The digital portfolio in education: an innovative learning and assessment tool

Abstract

This project, designed in conjunction with two K-12 schools in the Washington DC area of the United States (one private school and one public school) examined the use of digital student portfolios as an instructional, assessment and evaluation tool. The project demonstrates the process through which pre-service and in-service teachers worked with students to create their own digital portfolios using the HyperStudio Authoring Program. These portfolios were then published on CD-ROM and on the Internet on the schools' web pages. Evaluation of these portfolios showed a significant improvement in student achievement, and teachers found these portfolios to be a valuable tool in monitoring student behavior and communicating future educational goals to parents, administrators, and other teachers.