field notes.edu

I’m always looking for an effective and convenient mobile means of assessing learning.

 In my last post, I spoke of how some of my colleagues and I collected videos and images that can be used to assess students’ learning, or be forwarded via email for students to put as evidence in their eportfolios.

Just the other day, I came across a Twitter post by @mrrobbo (Jarrod Robinson) announcing his new mobile portfolio app, Easy Portfolio, now available on iTunes. I decided to try it out, and so far, I am quite impressed. The app allows me to do the following:

• Create several eportfolios
• Add images, videos, audio, documents, and urls with a few simple clicks
• Export these items via email or Dropbox

I like how the app helps categorize the collection of evidence, and allows me to export via email or Dropbox so I can later add the artefacts to my actual website. I am thinking of using it as an organizing repository, though it can be used as is. It’s also available for iPad.

I can see the app being used by my students to collect their own learning evidence. It’s $2.99, within reason for an app that I think can add real value to student-centered learning.

For elementary school teachers, I think it can be a nice alternative to Evernote, particularly since it integrates with Easy Assessment, an app that lets teachers create groups and rubrics for tasks, allowing on-the-spot assessment (including adding notes, photos, and video). For example, a teacher can create “portfolios” for each of her/his students, collect formative evidence within Easy Portfolio, but also add summative pieces from Easy Assessment.

It’s looking like a handy app to have right now, and worth a try!