Over the last few weeks I have added to my portfolio. One of the key steps was selecting the standards that I would base my instruction on. This was actually more of a challenge for me than for others in the group. K-12 education has emphasized standards for several years, but as a trainer of adults there are far fewer of these guidelines. After looking through many internet sites for appropriate standards, I finally selected the Texas State standards for technology education. Since most of the classes I have taught involve technology education, the standards seemed to fit. More importantly they captured the elements that I feel should be in all technology education. Students should not just be taught the specific details of a new computer or system, but should also understand the larger context of how the system will help their business, how it should be maintained, what it's proper use and care should be, and finally, how the technology fits in society as a whole. I think there have been many examples where the big picture was ignored, and education just focused on the details.
Once I had selected the standards the rest was fairly simple. Fortunately many of the classes I have taught have included the same topics as those outlined in the standards, so it was not hard to find examples of the standards to add to my portfolio. With the standards addressed, I have begun to collect examples of my other class work and assignments from the Masters program. Although there is still much to do, I think the portfolio is finally taking shape.
One of the key assignments for this portfolio is the creation of a project proposal that uses Personal Portfolios in an educational setting. I found this assignment particularly interesting as I have had a plan that fits this perfectly. I have talked in the past about the large software roll out that my company is undertaking, and about having some of the early adopters record their thoughts in a blog or video blog. A personal portfolio would be a great way for these people to collect their thoughts. And by making the portfolios searchable, others in the company who are having a problem can find people who had similar problems and posted a solution. The key is to tap into the power of many individuals, rather than having the instructor try and produce all of the content.
Overall this has been a very useful class, and I look forward to extending my portfolio even after the conclusion of this session.
