ePortfolios

**ePortfolios - Formative Assessments**

One of the most valuable learning and assessment tools using technology is the ePortfolio. The ePortfolio provides students with authentic learning activities and teachers with the means to assess students’ growth over time. EPortfolios are much more than just a compilation of student work samples. They incorporate reflections by the student and teacher and can include any student product that can be stored digitally, including multimedia projects (Ittelson and Lorenzo, 2005).

**__Is the tool computer based or web based?__** EPortfolios can be either computer or web based depending on the management methods being used. Students can create an ePortfolio on a dedicated flash drive that can travel through the years with them, or schools can elect to purchase an online management tool. One example of an online tool is Grady Profile 3. Screencast - [|Grady Profile 3]

**__What does the tool cost?__** The cost varies depending on what choices are made for management. A 1 Gigabyte flash drive costs around $10 to $15. Pricing list for Grady Profile 3 =>

**__What data does the tool produce?__** This tool produces data based on artifacts and reflection that will show student growth over time. EPortfolios focus on the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of each individual student with teacher input.

**__How can this data be used to drive instruction and to differentiate?__** Teachers use this data to determine the skills, both academic and technological, that should be addressed in subsequent lessons.