| The last decade witnessed the emergence of three major trends in education: (a) the integration of technology into the teaching and learning process, (b) a move towards a standards-based curriculum, and (c) a shift towards more authentic forms of assessment for both teachers and learners. Based on these trends, Marian College (a small Midwest liberal arts college) requested and received a Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology Grant (PT3) to help integrate technology into the teacher education program. A major goal of the PT3 grant was to help faculty members and students learn strategies to use technology effectively in the classroom. One of the proposals for increasing the use of technology by both students and faculty members was the implementation of electronic portfolios to replace the paper/binder portfolio as a means to document knowledge, skills, and dispositions within the teacher educator framework. The transition to the electronic portfolio format addressed all three of these major trends in education.; This qualitative case study research explored and described the electronic portfolio project. This research specifically examined the effectiveness of electronic portfolios as (a) a tool for authentic assessment of performance, skills, and knowledge, (b) a learning environment where students acquire certain technology skills and become motivated to put that knowledge into action, and (c) a valuable means of advancing teachers' professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Additionally, this study examined student and faculty members' attitudes during the electronic portfolio process and scrutinized problems encountered. Recommendations are presented for changes to the program resulting from the findings and implications for future research. |
