Teachers as Life Learners
As educators, we should always be open to further our learning throughout our entire teaching career. It is no doubt that our program, BPS, values the importance of reflection and growth. In my first year at Teachers College, I have gained the understanding that writing self-reflections benefit my self-growth as a person and an educator. These personal reflections are used to document my developing knowledge as an educator.
A great way to showcase my growth and knowledge as an educator is through a digital teaching portfolio, also known as a multimedia portfolio or an eportfolio. A digital portfolio, is a collection of educational and professional materials stored in a digital format. Digital portfolios may include lesson plans, resources, curriculum materials, slideshows, presentations and multimedia artifacts. "A digital technology portfolio lets you showcase your knowledge and skills as a technology-using educator"(Maloy et al., 2021,p.1204).
Tips on creating a digital teaching portfolio
As I embark on my teaching career, I believe in the importance of documenting and reflecting on my best work as a teacher candidate. The BPS program allows teacher candidates to reflect on artifacts that align with OCT Standards through Chalk and Wire. This digital portfolio is preparing me to provide my best work and reflect on how I meet the standards through the courses I am taking. Chalk and Wire allows me to look back on my previous work and reflect on my strengths and weaknesses as an educator. This digital portfolio allows for future administrators to view my growth and knowledge as an educator. "Learning through personal reflection is a paramount feature of portfolios" (Maloy et al., 2021, p.1209). Digital portfolios provides a space to include valued teaching practices, resources, reflections on how to improve, new strategies and can be easily updated because of technology. "The intrinsic value of a digital portfolio is that its contents can be constantly changed to reflect your growth as a teacher and the growth of students as learners" (Maloy et al., 2021, p. 2010).
In an ever-changing world, it is our job as educators to constantly have a growth-mindset. I believe my first year in Teachers College has done a great job in preparing my journey as a reflective teacher. I understand that I will be faced with challenges in my future teaching career, but I know that I am an ongoing learner and I will adapt to the changes necessary in order to provide a safe and rich learning environment for all my future learners. I know this because before the pandemic I used technology in the classroom, but nothing prepared me for what was coming, online learning. I adapted and taught myself how to create google slides and use technology in the classroom daily. I know that I am committed to my future students and I will always strive to learn new things and grow as an educator.
-Until Next Time, Mrs. Ramon
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