a portfolio Web site. I feel that making
reflection a priority is important to any Web portfolio program. Reflection
should be constant throughout the life of the portfolio. Students need to think
critically about their work, academic discipline, and own success to be able to
explain to others why and how it is important. The Web portfolio provides a
great platform for a reflection and therefore is justified throughout the life span
of any person's professional career.
Student Web portfolios do not have infinite life at Penn State. The university
provides a disclaimer in their technical section on the Web that informs students
that their pages will only be up six months past graduation and they are warned
to create a backup of the Web portfolio on CD-ROM or another removable
media. Unfortunately, this is common at most institutions. To maintain a lifelong
connection to the Web portfolio space needs to be provided after graduation.
This is difficult due to cost and security concerns. Students need to be
encouraged and guided towards Web portfolio space after graduation. Sites
such as GeoCities and Yahoo provide free space. Low-cost space can be
acquired at sites such as www.portfoliovillage.com and qfolio.com.
The Penn State e-portfolio program is exemplary in how it has evolved into a
strong successful Web portfolio program model that has provided important
resources to students in establishing content, developing a solid message,
understanding technical and software issues, and reflecting on their own growth
and learning.
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