Title:	USING ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIOS TO LEARN ABOUTECOLOGY THROUGH THE ARTS
Author(s):	Rena Upitis , Philip Abrami , Ann Patteson
ISBN:	978-972-8924-93-5
Editors:	Pedro Isaías, Bebo White and Miguel Baptista Nunes
Year:	2009
Edition:	2
Keywords:	e-learning, electronic portfolios, self-regulated learning, ecology, cross-disciplinary approaches, knowledge mobilization
Type:	Short Paper
First Page:	41
Last Page:	46
Language:	English
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Paper Abstract:	The Learning Toolkit (LTK) is a suite of three highly interactive, web-based tools for learning. One of the tools, the electronic portfolio called ePEARL, is used to promote self-regulation, comprehension, writing, and other forms of communication. In this paper we describe how ePEARL was used by a class of Grade 5 students in an elementary school in Toronto, Ontario to study issues of ecology through an arts-based approach. Students explored such topics as solar power and wind turbine energy, and presented their learning through dance. By using the video feature of ePEARL they were able to archive their work. The tool also allowed them to critique one another’s work and for the teacher, artist, and parents to add comments to the portfolios. Students involved in this eight-week project expressed enthusiasm for the tool and demonstrated growth in understanding of how to improve their goal setting and to apply learning strategies in general. As an evidence-based toolkit available without charge to educators, the LTK breaks new ground in bringing research evidence to practice, promoting wide scale and sustainable changes in teaching and learning using technology.
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