1. South Harmon SD Technology Workshop
Creating E-Portfolios
using Google Docs
Steven Poast
EDTECH 554

2. Professional Development Background
South Harmon SD is in the beginning phases of implementing an E-Portfolio program for all middle and high school students. Through their research the administration has been advised to begin this process with a small group of teachers from each building. These teachers will serve as faculty mentors for all middle and high school teachers in later phases of the e-portfolio program. This group of teachers will learn the necessary methods, and technical skills needed to effectively develop electronic artifacts, digital images of work, and reflective writing of student learning, all vital for a successful e-portfolio.

3. Learner Background
Technology use surveys were given to all South Harmon teachers during the spring of the previous school year. The teachers selected for this PD workshop have demonstrated Tier 1 and 2 levels of technology integration in their classrooms. These teachers have stated a familiarity with Microsoft Office applications PowerPoint, Word, and Excel in either personal or professional use. Each teacher has indicated an ability to use the internet along with a desire to learn how to implement technology into their classrooms in a manner that will enhance student learning. By participating in this workshop these teachers have also agreed to serve as mentor teachers in their respective schools. They will provide support to other teachers in their buildings who are not at Tier 1 or 2 technology levels.

4. Objectives
In this workshop learners will:
Use Google Docs to enhance lesson plans
Create their own professional E-Portfolio using Google Docs
Develop lessons to introduce and implement E-Portfolios into their classroom
Develop procedures and time-line for continued integration of E-Portfolios by all teachers in the South Harmon SD, which will be implemented into the District Improvement Plan.
Plan school and district meetings to review workshop materials, provide peer-feedback, and brainstorm new ideas to enhance student learning through technology

5. Workshop Information
Location - School Districts largest computer/media lab; alternative - set up meeting room location within a building and either bring computers in (laptops) or allow learners to go to classrooms to practice skills
Date/Time - 2 day workshop will take place just prior to the beginning of the school year. Arrangements will have been made in advance to those participating as well as those hosting the professional development.
Artifacts - Learners will be expected to bring professional artifacts in digital form to use in creating their E-Portfolio and a selection of lesson plans (including plans for the upcoming year) for the technology enhancement activity

6. Agenda - Day 1
Introduction - 30 minutes
What are Web 2.0 tools? Google Docs?
What are E-Portfolios?
How can they enhance student learning?
How does this apply to South Harmons Vision Statement?
Review workshop agenda
AM Session (3 hours) - Google Docs Presentation and exploration by learners
Access Google Docs
Explore Documents - Create document for classroom use
Explore Presentations - Create a 3-4 slide presentation for classroom use
Explore Spreadsheets - Create a spreadsheet for classroom use

7. Agenda - Day 1
PM Session (3 hours) - Enhance Lessons with Google Docs
Review morning presentation
Question: What ways can Google Docs be used to enhance student learning?
Provide samples of: Enhanced lessons, Enhancement Checklist, and Rubric
Learners will work with partners (by grade and/or subject) to develop two enhanced lessons (1 previous lesson and 1 future lesson)
Reminder of homework for Learners (communicated prior to workshop)
Bring in samples of professional work to put into your E-Portfolio
Pictures, Lesson plans, articles published, etc.

8. Agenda - Day 2
AM Session (3 hours) - Creating E-Portfolios
Review of Day 1
Question: How can E-Portfolios help you become a better teacher?
Provide samples of E-Portfolios for learners to model
- Learners create E-Portfolios
Using artifacts saved either to school server or on flash drive
Access Google Docs, utilizing the Documentation, Presentation, and Spreadsheet applications
Learners should include 4-5 artifacts in their E-Portfolio
Learners will write an initial reflection piece for 1-2 artifacts in their portfolio
This will serve as a starting point for their professional E-Portfolio
New artifacts will be added throughout the year and an updated version will be presented at mid-year and end-of-year meetings.

9. Agenda - Day 2
PM Session (3 hours) - Developing E-Portfolio lesson plans for students
Selected learners (instructors discretion) will present their E-Portfolios
Sharing of ideas to improve and enhance professional E-Portfolios
Learners will work with partners (by grade and/or subject) to develop an E-Portfolio unit for their students
Future Planning and Conclusion
Establish contact persons for each school
Develop procedures and time-line for continued integration of E-Portfolios by all teachers in the South Harmon SD, which will be implemented into the District Improvement Plan.
Set meeting times (school and district) to share progress, evaluate lessons, and brainstorm ideas throughout the year
Complete E-Portfolio learner survey

10. Impact on Student Learning
Students will be able to engage in content by creating artifacts for their E-Portfolio
Students will learn to develop critical thinking skills through reflective writing about their artifacts and how they have grown in their learning.

11. Improve Teacher Effectiveness
Google Docs provides a means to present information for students to view both in and out of the classroom. Therefore extending time for learning.
Increase ability to gain student attention and engagement through technology enhanced projects
Provides teachers opportunity to reflect on their own work as well as student progress

12. Taking skills to the classroom
One future lesson enhancing technology will be developed during the workshop
Teachers will be meeting periodically to discuss how skills are being used and brainstorm new ideas to better utilize these skills
Teachers will serve as mentors for other teachers in their respective buildings, helping them to utilize Google Docs to enhance lessons

13. Differentiating Learning
Google Docs provides different platforms for presentation
Teachers can use Google Docs to help adjust how content is taught and how content is processed and presented by the students

14. Measuring Teacher Learning
Progress of professional E-Portfolios
Evidence of new applications within the classroom
Student use of Google Docs and E-Portfolios

15. Measuring Student Learning
Progress in number of students using Google Docs in class work
Evaluation of student E-Portfolios from beginning of school year to end of school year
Student E-Portfolio satisfaction survey

16. Resources for Google Docs and E-Portfolios
Google.com
Google Docs and Differentiated Instruction
E-Portfolio Lesson Plan
PD Guide for implementing E-Portfolios
E-Portfolio Rubric ideas
Teacher Technology Survey