April 2005 AGADEMICS
Nationally known
ePortfolio leader to teach workshops at UW
By Robert Waggener, Editor
Office of Communications and Technology
A nationally
known leader in the development of electronic portfolios and related student
assessments will be conducting campus-wide workshops and seminars at the
University of Wyoming on April 11 and 12.
Paul Wasko,
director for Online Academic Services for Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities based in St. Paul, will describe and demonstrate his state’s
electronic portfolio project.
“The new
‘eFolio Minnesota’ is the nation’s first statewide electronic portfolio
system,” says Randy Weigel, a professor and human development specialist with
the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Coordinating
the project is Weigel, Associate Professor Sonya Meyer, and FCS Department Head
and Associate Professor Karen Williams.
Wasko’s trip
is made possible by a $3,000 grant from the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and
Learning (ECTL). “Dr. Meyer was the primary investigator for the ECTL grant,”
Williams says.
The three FCS faculty members say an
electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) is an ideal educational development tool for
students because it allows them to organize and store accomplishments and to
demonstrate their strengths to instructors, prospective employers, and
educational institutions.
“Individuals seeking employment can
market their career history, skills, and other experience to prospective
employers by directing them to their ePortfolios,” Weigel says.
He adds that
instructors can use ePortfolios for course planning, instruction, and
evaluation as well as highlighting their professional development.
A handful of
departments across campus are utilizing electronic portfolios in their
curriculums. Among them is the College of Agriculture’s FCS.
“An
electronic portfolio can be an extremely strong tool for students when applying
for jobs. The portfolios can really benefit them in a wide variety of programs,
not just the traditional programs that use portfolios such as art and design,”
Williams says. “For faculty members in FCS, we’re also learning Web page and
ePortfolio development so we can continually assess our curriculum and help our
students.”
Students in FCS are required to
develop ePortfolios, but because the program is in its infancy, she notes, “We
are at the stage where we need some direct feedback on our ePortfolio system.”
Williams
says she believes Wasko’s presentations also will help other departments on
campus wishing to expand or start an ePortfolio program.
On the
morning of April 11, Wasko will meet with department heads, associate deans,
and representatives of departmental assessment teams.
A brown-bag
seminar is then planned for UW staff and faculty members, students, and the
public from noon to 1 p.m. in ECTL.
Early that
afternoon, Wasko will gather with UW, community college, and state officials to
discuss possible applications of an expanded ePortfolio system in Wyoming.
A meeting with UW departments
developing ePortfolio assessment plans cap Wasko’s first day in Laramie.
On Tuesday
morning, Wasko will work with FCS faculty members. In the afternoon, he will be
available to meet with representatives from individual departments wishing to
bolster their existing ePortfolio program or start one. Appointments can be
made by calling the FCS office at 766-4145.
On the Web: http://www.paulwasko.efoliomn1.com/
CAPTION – Paul Wasko
University
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