Digital+Portfolios+and+Curriculum+Maps

Digital Portfolios and Curriculum Maps: Linking Teacher and Student Work
David Niguidula

The author describes that the ultimate accountability is for learners to take responsibility of their own work. David Niguidula introduces us to how digital portfolios can include a wide range of assessment types and provide a better picture of our learners. When implemented effectively, student portfolios outline "a student's learning journey in much the same way that a curriculum map describes a teacher's teaching journey" (p.154). When curriculum is developed around content standards or interdisciplinary skills, a student portfolio can provide a multimedia collection of what students know and are able to do.
 * Summary:**

"When a student has a stake in the process of assessment, and when teachers and others provide useful and meaningful feedback, student performance improves" (p. 157)
 * Point to ponder:**

This is another area that fostered a lot of interest and discussion throughout our VoiceThread. Many of us have had varying levels of experience and success with portfolios. Some of our districts have implemented digital portfolios in alignment with graduation requirements and others have explored how portfolios can be used to support individual learning plans for every school in a school system.
 * Discussion Connections:**

Our classmates discussed how portfolios can be difficult to implement at a large scale due to common vision, clear purpose, planning, training needs, logistics, and involving all stakeholders in the planning of such a project. Mike D. commented that implementing in a small system seems like a more feasible situation.

Mike W. introduced us to his Eclipse software for curriculum mapping that allows for horizontal analysis and vertical alignment to identify gaps in curriculum. This process provides common understanding of curriculum and media literacy and how technologies can support the work of each curriculum area.

As we conclude our course in curriculum, how can we plan for digital portfolio artifacts in our written curriculum and use a student's portfolio as evidence of our tested curriculum? Do portfolios and curriculum maps need to be planned in conjunction with one another in order to help students document their learning journey?

Niguidula, D. (2010). Digital portfolios and curriculum maps. In H. H. Jacobs (Ed.), //Curriculum 21// (pp. 153-167). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.