Tech-ing the Plunge

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n essential prerequisite for effective teaching is the ability to be a reflective professional who is willing to critically analyze

his teaching principles and associated approaches. A Professional Electronic Portfolio (PEP) is a powerful tool through which one could engage in this activity. A PEP is both a product and a process. Its value lies in the reflective processes in which one engages during the selection and organization of the artifacts that it contains, in other words, during the preparation of the product. Over time several definitions of e-portfolios have emerged. Generally they encompass the concept of a digital collection of resource / artifacts and reflection that document a specific professional experience. My e-portfolio is a structured and selective compilation of artifacts which document the knowledge, skills and attitudes that I acquired as I sought to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ITC) into my instructional activities at my place of work, the Cyril Potter College of Education. My aims were to 1. encourage my students to be more independent and to willingly accept responsibility for their learning 2. enhance the development of High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), decision making and problem solving skills This exercise will give me an opportunity to reflect on my journey as I made the transition from teacher-centered modes of instruction to those which allowed my students to have greater control of their own learning. I will also be able to assess the extent to which the new experiences have impacted on the recipients. Information gathered while creating this e-portfolio will be of significance since almost all of my colleagues still conduct their practice using traditional modes. Hopefully it will serve as the muchneeded catalyst to encourage the emergence of a mindset oriented

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towards the use of using more student-centered modes of instruction, facilitated by the integration of ITC into their teaching processes. This document will be available for perusal by the Administration of the college. They have been extremely supportive of my efforts. This documentation of my experiences will provide them with further insights with regard to the whole issue of ICT integration. Evidence from the eportfolio may well serve to inform instructional decisions. The e-portfolio, which is created on a Google Site, is divided into the sections listed below. A page on the website is dedicated to each section. 

Introduction

My Visual CV

My Philosophy of Teaching

Tracing the Transition / Its relevance to the current situation at CPCE

Some Related Issues

Tools and Applications used

Students’ Comments

Conclusion

Navigation through pages of the website can be effected by clicking on the page title in the left side-bar on each page.

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