Assessing e-portal support for educational reform: A commentary and rubric

As funding for Internet connectivity and services grew in Canada and the U.S. from 1996 through 2000, educational portals (e-portals) began consolidating and refocusing their mission. Their intent is to be essential producers and distributors of content and activities that support both the standards movement and constructivist methodology. They are enabling collaborative environments and school-to-community outreach, both essential in the development of 21 st century skills and educational accountability. It is possible to assess an e-portal's educational value and the desirability of a subscription by comparing their mission, products and services to the needs of the reform movement: rich digital content, standards-aligned and engaging learning activities, professional development, and communication and collaborative opportunities. A rubric will be developed as the method of cataloging and valuing the elements essential in an e-portal.