On-Line E-Portfolios in Higher Education - A Multidisciplinary Approach

Suzanne K. Lunsford, William Slattery

The Science Teaching for Ohio’s New Economy (STONE) and Partners in Earth System Science (PIES) professional development programs are long term, collaborative experiences for in-service k-12 teachers. The summer and academic year components of both programs are designed to increase the integrated science content, pedagogical knowledge and technological abilities of teams of K-12 teachers in high need Ohio school districts. Teachers selected for participation are from schools serving a population of students who are approximately 63% economically disadvantaged. Each of the programs are composed of three distinct phases. These are Phase I Summer field and lab experiences, Phase II on-line internet experiences where the E-portfolios are developed and implemented and Phase III academic year web conferences to continue the development of the E-portfolios, assess students learning gains in content and discuss future plans. The participating teachers serve as catalysts and mentors to other teachers in their schools and districts, driving curriculum change within their school buildings and school districts. The development of E-portfolios are a critical element of both the STONE and PIES programs. During the academic year, Participants of both the STONE and PIES programs meet in an online setting to develop and share classroom activities, strategies to assess student learning in inquiry-based activities and share plans to continue their activities in the future.

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