A statement of purpose or problem and why it is important
The Purpose of this ePortfolio is to act as a cognitive post mortem examination. Through this process, I will be able to turn the information that I have acquired during the MET program into knowledge that I can put into context and practice. It will also enable me to re-examine my theories and beliefs and challenge their validity relative to myself and the world through a reflective and collaborative process. Throughout this process, I will engage in reflection in action in which I will plan, steer and evaluate my developing knowledge and application to practice during this metacognitive journey. Ultimately, this ePortfolio will supply the means to squeeze every bit of knowledge out of the MET program. And in order to ensure that my reflective process makes a real and significant difference to practice, I will outline a plan and make a commitment to implement and facilitate my future goals.
Objective(s) or question(s) that relate to the statement of purpose and problem defined above
My objective or overarching goal could also be classified as my reflection before action regarding my original plans for my MET journey towards knowledge and its subsequent translation into practice. Throughout this program, I have aimed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create and facilitate a functioning and effective online Profession Development site. I imagined a site where teachers could use the online environment to further their goals and collaboratively grow together while also freeing up energy that was devoted to redundancy. As part of the reflective process, I have continually realigned my rudder as information kept pouring in, some of it contradictory, some of it building on prior information. However, throughout the process, my eye has always been on this goal and how I could create a successful website.
Within the execution of purpose and overarching goal, I will demonstrate: Knowledge of theory and research in educational technology and learning, Critical and creative investigation, reflection, and subsequently expanded development of knowledge in educational technology and learning theories regarding their choice, implementation, facilitation, use, etc., and Theory and research into practice
Choice of Metaphor and inclusion of Dori
Using the computer and internet evolution metaphor, I plan to demonstrate my own transformation as a collaborative online learner, as well as, the evolution of my knowledge about the theories and practices pertaining to collaborative and interactive technology based learning environments.
The inclusion of Dori, my mascot and antagonist, was to encourage and nurture a social environment within the ePortfolio. His comic relief and critical questions provide a setting in which my peers and others may feel more comfortable to ask their own questions and give feedback. In addition, Dori also adds context to my metaphor and provides ‘just in time’ questions and insight that pushes me to reflect on my actions and thinking.
Choice of ePortfolio Platform
I could have chosen a more sophisticated platform for presentation of my ePortfolio, but I believe that technology should be designed with purpose, with special consideration given to economy and ease of use for the user, mainly myself. For this ePortfolio, I am not attempting to demonstrate my technical competencies but rather my ability to create additional knowledge through reflection on my process and artifacts produced, of which, in themselves, act to demonstrate technical proficiency in educational technology. My choice of blog provides a social and collaborative platform which creates a portal for feedback and discussion with peers, but also enables easy access, updating and contextualization to my reflections and artifacts in an ongoing process that I hope will extend beyond the MET experience.
Image References for the blog site:
The Universe of Light. [Online image]. (2010). Retrieved April 2, 2013 from http://fav.me/d2n5daj
Very Emotional Emoticons 2. [Online image]. (2011). Retrieved March 3, 2013 from http://www.softicons.com/free-icons/web-icons/very-emotional-emoticons-2-by-artdesigner.lv
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