Saragib’s Weblog

I would like to create a general template for a digital art portfolio to be used by students. Primarily, this would be for use in the classroom but could be shared online with family, friends, etc. My target group for this project is upper-elementary (4^th and 5^th grade) students. The purpose of creating a portfolio in a digital format is to encourage the students to actively participate in choosing, assembling and reflecting on their work.

Prior to this program, I had never taken any formal education classes. One of the things that I have taken away from my classes this semester is the need to diversify and expand on the concept of evaluation. Art as a subject does not lend itself to cut and dry tests or quizzes. The portfolio is a great way to demonstrate the cumulative, evolutionary nature of learning.

Having students create a digital portfolio of their work serves a number of purposes. First, using technology will hopefully be a hook; engaging students’ interest in the project. Students generally enjoy working with technology and find it relevant to their lives. In contrast to traditional portfolios and/or paper-based scrapbooks, digital media allows for easy storage, access and the ability to quickly and easily share work. In addition, the flexibility and ease of editing encourages reflection and revision.

My hope is that the project would engage the students on multiple levels. Allowing them to think about how they present their work, how their work has evolved, while at the same time learning valuable technical skills.

I choose the upper elementary age range because it seems like a bridge between my current experience, parenting a toddler, and my previous experiences teaching in non-formal settings (swim lessons, ESL classes, job training classes for refugees, etc). Also, I am currently in contact with this age group during the Corcoran’s work at Amidon-Bowen. This age group seems interested in sharing their work and ideas but still willing to work with teachers, and within set parameters, to complete a given assignment.

This class has brought home to me the extent of my technological deficiencies. I honestly had no idea that some of the things we have discussed were possible. For this project I anticipate having to achieve a level of competence with Dreamweaver . I also would like to become more savvy about digital images (taking them, scanning them, displaying them with the correct resolution, etc.) This seems like a tall order but because I can see practical applications for it, I feel like the personal motivation is there. I welcome any and all feedback and suggestions!