Independent, directed study on a topic in information science and learning technologies.

Reflection:

I was able to arrange an independent study with Dr. Aimee Klimczak as an elective to complete my program requirements.  I worked with her to moderate a section of Electronic Portfolio Development in the summer of 2006.  Having already completed the Portfolio course myself, it was interesting to mentor my peers through the course.

Portfolio development is a rigourous course, made more unnerving by the fact that the participants are generally in the final stages of their program. With graduation looming, the pressure of developing a "top notch" portfolio that will pass evaluation makes it helpful to have than one pair of eyes looking at the details of development.  I learned a great deal more about how to develop my portfolio, in the process of proof reading the portfolios of others.  Being able to mentor others through the process, without having to build my own portfolio at the same time, provided me many valuable insights.

Another important aspect of this course for me was the role of moderator. This was my first foray into online instruction. Although I had no responsibility to the students instructionally, I felt a keen responsibility to provide them thorough and useful feedback. This short journey into online instruct has whetted my appetite do explore this career option further.  I enjoyed my interactions with the students and will be looking for ways engage in more activities like this one.

Artifacts and Standards:

There are no artifacts to offer for my participation in this course, other than my own Electronic Portfolio, which benefitted from the experience.

Electronic Portfolio