Balancing pedagogy and functionality
18-August-2005
permalink email thisI got involved in developing educational technology about six years ago. Why is a question I've asked many times since. Basically I wanted software which would do the things I wanted to do pedagogically - and couldn't find anything. I wanted social software but it didn't exist.
Now things have changed. There is great software being developed. True most of the best stuff is not designed for learning but who cares? But whilst social software, primarily, has advanced so far - we have failed to keep up with the pedagogy.
I am working in two projects on using e-portfolio software for recognising non formal learning. One project, ICOVET. is aimed at socially disadvantaged young people; the other, Workplace Learning partnerships, is aimed at apprentices.
I am using two different systems. one project will work on the Elgg system, the other with Knownet's Knotes system.
I should add that the projects both involve partners from five or more different European projects - adding problems in arriving at shared understandings of meanings.
Over the last two weeks I have had a number of pleas from the partners. One said: "Translation of Graham`s text is hard for me. I can`t understand the difference between the words validating - assessing, and identificating - recording."
Another said: "I had some problems with working with the portfolio. Simply not knowing how to start. Would need some inspiration." and a third asked "What is the didactic concept".
These are not easy questions to answer. But if ePortfolios are to make any impact we must be able to answer them. I have talked to dave Tosh from Elgg and he recognises the problem. We are going to try to write some resources together. As Dave says: "we can continue building features etc but if people are a little lost as to what to do and how to use the system there is no point."
I think it goes beyond ePortfolios. We have great software for learning but first people need to know how to use it in a pedagogic sense.
i have been working for some time to get enhanced versions of my presentation at Bucharest on e-Portfolios onto the web. Will keep trying - in the meantime here is a very plain Powerpoint version.
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