Why create a blog or ePortfolio
1.) Maintain a dynamic resume
An ePortfolio is a purposeful aggregation of digital items - ideas, evidence, reflections, feedback etc. which creates a reflection of their experiences in life, work, study, and at play
2.) Skill development
Students develop skills such as collecting, selecting, reflecting, sharing, collaborating, annotating and presenting (ePortfolio related processes). Descriptions of ePortfolio processes also include students drawing from both informal and and formal learning activities to create their ePortfolios, which are personally managed and owned by the learner, and where items can be selectively shared with other parties such as peers, teachers, assessors or employers.
3.) Responsibility/Commitment
Regular updates require students to be disciplined and responsible.
4.) Communication - Improved literacy and communication.
Blogging and creating ePortfolios gives students the opportunity to communicate on important timely issues and allows for deep reflection..
5.) Technology - Exposure to Internet Technologies
Students are growing into technology-laden world. Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help them with communication skills and résumé-building. With a couple of clicks they can embed online video, multimedia presentations, slideshows and more and mix it with text and static resources. There is no coding required.
6.) Improved Writing Skills
When presented with an audience, students will want to present their "best" work.
7.) Improved Editing Skills
Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Students will learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally for publication.
8.) Improved Spelling
Automated spell-checking helps students be aware of spelling errors when they occur.
9.) Typing
Keyboarding for a specific purpose will help them become familiar with layout and function and quickly make them proficient typists.
10.) Post materials and resources
Students ePortfolio becomes a fantastic website to distribute resources. Students can upload, or copy and paste, their materials to their website and they’ll can be accessable from anywhere, anytime and anyplace there is an internet connection. Students can manage who can access their Technoblog through password and plugin safety measures with the guidance of the supervising teacher. These materials become a record of learning both at school and in the workplace which provide further opportunity for RPL when students undertake further study through external registered training organisations.
11.) Host online discussions
Students can create an online discussion space within their Technoblogs. Students and others with permissions can simply respond to students posts. Employers can provide feedback to students/teachers on their workplace learning which provides opportunity to RPL. Posts can be used to respond to class discussion topics set for them through their teacher Technoblog and comments can be added to classmates posts. Students can easily manage and edit all responses through their blog’s administrative panel to ensure no content is added to their website without their administration.
12.) Keep informed
Parents and direct family can keep track of students work by logging on to their students Technoblog. Parents can also add to comments on both their student and class website with permissions.
13.) Class website as hub
The class will have a Technoblog to operate as a hub for their work and a place where they can launch to each others blogs. All learning materials are available anywhere, anytime as long as you have an internet connection.
14.) Organise
The tools in their Technoblog will help students organise everything they produce. It can also be a place to reflect on activities happening in their school, workplace learning and special events in their school life. These can be organised into appropriate categories and archived throughout the year. Students are encouraged to add to their website in their own time.
15.) Get feedback
Students Technoblogs will be a great place to receive feedback. Classmates will be encouraged to comment on each others work. Students can receive feedback from teachers and also from their parent. Positive feedback will be encouraged to be shared.
16.) Create a fully functional website
Students will create a fully functional website and one they will be proud to showcase their accomplishments.