How to create a portfolio!

Those of you interested in or in the need of creating a portfolio, please have a look at this:

What’s a portfolio :
A compilation of your best work.

• It includes: 

Best activities (exercises).

Best papers (writings).

Works in progress.

Table of contents/ references.

•      How to select the best work samples: 

Ask yourself the following questions about each piece:


nWill this work demonstrate-skills, competencies, or achievement of goals?

nIs this my best work?

•     How should I present my professional portfolio?

Use a ring folder.

Distribution:  Table of contents – samples – references.

Williams, A.G., & Hall, K. J. (2001). Creating your career portfolio: At a glance guide for students (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc.

Critical review on Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants (Parts 1 and 2) by Marc Prensky

In his articles "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 1” (2001) and "Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants Part 2:Do They Really Think Differently?” (2001), Marc Prensky discusses the decisive change modern minds have suffered due to the digital invasion and the extreme need to adapt the teaching methodologies, even by those who did not grow up with such a technological environment. The importance to renovate the traditional teaching system is absolutely unquestionable.

The author claims students now process the information in a different way. They live surrounded by digital multitasking activities and experiences. These new thinking patterns correspond to the digital natives who are in contrast with the digital immigrants, who do not have a natural domain of the new technologies.

In addition to this, the author suggests that the dilemma arises when digital immigrant instructors do not want to adapt their teaching to those students who can parallel process and multi-task and, consequently, disengage from the old ways. According to the author both the methodology and the content in the classroom must be reconsidered using the students as a guide.

Moreover, Prensky states the brain structures of modern learners have suffered a transformation due to the digital life they live (neuroplasticity). On the other hand, the way they think is also different as they are immersed in a totally digitalized culture. So, as their brains are programmed distinctly they need different learning orientations to catch their attention. The author insists on digital games being a perfect option.

As changes in the learners' mind are so clear, it is evident there is a need for innovation in the education system. However, the author's continuous insistence on teaching through games may be too strong. There are many other ways in which you can captivate the digital native students without the constant need of games. It is also good to bring the students back to the real_ non-technological_ world by getting them engaged through human interaction.

In short, Prensky clarifies the notion of digital natives and digital immigrants with regard of the need for innovation in the classrooms due to the new ways of learning that have resulted from the young generations' technological life. More alternatives are to be explored in order to find the perfect balance between traditional and digital teaching.