Student portfolios are a great way to see student’s progress in the classroom. They display educational evidence proving the skills and competence gained by individual learner. But the sudden shift from traditional face to face classes to online due to the pandemic prompt us also to innovate on how we could best gauge student’s learning. And there’s no better way than to make e-portfolio a part of our virtual classroom practices.

The creation of student e-portfolio is a learning experience of the students in itself. For years, teacher wallow in students’ reflection and the formation of their own ideas through the students’ portfolios. In the coming of new technology, the utility of using student e-portfolio becomes integral. Oftentimes, we see students posting about their opinion in the social media networking sites. We hear them saying Twitter or Tumblr is the new medium of expressing their views in life. Yet, we must stress out the importance of these students’ e-portfolios.

Electronic Portfolios like maintaining a blogsite are good way to cultivate the creativity of the students. They usually compile photos and write letters or essays that are about the lessons they took, or about how they look at themselves and at their worlds. Encouraging them to design their e-portfolio also shapes their imagination, creativity, and resourcefulness. Adding to their grit and commitment in maintaining their blogs.

As language teachers, e-porfolio can help us monitor the progress of students in terms of their linguistic competence. We can closely look for the errors they commit and we can correct them instantly. Moreover, their experience to making their e-portfolio may lead them to discover their talent and interest in writing or even in graphic designs.

More importantly, in asking them to write about themselves, their family, and their world, we can easily get to know our pupils. Often, students do not share or open themselves because of shyness or fear of being judged. E-portfolios are safe space. We can learn what other factors help them or break them. We can learn if there is any family problem, or personal issue that affects them in their learning. In that way, we can easily find way how to connect with them and help them grow.

           

By: Catherine L. Jongco| Master Teacher I | Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataan