The use of portfolios is something I’ve been interested in since being introduced to them; the multimodal method of assessment possible with this type of tool is great for allowing multiple types of learning and intelligence to be integrated into assessment. Portfolios allow the student to demonstrate competencies in a varietyof different ways. This is a good thing.
I don’t know if I’d want an entirely digital portfolio to be a requirement in my classroom, but a digital component can be a great tool for introducing technological components into the assessment process. It allows for components such as wikis and blogs to be introduced into the portfolio assessment process, and for components such as sound files and/or digital imagery to be added as well. It also cuts down on paper waste and allows for easy archiving and retrieval.
The purpose of assessment, to me, is to judge whether your students have mastered the material you’ve tried to teach them. Portfolios are a far more true method of assessment than tests or quizzes, for some students learn in different ways. Some students are poor test-takers. Portfolios, when well-designed, provide a variety of paths for students to take in the quest to demonstrate their mastery of concepts. To me, it’s a far more fair and effective way to assess students than the traditional ‘test-and-forget’ method.
