As the Internet grows in importance, along with the growth of information technology, digital portfolios will become an integral measure of our success and achievement. Portfolios provide the reader with autobiographical data and documentation of personally-selected accomplishments. The purpose of this project is to provide the student with the necessary skills and experience to design and create a digital portfolio, save it to a Zip disk or create a re-writeable CD, include it in the student's record of achievement, college or technology school application packet, and publish it on the Internet (if so desired).

1. Unit Abstract:

This is the second project-based unit, of 4 to 5 weeks duration, in the computer literacy curriculum, following the first 7 to 8-week unit, which focused on developing multimedia skills and proficiency in applied computer technology. The student engages in internet research of websites which focus on electronic or digital student portfolios. Then using a mindmapping program, called Inspiration, the student creates a design map and outline of his/her digital portfolio. Once the portfolio has been designed, the student then creates a digital portfolio using webpage creation software, for posting to the portfolio section of the class' webpage. Depending on the size of the portfolio and the student's proficiency in multimedia technology, the student has the option of creating a Powerpoint show or digital video presentation (using Final Cut Pro 2.0 or later), in addition to saving it on a Zip disk, or writing to CD.

2. go to "Designing and Creating a Digital Portfolio" PowerPoint presentation

3. go to Activity Calendar

4. go to Rubric

5. go to Portfolios Reference Links

6. go to Portfolio Showcase

7. EALRs and Benchmarks addressed:

Applied Learning: Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources. Information: Acquires and uses information Technology: Works with a variety of technologies	Material and Facilities - Acquires, stores, allocates, and uses materials or space efficiently Acquires and Evaluates Information Organizes and maintains Information Interprets and Communicates Information Uses Computers to Process Information Selects Technology - chooses procedures, tools or equipment including computers and related technologies
Communication: The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of formal and informal communication. The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.	2.2 develop content and ideas •use a variety of content to convey messages to a chosen audience •access and use a variety of primary and secondary sources •create a comprehensive and organized presentation with a clear sequencing of ideas and transitions 2.4 use effective language and style ->speak using standard grammar ->use a variety of sentence structures ->use language that is interesting and well suited to the topic and audience ->develop effective voice for the audience and purpose 2.5 effectively use action, sound, and/or images to support presentations •communicate messages through oral, artistic, graphic, and/or multimedia presentation •demonstrate sophisticated use of available technology to present ideas and concepts 4.4 analyze how communication is used in career settings •determine effective communication techniques for an occupational/career field of interest
Writing: The student writes clearly and effectively. The student understands and uses the steps of the writing process.	1.1 Develops Concept & Design •shows insight in approach to topic (e.g., going beyond the obvious or predictable in an individualized and purposeful way) •develops topic, theme or central metaphor with carefully chosen and focused detail •develops analysis, persuasion and exposition logically •focuses text clearly to hold reader's attention to make a point, to tell a story, or describe a process or phenomenon •enhances and showcases the central idea, theme, procedure, image, or story line to move reader through text in a compelling way •controls emphasis, sequencing, structural focus, transitions in wide variety of genres (e.g., poetry, persuasive, technical, narrative) •maintains a sharp focus throughout the work •demonstrates sophisticated logic •displays comprehensive content 3.5 Publishing •identifies appropriate markets and forums for specific pieces of writing •prepares a manuscript suitable for submission to a publisher •adheres to form specified by discipline •produces legible text •uses expanded resources in technology when appropriate
Multimedia Technology: The student selects the appropriate multimedia technology and software for the task.	The student selects the appropriate technology hardware and software to complete these tasks: 1) design and layout 2) development of project components 3) publishing the project

Go to Applied Computer Technology Curriculum Guide.

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