Digital Stories in ePortfolios

28-September-2006

comments (1)
Useful definitions of reflection

One of the big issues in e-Portfolio development is how to foster reflection. Everyone talks about it - but there are few examples of how to do it. I think story telling - or the use of narrative - lays at the heart of the issue - these definitions of reflection are a useful starting point for considering how we can incorporate story-telling as a strategy for reflection.

Reflection is the "heart and soul" of a portfolio. Digital storytelling is a highly motivating strategy that can make reflection concrete and visible. Some definitions of reflection:
  • Careful thought, especially the process of reconsidering previous actions, events, or decisions; an idea or thought, especially one produced by careful consideration of something. (Encarta)
  • One of the defining characteristics of surface learning is that it does not involve reflection. (Moon).
  • Reflection is an active process of witnessing one’s own experience in order to take a closer look at it, sometimes to direct attention to it briefly, but often to explore it in greater depth.(MIT)
  • Reflection is what allows us to learn from our experiences: it is an assessment of where we have been and where we want to go next. (Wolf)
Digital Stories in ePortfolios

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Graham Attwell; 28-September-2006 16:05:58;

1 Replies (comments)

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1 Storytelling Artefacts for Communities

digial stories in the community are the sustainable local history artefacts created by the people themselves

I agree entirely with Helen Barrett's position on digital stories in eportfolios. They are indeed the stronghold for our digital identities. Some recent developments in Australia are encouraging the use of digital storytelling for young primary and secondary school students. Children as young as 7 and 8 are happily producing their spin on their world using simple free software to capture the imagery, the narrative and the emotive musical accompaniment to their stories. Next steps for them is the storage of their stories in safe and approved repositories accessible by them, provided for them by their schools. We have a long way to go yet in that domain, but it is pleasing to note that many young students are now happily demonstrating their school achievements as story artefacts in their own eportfolios. My role in this is as coach and mentor for the teachers who are facilitating the process. I hope to hear more from you in this blog - situated in a favourite part of my online world.

Regards from Coach Carole (born in Wales, live in Australia)

Coach Carole, 14-October-2006 01:38:45