Applied Digital Learning

Reflecting on the growth opportunities at Crosby High School, I believe that  creating e-portfolios could be a game changer for students to show case the skills they’ve gained during their time at High School. As of right now, students don’t have the right tools to effectively highlight their academic, extracurricular, and personal achievements when they’re applying for jobs or colleges. This gap offers a great chance for improvement, as giving students the ability to create their own e-portfolios would not only help them transition to the next stage of their lives but also boost their critical thinking and digital literacy skills.

​

The idea of having students create e-portfolios is a way to address this need. E-portfolios would provide students a space to reflect on what they’ve learned, keep track of their accomplishments, and present their experiences in a creative way. Including a variety of materials like essays, artwork, videos, and volunteer experiences would allow students to paint a fuller picture of who they are and what they’ve done. This aligns with Miller and Morgaine's (2009) thoughts, which stress how e-portfolios encourage students to think about their knowledge, skills, and areas for growth, helping them shape their future goals.

​

When it comes to making this happen, support from counselors, college counselors, and the tech department will be crucial. By working together, these groups can help make sure that students have the guidance and resources they need to create solid e-portfolios. Adding this initiative into elective courses gives students a hands-on way to apply what they’ve learned in a meaningful way. As Ferguson (2024) highlights, e-portfolios let students engage with course materials in diverse and dynamic ways, which is crucial for encouraging creativity and critical thinking.

 

Introducing this initiative will have wider benefits, not just for students but for teachers, too. As educators help students create their e-portfolios, they’ll also get the chance to sharpen their own digital skills and teaching methods. This will inspire our teachers to embrace technology as a tool for deeper learning, allowing them to better support student growth and fostering a culture of leadership within our school community.

​

By helping students create e-portfolios, Crosby High School will not only get students ready for their future college and career paths but will also enhance the overall educational experience by incorporating technology, critical thinking, and reflection into the learning process. This initiative could enrich students' lives, empower educators, and positively influence our school community as a whole, leading to better success rates and a stronger appeal to prospective families.