Reflections and Experiences with Technology and Change
A Portfolio for Evaluation and Growth
Tom ColeMay 2006
West Friendship
Elementary
Howard County, Maryland
Howard County, Maryland
Evaluations in Howard County Schools have changed a lot over the years. Many teachers go the more conventional route of observation. Others would rather go a slightly different direction that might facilitate greater personal and professional growth. There are a variety of choices to choose from. Such choices include such things as peer mentoring and portfolio creation. For the 2005-06 school year, I've opted for creating a portfolio. I wasn't attempting this project alone. I was joined by two partners who enjoy technology as much as I do, Kathy Showman, the Media Specialist, and Elsa Fawcett, the Talented and Gifted teacher at West Friendship. The resulting experience turned out to be very serendipitous and meaningful. Unforeseen by any of the members in this portfolio cohort, Howard County Schools were on the verge of a fairly vast technological change. We inadvertantly were swept into the whirlwind. We did out best to adapt our project to those changing conditions. The following web journal is a reflection on the adaptions, frustrations, and creations that came about during this very meaningful year.
