Eportfolio Assignments for English 1A Honors Winter 2007

ePortfolios Project Syllabus

You can find a calendar of assignments and due dates -- including points available and grading scale at Download engl1a_honors_eportfolios_project_syllabus.doc

How This Whole Thing Works

This page will be used exclusively to announce graded, required weekly and longterm research assignments for the Foothill College Honors English 1A Special Projects for Winter 2007. Assignments for Week 1 will appear at the top of the page; Week 2 will appear below that; and so on down the screen.  So remember to scroll down to find the most recent assignments (or click on the "recent posts" link on the right hand sidebar if you prefer).  Feel free to use the "comments" button under each posting to submit questions about that specific assignment.  But please post more general comments, questions, concerns, inspirations, and effusions on the more informal GroupBlog site instead (hint: you'll even earn extra credit for doing so).

Discussion Topic for Week 1: Introduce Yourself

Week 1, Discussion Topic 1 (Due by Monday, Jan 15 at 11:59 p.m.) 

One of the best ways to begin exploring the future of ePortfolios in general is to begin dreaming about what you could/should put in one.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know:  no one has even "told you" what an ePortfolio is supposed to be yet.  And now you're supposed to start designing one?  Yes: exactly.

Here's a hint to start with: regardless of what computer platform you might be using (now or 50 years from now), the most important task of any ePortfolio will be to introduce yourself to others (peers, professors, parents, employers) as an active, engaged, and accomplished learner.  In other words, what exactly is it, as a college student, that makes you "You"? What's your overall learning style?  What is it you hope to gain, in the braodest sense, from a college education?  So that's your first assignment: please "introduce yourself to the other students in the class" -- using this as an occasion to think, in a vague foggy preliminary sort of way, about what you might want to put in your future ePortfolio.

In other words, please use the "comments" button under this posting to type in a paragraph or two (or three? or more?) about your academic interests, goals, and accomplishments.

Reminder: Thoughtful BlogPosts Required for Course Credit

I know most of you are just getting started with this whole "blog-thing," so don't take this feedback too seriously (yet).  It's just that many of you are already falling into the "boring-stuff-I-did-today" category of blogging.  Using blogs like an ordinary online diary of your daily activities is OK -- except that (this being an Honors Seminar) I can't give you "points" for just blabbering about what you had for lunch.  Hint: blabber all you want, but try to find a way to tie things back into the overall themes of the course.  If you need more guidance, try reading my first "comments" under the original post for "Research Project #1" where I list some great topics to blog about.  Or try my list of Stuff We Can Blog About and/or Fighting Blogger's Block.  Or check out my comments on Daniel LaFrentz's blog to see some specific suggestions about how to tie in lunch to our course content.  Andrew Tan's blog has been exceptionally thoughtful and on-target (check it out for inspiration!).

Helpful Hints: Actual Examples of "Thoughtful Blog Postings"

I 've started reading through your blogs daily to see what you guys are thinking.  Thinking being the key word: I don't necessarily need to know what you ate for breakfast!  To help you get inspired to write your own "thoughtful" postings, I'm going to list some of my favorites here.  Just click on the student's name to read their "thoughtful" posting.  Then leave them some comments so they know that you think too.  Or better yet, start in your very own "thoughtful" blog posting.  Judy Chen on "Love vs. Education"; Winnie Hok Ian U  on "How Do You Define Success"; Tsz Fung Wan on "Eportfolios/Plagiarism" ; Tommie Ping Tong Lo on "My Thoughts on Eportfolios" ; Andrew Tan on "What, Why, Who Cares" (posted 1/3/06); Daniel Lafrentz on "Why Learn?"

P.S.  If you don't see your own "thoughtful post" listed yet, don't take it personally. I just got this idea after reading a bunch of other blogs and so I won't be going back all the way through all of them. Instead look for my individual comments on your own blog site!

Discussion Topic for Week 2: ePortfolio SciFi Scene

WEEK 2, Discussion Topic #2 (due by Monday Jan 22 at 11:59 p.m.)

Share your rawest, roughest, wildest, whackiest first-impressions of what this mongrel monster called an "ePortfolio" could possibly become by writing a little Science Fiction story which includes the ePortfolios-of-the-future.  What would one look like?  How would it work?  Who would want to use it?  Being obsessive/compulsive honors students, you'll probably think you need to write a complete Stanford PhD disseration on the subject first before you can feel "safe" venturing an opinion in public. But relax: that's why they call it Science Fiction, OK?  If you really, really, absolutely insist on doing some quick "background research" about the current state-of-the-art in ePortfolios circa 2006 before posting your story -- and trust me, you'll do plenty of research on ePortfolios soon enough! -- surf over to my personal ePortfolio research blog and read a few random posts.  Or try googling "ePortfolios."  Or read this wonderful collection of ePortfolio Metaphors.  The bolder among you, however, will remember Allen Ginsberg's famous credo:  First Thought/Best Thought.  So click on the "commments" button below and blast off into the ePortfolio future of your dreams!  You know....something like "Captain's BLOG: Stardate 2251").

Research Project Weeks 1-2: Get Your Blog On

Research Project #1 (due by Monday Jan 22 at 11:59 p.m.)

Using one of the many free -- or low-cost -- blogging tools available online, set up your own personal blog exclusively for use with this course.  (Warning: if you already have a blog for other purposes, set up a new one just for this seminar anyway).  Use your blog as a "thought processor" to record your ongoing brainstorms, questions, ideas, inspirations, and frustrations about ePortfolios in particular -- and about education in general.  Remember, this is also a course on educational philosophy, not just on designing ePortfolios.  So the range of what you can write about is fairly wide open.

How do you make sure to get credit for your research project?  Just use the "comments" button at the bottom of this page to send me the web-address of your new blog (or email to me at honors_seminar@yahoo.com).  I'll automatically link it to the list of  "Honors Seminar Student Blogs" found on the right-hand sidebar of this Assignments Blog page.  As soon as it appears, you will know I've read your new blog and that you have been given full credit for your efforts.  Meanwhile you might want to start visiting other students blogs by clicking on the links provided there!  Maybe you'll even be inspired to leave a few comments for your new colleagues?

Need advice on how to set up your first blog?  Cick on the "continue reading" button at the bottom of this post. 

Need more detailed advice on what to write? Just read through the "comments" section under this post for detailed suggestions.

Reminder: GroupBlog for Extra Credit

Although not strictly required, the special website called GroupBlog has been set up to create dialog, interaction, and discussion among all the Honors Seminar Students (worth up to 10% extra toward your final grade for this course!).  Instructions for using the GroupBlog are right there on the blog itself.  So surf on over and give it a try!  Or click on the link on the right hand side of this webpage under the listing "My Other Academic Weblogs."

Discussion Topic for Week 3: Frequently Asked Questions

Week 3, Discussion Topic #3 (due by Monday, Jan 29 at 11:59 p.m.)  Please post your answer in the "Comments" section below-- not on your own personal blog.  500 words minimum.  Include at least one short quote from the assigned reading in your answer. 

STEP 1:  This week's discussion topic includes some required reading -- so your first task is to surf over to Dr. Helen Barrett's webpage at Link: "Frequently Asked Questions About Eportfolios."  Begin by skimming through all ten questions to get an overview, but please don't try to read every word (that would take hours).  Instead , find just one question you find particularly appealing and focus your reading there.  Spend at least 15 minutes reading and exploring the links and texts she has provided, attempting to get a general understanding of her specific answer to that one specific question.  Be careful to note down some specific sentences from her written presentation which you can quote from directly in order to begin framing your own personal response.

STEP 2:  Open the "comments" section below and explain -- very briefly -- which question you have chosen and what Dr. Barrett suggests is the answer.  Don't try to summarize everything in detail.  Instead, focus on one or two brief quotes which strike you as the most interesting, provacative, important, or intriguing part of her argument.

STEP 3:  Begin to explain your own original responses, reactions, ideas, insights, and concerns.  Challenge yourself to do some creative critical thinking.  How can you apply Dr. Barrett's suggestions in your own life as a deep learner?

Discussion Topic for Week 4: BlogRing Discussion Exercise

Week 4, Discussion Topic #4 (due by Monday, Feb 5 at 11:59 p.m.)

This week we'll be forming a BlogRing -- which means each student will read and comment on two other students' blogs.  That way, everyone in class will get some comments and feedback on their creations.

STEP 1:  Find the list of "Honors Seminar Student Blogs" on the right hand side of this webpage (you might have to scroll up toward the top of this page to find the list).  Click on the name immediately below your own name (since Andrew Tan is at the bottom of the list, he'll click on Valentino Lin's name at the top of the list instead).  Read the student's blog and post some comments there.  Include at least one positive comment (something you liked) one question (something you want them to think about) and one suggestion (something they could add to their blog later).

STEP 2:  Repeat the same exercise as Step 1, only this time click on the name of the student immediately above you in the list (since Valentino is already at the top of the list, he'll click on Andrew Tan at the bottom  instead).  Once again,  your goal is to include at least one positive comment (something you like) one question (something you want to hear more about) and one suggestion (something they could add or try later).

STEP 3:  Click on the "comments" section of this posting and leave us a brief report about your blogring adventures (minimum 100 words). Be sure to mention the names of the two sites you visited.  Then compare/contrast:  How were the two blogs similar?  In what ways did they differ?  What new issues or ideas or questions were you thinking about after reading them together?

12 Quick n' Easy Ways to Build Your Own ePortfolios

I've just spent the past few months reading everything I could get my hands on concerning blogs and ePortfolios -- so if you want a "complete" overview of my research, you'll have to dig into the archives of my ongoing research blog titled Research Diary: Blogs and Eportfolios in Higher Education.

If that sounds like too much (it should!), here's my short list of Top Twelve ePortfolio Sites to sleuth through.  Note that visiting these sites is not -- and least not yet -- strictly "required."  In some ways, I'd much rather have you do some preliminary brainstorming about what ePortfolios should/could look like before you get bogged down in other people's mindsets and models.  That's what this Honors Seminar is all about:  I honestly believe that together we can do better.

But if you want to sneak a peek, here's a few places to start!  Just click on "continue reading" to see a list of my top twelve sources (with links and a few comments to help you sort through them!)

Research Project for Weeks 3-4: Analyzing Actual Examples

Research Project Weeks 3-4 (due by Monday Feb 5 at 11:59 p.m.)

Using any of Scott's Top-12 Quick 'n Easy Ways to Explore ePortfolios or the Eportfolio Search Engine-- or any other examples you've found through your own research, if you prefer -- present a detailed analysis of at least one existing "model" of an actual ePortfolio system.  How practical is it?  How user-friendly?   Are the examples realistic?  Comprehensive?  Convincing?  Might you possibly want to use this system to create your own ePortfolio?  To receive credit, please post your 500 word (min) analysis in the "comments" section below.

Need a more detailed writing sample to help get yourself started?  Try reading my online review of Foothill's new system in my own Eportolios Research blog.

Eportfolio Search Engine

Just found this fantastic search engine that links you to actual examples of eportfolios worldwide.  This should come in very handy for Research Project #2!  International students and those of you who are multilingual take note:  they have listings for the US, UK, Canada, France, Finland, Netherlands, Brazil, and Singapore.  Link: ERADC - ePortfolio research and development community.

Discussion Topic for Week 5: Steve Jobs' Stanford Graduation Speech

Week 5, Discussion Topic #5 (due by Monday, Feb 12 at 11:59 p.m.)  Please type your response directly into the "comments" section below -- do not post it on your own personal blog. 500 words minimum.

Like Nobel Prize Winner John Steinbeck (who dropped out of Stanford before finishing his English degree), Apple/Disney CEO Steve Jobs never earned a college degree.  But he did give the graduation speech at Stanford University last spring.  Don't worry:  I'm not recommending that you drop out of school yourself! But as as an exercise in "educational philosophy," read Jobs' Stanford graduation speech carefully for yourself.  Then post a comment here which describes:

1) how his speech might (or might not) relate to your own educational path, and

2) what it might have to do with designing an eportfolio. 

Link:  Download steven_jobs_graduation_advice.doc .

Discussion Topic for Week 6: RU Engaged or Enraged?

Discussion Topic #6 for Week #6 (due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Feb 19).  Please post your answer in the comments section below -- not on your own personal blog.  500 words minimum.

STEP 1:  Click through the slides from educator Marc Pensky's presentation titled "Engage Me or Enrage Me"  Your goal is to get an overview of his main arguments, insights, and ideas.  (Hint:  he's talking about YOU!)

STEP 2:  Using one or two brief quotes from his presentation, present your own reactions, comments, criticisms, or brainstorms in reaction to Pensky's perspective.

Research Project for Weeks 5-6: Exploring the Blogosphere

Research Project Weeks 5-6 (due by Monday, Feb 19 at 11:59 p.m.).  Please type your response directly into the "Comments" box below, not on your own personal blog.  500 words minimum.

Your research task for weeks #5-6 will be to read absolutely anything you want -- as long as it's written in blog format, that is! 

STEP 1:  Use a blog search engine to locate blogs on any one topic in the world which especially interests you.  Sports?  Cars?  The Arts?  Health?  Business?  Education?  Music?  Entertainment?  You'll find a list of typical topics on Bloggator.com. Or type in your own search terms using Google's Blog Search service.

STEP 2:  Identify at least two blogs in your topic area which you find particularly fascinating or well-designed.

STEP 3:  In the comments section below, briefly summarize the two (or more) blogs you selected.  Then compare/contrast them, being especially careful to consider how their "blog format" affects their contents.  Writing style?  Layout? Graphics/images?  Frequency of Postings and Comments?  What makes these blogs especially appealing for you as a reader?  What can blogs do that other media (magazines, for example) can't accomplish as easily?

Discussion Topic for Week 7: The Quest

Week 7 Discussion Topic #7 (due Monday, Feb 26 by 11:59 p.m.).  Please post your response directly in the "comments" section below -- not on your personal blog.  500 words minimum.

Dr. Alex Noble uses a "Life Quest" metaphor in all of her popular success-coaching seminars. Seems like a "LifeQuest" metaphor might also be an intriguing way to structure your own future ePortfolios.  So here's a discussion question custom-designed by Dr. Noble just for you! 

Discussion Topic for Week 8: Responding to Research

Discussion Topic 8, Week 8 (due Monday, March 5 by 11:59 p.m.)  Be sure to post your comment directly on the Research Blog -- not on this Assignments Blog or on your own personal blog either.  300 words minimum.

Although my "Research Diary" is not intended to function as an ePortfolio, it does contain tons of information which might be useful to you in designing your own ePortfolio project! ...Admittedly I'd also like to gather more student feedback for my own research.  This is precisely where my super "professor power" really comes in handy: Most people can't "require" others to comment on their blog. But I can! If this tactic seems unfair, hurry up and finish your own PhD so you can play the same trick on your own future students!  Meanwhile you must submit to Dr. Scott's Evil Plan for World Blog Domination:

Research Project for Weeks 7-8: Pre-Planning Your ePortfolio

Research Project Weeks 7-8 (due by Monday, March 5 at 11:59 p.m.)  Please post your answers in the "comments" section below -- not on your personal blog.  800 words minimum.

When you build a house, you must first work with an architect to draw up the "blue-print" designs:  how many bedrooms?  how big will the kitchen be?  what materials will you use to make the walls?  the floors?  the foundation?

Similarly, we need to start drawing up some conceptual "blue-prints" for your future ePortfolio.

  Remember you're not "stuck" with anything you decide on this week.  This is just a preliminary brainstorming exercise to jumpstart your thinking.  You can always change your mind later about what does (or does not) belong in your final, graded eportfolio. Meanwhile, let's start drawing up some "construction" plans right now!

Discussion Topic for Week 9: Eportfolio Progress Report

Discussion Topic 9, Weeks 9 (due Monday, March 12 by 11:59 p.m.). Please post your answer directly to the "comments" section of this blog -- not on your personal blog.  300 words minimum.

Give us a detailed report on your progress -- thus far -- in constructing an ePortfolio.  And your plans for "where to go from here"!  Remember to include selection, evaluation, and feedback from others in your overall design.

Discussion Topic for Week #10: Intro for Your Own Eportfolio

Discussion #10, Week 10 (due Monday, March 19 by 11:59 p.m.)  Please post your answer directly to the comments section of this blog -- not to your personal blog.  100 words minimum.

As I've begun helping students with their "first draft" ePortfolios, I've become aware how crucial a strong overall "introduction" will be.  The introduction answers several questions:

1)  who are you? (a few basic facts such as "students at Foothill, from __, transferring to ___ "-- or whatever suits your situation).

2)  what is the purpose/focus of your eportfolio?

3)  what are the main types of "exhibits" we'll find in your eportfolio and how do they all fit together?  For example, if you're including "music reviews," what does that have to do with the purpose/focus of your eportfolio?

If you have already written an introduction for your eportfolio project, hurray!  I'll give you permission to just cut-and-paste it into the comments box to earn an extra 5 points.  Otherwise, this assignment should be a good way to help you get started!  It will also help you understand what other students are doing (maybe you'll get some great new inspirations that way)!

Research Project for Weeks 9-10: Procrastination Nation

Research Project for Weeks 9-10 (due Sunday, March 19 by 11:59 p.m.).  Please post your answer directly to the "comments" section of this blog -- not on your own personal blog.  500 words minimum.

Hypothesis:  (most) Foothill College Honors Institute students have two big weaknesses to work on.

The first is an obsessive focus on maximizing GPA and "transferring as soon as possible" at the expense of true learning.

The second is a severe, chronic, and often crippling addiction to procrastination.

Although these two problems may seem like opposites, I'm convinced that they are actually two sides of the same syndrome -- the missing term in the middle being "motivation."

Therefore your discussion topic this week requires that you first read two brief articles on "The Fine Art of Procrastination" -- and then describe how your own habits as a student fit in.  But don't start yet...

Final Eportfolio Project Due

Your Final ePortfolio Project is due by Tuesday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m.  To receive credit, simply post the URL Internet address of your ePortfolio to in the comments section below. 

Your Final Project ePortfolio is worth a total of 100 points (approximately 8% of your final grade).  A late penalty of  minus-50-points per day will be automatically assessed for any ePortfolios completed after March 27. Here's some tips to improve your final grade: