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Less Physics Mo Problems

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Why am I writing this personal entry? Well, it is not an attempt to gain any sympathy. It attempts to show what is possible if a clear intention and goal serve the learner's needs.  In May of 2022 just near the end of another fantastic school year, I do not remember what happened. But, I was unable to finish the school year and was unable to teach the following year.  Why? On May 21st, 2022, I fell down a flight of 16 stairs (luckily carpeted) from the 2nd to 1st story of our home.  I was found at the bottom of the stairs. I was found foaming at the mouth. This would lead to a 2-month hospital stay which included an induced coma because my seizures would not stop, several rounds of lumbar punctures, and relearning basic physical movements like something as simple as being able to roll in the hospital bed. Simply put, when I was admitted to the hospital, I was diagnosed as being “critically ill.” Please take a moment and read those words: critically ill. They are not terms...
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Mo Portfolios Mo Problems: Version 1.0

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As we approach the school year, two big things have occurred that have made me realize that portfolios can be a place for literacy and learning to be reflected. The first is that we are going 1:1 with Chromebooks at the high school. The second event was our district being included in the Google Sites Beta.  The Beta represents a giant leap in accessibility for students who are able to use the core GAFE apps like Docs and Slides.

What these two changes mean is that we can access to the portfolio anytime (no need to sign up for computer lab) and with ease (it will be a much less intimidating process).  Students who are familiar with GAFE apps will be more able to provide peer support.  They don't need to know the complex menus of the traditional Google Sites (Classic Sites).

So, I'm calling this Version 1.0 because I'm really starting from scratch here guided by the work of George Couros and Vicki Davis with student portfolios. They have so many great resources that I had to use to think about when drawing up my first iteration I plan to implement in 14 days.

Couros asks a simple question about purpose of the portfolio format. Will the portfolio be used as a learning portfolio, a showcase portfolio, or both.  It is my intention that it be a place for both. The learning portion will be in the form of student narratives and the showcase will be presentation and defense of course artifacts.

The outline of version 1.0 is below for what will be in the portfolio. I'm currently deciding on the "visibility plan".  But, will make them live to myself and parents right away. Probably, live to the world after our first unit. And, promote to the world after the first 9 weeks.  I would love if you would provide me with any feedback, questions, concerns, or clarifications.  As my PLN, I'd love your help in clarifying and shaping my vision. I think it would be really cool if I was able to get enough feedback to draft Version 1.1 before school started.  Thank you!



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